Photographed By William Murphy - Select Image To View Photographs

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7 MARCH 2026

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The Recent Upgrading of Francis Street

Completed in 2023, the Francis Street Environmental Improvement Scheme transformed the thoroughfare from a cluttered, car-heavy road into a sophisticated urban boulevard. This €2.5 million investment introduced:

High-End Public Realm: Large-scale granite paving and "raised table" junctions that prioritise pedestrians over through-traffic.

Urban Greening: The planting of "honey locust" and magnolia trees has softened the industrial grit of the Liberties.

Cultural Integration: The new layout better frames the street’s historic landmarks, creating a cohesive "village" feel in the heart of Dublin 8.

The Iveagh Market: A Sleeping Giant

The street is dominated by the Iveagh Market. Built by the Earl of Iveagh (Edward Cecil Guinness) and opened in 1906, it was once a vibrant hub for clothes and food. However, it has been derelict since 1997. Following decades of complex legal battles over ownership, the site is finally seeing movement. A major structural stabilisation project, including an €11 million roof renovation, began recently to prevent the building from falling into terminal decay. It remains the most anticipated regeneration project in the city.

St Nicholas of Myra: The Spiritual Anchor

Standing halfway down the street, the Church of St Nicholas of Myra (built 1829) is a Neoclassical masterpiece. Its Ionic portico and bell tower (added in 1860) serve as a visual landmark. The recent street upgrades have beautifully integrated the church’s forecourt into the wider pedestrian space, cementing its role as a communal anchor for long-term residents and newcomers alike.

The Loss of the Tivoli Theatre

For decades, the Tivoli Theatre was a cultural powerhouse, while its rear car park became an world-famous "graffiti hall of fame." In 2019, the site was cleared to make way for the Staycity Aparthotel Tivoli. While the development brought a modern façade and increased footfall, it marked the end of an era for the Dublin DIY arts scene, representing the broader "hotelification" of the Liberties.

Drop Dead Twice: A Story of Resilience

The narrative of Drop Dead Twice is more somber than a typical business success story. After establishing itself as a creative, BYO-cocktail pioneer, the premises at 18-19 Francis Street were devastated by a major fire in July 2022.

The Fire: The blaze caused extensive damage to the ground floor and taproom, forcing the business into a long, forced dormancy.

The Rebuild: For several years, the building stood as a silent reminder of the fire, but recent activity suggests a "Phoenix" moment. As of early 2026, renovation works are finally underway. While the business has been closed for years, the ongoing reconstruction of the site is a testament to the resilience of the Francis Street community.

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