Located at the northern end of O’Connell Street and originally known as Rutland Square, Parnell Square acquired its current name in 1933, named after the man who went close to achieving Irish independence by peaceful means in the late 1800’s.

Unusual for Georgian Dublin in that it does not have a park at its centre, Parnell Square is dominated by the Rotunda Maternity Hospital.

On the go since 1757 it is where many a northside Dub first sees the light of day, amongst them The Belgian Boy and The Dunboyne Dynamo.

Behind the Rotunda on the northern side of the Square lies the Garden of Remembrance. Opened in 1966 to honour all those who gave their lives to the cause of Irish freedom, it was the scene of a historic visit and hugely symbolic wreath laying ceremony by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011.

At the southern end of the Square can be found the Gate Theatre and the former Ambassador Cinema, now the Ambassador Theatre.

The Gate is a beautifully intimate performing space and has been the leading light in Irish theatre for many years now.

By contrast the Ambassador Cinema/Theatre has seen better days.

Of the buildings and houses that surround Parnell Square, the Hugh Lane Gallery at the northern end stands out. Home to Francis Bacon’s reconstructed studio, it also features stained glass by the acclaimed Harry Clarke, amongst many other exhibits.

A few doors further down can be found the Michelin Star Chapter One restaurant.

Rumour has it that Chapter One makes quite the excellent cosmopolitan cocktail.

All of a sudden, I’m feeling thirsty.