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Grafton Street, Dublin, Ireland.Author Donaldytong.

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Grafton Street, Dublin

Grafton Street is one of the two principal shopping streets in Dublin city centre. It runs from St Stephen鈥檚 Green in the south to College Green in the north.

In the early 1700s, the street was developed from a laneway. Its line was shaped by the now-culverted River Steyne.

 Initially a fashionable residential street with some commercial activity. However, the character of Grafton Street changed after it was connected to the Carlisle Bridge.

The street once suffered from dilapidation and prostitution through the 19th century. However, it became known for the coffee house Bewley鈥檚, mid- and up-market shopping, and as a popular spot for buskers.

Grafton Street has been assessed as one of the most expensive main retail streets in the world on which to rent.

Let鈥檚 learn the top 10 intriguing facts about Grafton Street, Dublin

1. The Street was Named after a Prominent Person

The street was named after Charles FitzRoy. He was the second Duke of Grafton. He was the illegitimate Grandson of King Charles II. Charles owned land in the area.

2. It was Developed from an Existing Country Lane

Dublin, Historic City of Dublin. Author Dieglop.

Grafton Street developed from an existing country lane. The lane had been worked on by the Dawson family.

Grafton Street was developed and widened through the early 1700s. Its line was shaped by the short culverted River Steyne.

 In 1712, Dublin Corporation funded a project for the building of a crown causeway. From its inception, the street held a mixture of residential and commercial development.

3. It became Increasingly Dilapidated in the 19th century

Grafton Street was dilapidated throughout the 19th century. Several buildings had broken windows. The windows were patched up with paper.

During this time, Grafton Street was established for prostitution. In the 1870s, 1500 prostitutes were reputed to work in the street.

Despite complaints that the street was 鈥渋mpassable to virtuous women鈥�. Dublin tour guides continued to mention it as a fashionable place to visit. However, in the 20th century, Grafton Street鈥檚 reputation was restored.

4. Main Shopping street in Dublin

Grafton Street is lined with boutiques containing the creations of Ireland鈥檚 trendy designers. It is one of Dublin鈥檚 most famous streets in the Shopping world.

In Grafton street, you will find various fashions for men, women and children. Examples of things to shop at Grafton Street are watchers, beauty products, highly durable jeans and denim clothes.

There are various shops to find the latest trends of fashion on Grafton Street. Brown Thomas provides customers with a stylish and sophisticated retail experience.

Weir & Sons has become one of the most well-known Dublin retailers. Disney store brings joy to kids, families and fans, alike with official Disney merchandise and magical experiences.

5. Grafton is Internationally Known for its Street Entertainment

Allie Sherlock performing on Grafton Street. Author Andreas Grefen.

Grafton is well known for its Street Entertainment, particularly busking. You will find several musicians, poets and mime artists performing to the shopping crowds.

 As a result of its popularity and reputation, musicians must pay for a licence to busk on Grafton Street. Additionally, each performance is restricted to a maximum of one hour.

6. A Proposal was Reported to Rename the Street in 1921

Grafton street. Image by Picography from

Grafton Street was a part of several Dublin streets to be renamed in 1921. It was proposed that Grafton Street be renamed Grattan Street in a report by the Dublin Corporation street naming committee.

However, the new naming scheme was not implemented. This new name had first been proposed by a columnist in The Irishman newspaper in 1862.

7. Plays a Significant Role in Dublin Nightlife

Grafton street has a large variety of Irish pubs and bars to choose from. Kehoe鈥檚 is a perfect traditional Irish pub for an authentic atmosphere that truly captures the pub as it was 100 years ago.

The Porterhouse in Grafton Street is known for its beers brewed locally in Glasnevin brewery. They also offer classic and signature cocktails, and over 100 bottled beers from around the world.

 The Duke pub was named after the second duke of Grafton. It has been running since 1822. The pub plays an important part in a historic tour of Dublin. If you pop in on a Sunday night, you will have an opportunity to see some of the finest traditional Irish music, played live.

8. Home to Several Tourist Monuments

 Grafton Street features a life-size bronze statue of Dublin musician and leader of Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott. It was unveiled off Grafton Street near Stephen鈥檚 Green end, in August 2005.

The statue has become a well-known tourist attraction for music fans. In keeping with the tendency for Dubliners to nickname statues, it is known to locals as the 鈥淎ce with the Bass鈥�.

Additionally, Grafton Street featured the Molly Malone Statue. The statue was situated at the northern end of the street.

However, the statue was moved from Grafton Street to nearby Suffolk Street in 2014, to make way for an extension to the Luas tram system.

9. Assessed as One of the most Expensive Main Retail streets in the World

In 2008, Grafton Street was the fifth most expensive main shopping street in the world. The rental pricing of 鈧�5,62 a year.

Additionally, it was the thirteenth most expensive main shopping street in the world in 2016. At rental pricing of a much lower region of 鈧�3,300 year.

10. Surrounded by Famous Restaurants and Cafes

Grafton Street is Surrounded by some of the famous restaurants and cafes in Dublin. The street is rich with a huge variety of dining locations and cuisines.

Visitors who like high-quality, sustainable tea, coffee, chocolate beverages and a stylish environment. Butler鈥檚 Chocolate Cafe or Bewleys is recommended.

In Grafton Street, you will also find a fresh and healthy bite to eat. Moreover, you will find some American-style fast food.

There are various restaurants to enjoy a meal at on Grafton Street. These are Freshly Chopped, Pacino’s Restaurant & Bar, Bunsen, Xian Street Food, Lemon & Duke, Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Gino’s Gelato.

Grafton Street has been referred to in several cultural references. It has been mentioned several times in James Joyce鈥檚 Dubliners.

Additionally, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is the scene of the meeting between Stephen and Emma. There is a line in the poem 鈥淥n Raglan Road鈥� by the poet Patrick Kavanagh: 鈥淥n Grafton Street in November we tripped lightly along the ledge鈥�.