HISTORY

HISTORY OF THE MERCHANT ARCH BUILING
 

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The Merchants Arch premises were initially built as a Guild for the Merchant Tailors.

The purpose of the Guild was to make provision for groups of Artisans to associate together for mutual protection and to set standards for work.

The original Merchant’s Hall was located in the heart of the medieval city, close to Christ Church but it was decided that a new building be constructed as this area had become unfashionable and fallen into economic and social decline.

The Merchants did not enjoy their new premises for very long, as the Guild was disbanded in 1841 after the Municipal Reform Act, which saw members of Dublin Corporation elected by the members of the public rather than through the influence of the Guils.  The Guild was then let for commercial use until 1873 where it became a Protestants Boys School, sponsored by the former Merchants Guild.  From 1908, it was used as a factory as the poplin and shirt maker.  The Shirt Factory remained here until 1980.

The Merchants Arch Hall is one of only two surviving Nineteenth Century Guildhalls in Dublin.  The building was constructed back in 1821 and designed by Frederick Darley Junior the third generation of a family of architects and quarry owners. The Merchants Guild was seen as Fredrick’s first significant commission. He was only 23 but it is notable that that his father was a member of the Guild and this may have influenced his appointment. After designing many other buildings he later served as the official architect to Trinity College Dublin and went on to become one of Ireland’s most successfully recognised architects. Between 1833 and 1843 he was the Ecclesiastical commissioner’s architect for the archdiocese of Dublin.

The Merchants Arch Building still boasts many of its original features which includes it magnificent cantilevered granite winding staircase, high ceilings and original beams and elegant Georgian sash windows, overlooking Dublin’s famous Ha’Penny Bridge and Quay.