Rutland Fountain

Neo-Classical fountain, erected 1792, comprising elliptical-arch recess with stone bench to base and Coade stone medallions to spandrels with sculpted likenesses of Duke and Duchess of Rutland, entablature having Portland stone frieze with central sculpted Coade stone figurative tablet, dentillated moulded cornice and urn on plinth, and flanked by lower curved screen walls terminated by piers to north and south. Rusticated granite walls with fluted Portland stone impost course. Blank Portland stone tablets flanking recess and to side elevations of structure. Cast bronze lion's head spouts to stone basins flanking recess. Portland stone roundels with allegorical figures, one roundel inscribed 'Coade London 1790'. Granite caps and Coade stone urns to piers. Blind elliptical-arch recesses to rear elevation, flanking blind round-headed central recess, latter with plain imposts. Mild-steel railings to front. Located at west side of Merrion Square, facing street.

Proposed by Charles Manners, Duke of Rutland and Lord Lieutenant but executed after his death. The Rutland Fountain was designed by Francis Sandys, the stone cutting was by Arthur Darley. This neo-Classical structure was erected in 1792 and takes the form of a blind triumphal arch, originally incorporating a statue of a nymph, now lost. It makes good use of a variety of construction materials, including Leinster granite, Portland stone and Coade stone, providing textural variety to the facade. It has a high level of ornamentation, with Coade stone medallions depicting the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, and other figurative tablets. The monument is prominently located on the west side of the park, facing the garden front of Leinster House.