The walled protection structure was built around 1100 and marked a significant development in the city’s defences.
Under the rule of Irish king Muirchertach Ua Briain, the earthen banks were replaced by a robust stone wall, expanding the city’s defended area westward.
This wall, made of local limestone blocks, was about seven metres high and between 1.5 to three metres wide.
It incorporated at least three documented gates: St Mary’s Gate to the east, St Nicholas’s Gate to the south and the western gate. It is speculated that it probably included access to the River Liffey on the northern side.
Significant portions of the wall remain today, particularly at Cook Street and beneath the Dublin Civic Offices.
In periods after its construction, such as the Anglo-Norman invasions of the late 12th century, the walls were tested and further strengthened.
This period into the early 13th century also saw the construction of Dublin Castle, which was considered a key fortification.
Further defensive expansions were added after the construction of the castle, including a northern extension wall toward the Liffey, reflecting the city’s growing need for protection.
Excavations at various sites, including Wood Quay and Bridge Street, have revealed remnants of these extensive fortifications.
To conserve the segment of the city walls that remain at Cook Street and enhance its appearance, a specialist condition survey of the wall was commissioned by Dublin City Council (DCC).
This survey was carried out last year with funding from the Community Monuments Fund.
A team of conservation experts, led by 7L Architects, has been appointed to carry out the repair works recommended in the survey.
The works include repointing and replacing missing capping stones, graffiti removal, as well as repair and painting of St Audoen’s Gate. Vegetation will be treated with eco plugs.
The conservation works started last month and are scheduled to be finished in December.
There are further plans to conserve Dublin’s medieval history.
DCC recently appointed an integrated design team to undertake a structural and condition survey of another section of the city wall at Ship Street.
They will develop proposals to conserve the wall at Ship Street within a new public space and seek to create links with other parts of the ancient fortification circuit, including Dublin Castle.
