DUBLINERS SEEM TO hold a lot of negative sentiment towards Mountjoy Square. It receives a lot of flak, perhaps as an extension of prejudices towards the north inner city more generally. But I am not alone in viewing it as a critical space for residents of Dublin 1.

There are, of course, parks like Blessington Street Basin (which has no grass – great for people with hay fever, I suppose) and Diamond Park (which is a fraction of the size of Mountjoy Square).

These are both fantastic spaces, but they are much more limited in how they can be used. On the south side, there’s no shortage of large, green spaces: Stephen’s Green, Iveagh Gardens, Merrion Square, Pearse Square, St Kevin’s Park and even the private Fitzwilliam Square. They’re all remarkable in their own way, but I’d argue that none of them have as much riding on them as Mountjoy Square does.

Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Even in its current state, ahead of the planned regeneration, Mountjoy Square is used extensively. As long as the weather’s fine, it’s rare to pass by at any time of the day and not see it in use.

As one of the very few green spaces in the north inner city where people can sit and socialise without having to spend money, it attracts a diverse selection of people, from all different age demographics.

It’s a crucial space for people who don’t have gardens, balconies or outdoor spaces in their home, and there’s no shortage of people who need this kind of space in Dublin 1. It’s one of the most densely........

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