Georgian Dublin Walking Tour, North (Self Guided), Dublin

If you want to see magnificent examples of great architecture, tour the streets of the Georgian neighborhood. The façades of their old buildings reveal something of the city's history, because they marked a massive change in Dublin. During the Georgian era, the medieval streets and old decrepit buildings gave to way to some astonishing homes, roads and squares. Not wanting to spoil a good and beautiful thing, many of Georgian residences remain to this day, although inside they have been adapted to modern needs and lifestyles. In fact the Georgian streets and squares probably represent the best preserved consistent system of 18th-century architecture still in existence.

There are so many highlights to pick out, but among the finest and oldest structures are those on Henrietta Street. As you make your way through the area, pause to study the architectural details and design embellishments. They include sash windows, doors topped with a window, a chimney on both sides of a house and window guards. Walk over to Mountjoy Square, said to be the only "true" Georgian Square in Dublin. It features a number of beautiful terraced Georgian houses with characteristic black metal railings at the front of each property.