house

Terraced two-bay two-storey former house over raised basement, built c. 1860, as one of terrace of four. Now in use as apartments. M-profile pitched slate roof, shared brick and rendered chimneystacks with granite bands and clay pots, partially hidden behind cut granite parapet having carved cornice. Shared cast-iron rainwater goods. Brown brick, laid in Flemish bond, to wall to front elevation, cut granite quoins, eaves course and plinth course over lined-and-ruled rendered wall to basement. Square-headed window openings with granite sills and rendered reveals. Replacement windows. Elliptical-headed door having moulded render surround. Carved granite doorcase comprising Doric columns and entablature, having plain fanlight and timber panelled door. Nosed granite steps with cast-iron boot-scrape to platform. Cast-iron railings on carved granite plinth wall, granite cover to coal-hole. Cast-iron gate having decorative finials, and matching railings set on granite plinth wall enclosing basement area.

Despite some alterations, this house retains much of its early form, character and salient features. The finely executed granite doorcase and quoins are particularly pleasing and elevate this group from its neighbours. Synge Street was reputedly named for the Church of Ireland Bishop Edward Synge, who held land in the area in the eighteenth century. The street was developed from the late 1840s as demand for suburban housing grew, with the rise of the middle class and expansion of the city.