Prospect Square, the location of John Kavanagh’s pub, or the The Gravediggers as it is more commonly known, and the terraced houses of its neighbouring streets are just a short distance from the last stop of Paddy Dignam’s funeral procession in James Joyce’s Ulysses.
The cortege leaves Sandymount one morning for Glasnevin’s Prospect Cemetery passing “in silence . . . along Phibsborough Road . . . past Brian Boroimhe house (now Hedigans)” until “the carriage steered left for Finglas road . . . the stonecutter’s yard on the right”.
A stone’s throw from Farrell and Sons stonemason’s yard are the gateway to Prospect Square, the gates of Glasnevin Cemetery and the southern walls of the Botanic Gardens.
Such is the area’s cultural significance, that in 2007 it was formally recognised by Dublin City Council as its first residential architectural conservation area.
Number 9 St Teresa’s Place is situated just around the corner from all this heritage and yet is far enough away to escape the throngs of tourists that flock towards the Gravediggers, Glasnevin and The Bots.
The mid-terrace house, which has an E1 Ber rating and extends to 83sq m (893 sq ft) is smartly appointed. It has two reception rooms, a living room to the front that has been painted a warm sludgy colour called Mole’s Breath by Farrow & Ball, has polished timber floorboards underfoot and a cast-iron fireplace.
The fireplace is something the room to the rear also has, and this second space could be used either as a living room or a dining area by a new owner.
The stairs, landing and bathroom are all painted in a fashionably dark shade, also by Farrow & Ball, called Railings.
From here a door leads out to a galley-style kitchen with its red and white tiled splashback. Beyond it is a utility, while further in is the house’s stylish bathroom featuring a deep clawfoot tub with a metro tile surround.
Upstairs there are three bedrooms, two doubles and a single, all with the same honey-coloured polished floorboards underfoot.
The next owner might decide to sacrifice the single room to give the house an upstairs bathroom while extending the kitchen into the adjoining utility and beyond.
The back yard is north-facing, extends to about 25sq m (269sq ft), and has valuable pedestrian rear access, which is handy for both bin and bike storage.
The property is seeking €525,000 through agents Sherry FitzGerald.
