Search Dublin City ordnance survey map 1847

The ordnance survey is a large-scale government map, broken up into numerous sheets. The map displays the locations of all the streets, buildings, gardens, lanes, barracks, hospitals, churches and more throughout Dublin City. You can even see illustrations of the trees in St Steven’s Green. The rich detail gives you a clear idea of what Dublin looked like in 1847. You can see the contrast between the densely populated working class areas and the spacious wealthy homes of the upper classes. Many buildings have changed purpose or have been demolished completely over the last 100 years. For example, the Royal Dublin Society House is now Leinster House, the seat of Oireachtas Eireann.

Due to the famine, Ireland in 1847 was experiencing a dramatic change to its population. Hundreds fled to the city looking for work or poor relief. At the same time, the docks were filled with thousands emigrating out of the country to find a better life. The country was under British rule, which is evident by the names of buildings and roads. For example, after independence, Great Brunswick Street became Pearse Street. Some street names give a clear indication of what was located or happened in that area, such as New Church Street or Hospital Lane, but others could be taken as a warning such as Murdering Lane (sheet 19) next to Bow Bridge.

You can search the maps by sheet number, ward, or parish. Here are some of the notable places you will find within the maps.

• Sheet 12 - Royal Barracks and Military Hospital, known today as Collins Barracks
• Sheet 13 – Richmond Hospital, Hardwick Fever Hospital, and the Lunatic Asylum
• Sheet 14 – General Post Office and Customer House
• Sheet 18 – Kilmainham Gaol
• Sheet 19 – South Union Workhouse
• Sheet 21 – Trinity College, Temple Bar, and Irish Houses of Parliament
• Sheet 20 –Christ Church
• Sheet 22 – Royal Dublin Society House, known as Leinster House the seat of Oireachtas Eireann

Wards available in this series of maps

Arran Quay

Castle

College

Customhouse

Fitzwilliam

Fourcourts

Inns Quay

Linenhall

Mansion House

Merchant's Quay

Merrion

Mountjoy

North City

North Dock

Postoffice

Rotundo

Royal Exchange

South City

South Dock

St Andrew's

St Audoen's

St Catherine's

St George's

St James's

St Patrick's

St Paul's

St Stephen's

Trinity

Usher's Quay

Wood Quay

Parishes available

Glasnevin

Grangegorman

Liberties of Christ Church

Liberties of St Patrick's

St Andrew's

St Anne's

St Audoen's

St Bridget's

St Catherine's

St George

St George's

St James's

St John's

St Luke's

St Mark's

St Mary's

St Michael's

St Michan's

St Nicholas Within

St Nicholas Without

St Paul's

St Peter's

St Thomas's

St Werburgh's