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MIC academic, Dr Paul O’Brien contributes to restoration of landmark Dublin cultural building

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Reflecting on his involvement, Dr Paul O’Brien said, “It was a privilege to contribute to such a significant cultural project and to help bring the history of this remarkable building to a wider public audience

Dr Paul O’Brien, MIC academic, contributes to the restoration of one of Dublin’s most significant Georgian buildings

The restored four-storey Georgian townhouse, which also houses the Seamus Heaney Library, was officially opened by President Catherine Connolly,

A Mary Immaculate College (MIC) academic has played a key role in documenting the history of one of Dublin’s most significant Georgian buildings, 11 Parnell Square, which officially opened as the new headquarters of Poetry Ireland and the Irish Heritage Trust on Thursday, 7 April.

The restored four-storey Georgian townhouse, which also houses the Seamus Heaney Library, was officially opened by President Catherine Connolly, following an extensive €5.5 million conservation and redevelopment project.

Dr Paul O’Brien, Assistant Professor in the Learning, Society and Religious Education Department and the Academic Learning Centre at MIC, was commissioned to research and write the history of the building, tracing its development from the eighteenth century through its later use by Dublin County Council and its literacy connections, including its appearance in James Joyce’s Dubliners.


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His research now features throughout the building in the form of wall timelines, interpretive easels and informational displays in the former council chamber. He also wrote the official tour guide script for the building.

The project involved the careful restoration and modernisation of the historic building, including major conservation works, accessibility upgrades and sustainability measures, while preserving the architectural and historical character of the property.

Reflecting on his involvement, Dr O’Brien said, “It was a privilege to contribute to such a significant cultural project and to help bring the history of this remarkable building to a wider public audience. It is especially rewarding to see the research presented throughout the space in a way that supports learning, engagement and exploration within one of Ireland’s most important Georgian townhouses.”

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