Ireland
Case study
Smithfield, Dublin
Project data
Project name: Smithfield
Location: Dublin City, north of the River Liffey in the heart of the
community of Smithfield
Date completed: 2000
Cost: €4,400,000
Area: 14,405m^2
Designer: McGarry Ni Eanaigh Architects
Client: Dublin City Council
Awards: CCCB (Centre de Culture Contemporania de Barcelona)
European prize for public open space
RIAI Irish Architecture Award in 2000
AAI award 2001
Overview
The most notable millennium landscape project in Dublin was the redevelopment of Smithfield in the
northern area of the city. The site is located north of the River Liffey, in the heart of the community of
Smithfield. It is a major public gathering and market space, holding up to 12,000 people, which is used
for a monthly horse fair and also for concerts and civic ceremonies, such as bestowing the Freedom of
the City. It is also the starting point for the St Patrick’s Day parade. Formerly a fruit and vegetable market,
it has a strongly rectilinear overall form, creating an uncluttered, well-detailed and dramatic space. There
is an existing residential development bordering the square on its north-eastern and northern boundaries.
Additionally, a locally important public house stands adjacent to the site on the northern boundary. At the
time the scheme was developed, the western boundary was occupied by single-storey small businesses
which have now been replaced by a major seven-storey residential development. The height of this devel-
opment has significantly altered the skyline, and consequently reduced the impact of the iconic lighting
columns topped with braziers.
