The last century has seen the destruction of the streetscapes of many Irish towns, by the replacement of traditional timber shopfronts by modern uPCV alternatives with neon lighting and visually obtrusive advertising.  

Originally shops were the place of work of tradesman who produced their wares that were sold directly to customers.  These businesses had no recognisable shopfront or were located in an open market. As time progressed, goods began to be advertised in display windows and shopfronts were glazed in Dublin by the end of the 17th century. Surviving historic shopfronts range from simple enlarged display window with a name on a fascia board above the window to elaborate and decorative designs incorporating bowed windows, wrought-iron railings and colourful tiles.

Walking the streets of Dublin, its industrious business history is evident in countless historic shopfronts. Some notable examples include Price’s Medical Hall on Clare Street which is one of Dublin’s finest Victorian shopfronts, the ceramic frieze of the former Sunlight Soap Headquarters on Essex Quay representing the story of soap and the oriental façade of Bewley’s Cafe on Grafton Street inspired by the great European cafes of Paris and Vienna.

Simpler surviving elements of historic shopfronts are present on almost every commercial street in the city. An ironic example is the two signs "cigar bonder" and "tobacco blender" on Harcourt Health’s shopfront on Camden Street. A subtle reminder of former historic shops is the ledge at 47 O’Connoll Street on which Elvery’s famous elephant formerly stood or the terracotta “B”plaque on a site formerly occupied by Barnardo’s furriers on Grafton Street. These small plaques, symbols and signs all combine to give Irish towns their distinctive and unique character.

If you are aware of a shopfront of historic merit that is currently in danger of destruction, please consider contacting your local conservation officer or if you require advice on repairing a traditional shopfront, please contact Heritage.