Stories of the Four Courts

Sharing the history of the Four Courts, Dublin, Ireland, through old newspaper stories and images.

about this site
site author
the building
the locality
the judges
the lawyers
the court staff
the trials
source materials

The Four Courts, Dublin, Ireland, has been the centre of the Irish legal system for over 225 years. The building takes its name from the old superior courts of Chancery, King’s Bench, Equity and Common Law, which it was originally built to house. Although these four courts were subsequently merged into a single court, the High Court, the name still lives on today.

This site uses old newspaper articles and historical images to bring the reader back in time to the Four Courts of the 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was, for a time, the centre of Dublin life. In it, you can find information about the following:

The Four Courts building, from its initial construction in the 18th century up to its destruction in 1922, and its subsequent reconstruction and re-opening in the 1930s.

The uniquely vibrant locality of Dublin surrounding the Four Courts known as St Michan’s Parish, and the often fraught relationship between the Courts and its inhabitants.

Famous (and infamous) events associated with the Four Courts, including but not confined to notorious trials, horse-whippings, challenges to duels and the Battle of the Four Courts during the Irish Civil War.

The three Law Libraries of the Four Courts and their lively occupants, court advocates known as barristers. whose colourful and eventful lives make fascinating reading.

Latest Posts

  • Solicitor’s Spouse Springs Prisoner from the Marshalsea, 1850

    If you were to find yourself in a 19th century Victorian cab, driving through Dublin, where would you direct the driver to go? The Four Courts of course! Be careful, though, to check your pocket for your fare, or you… Continue reading

  • The Zoo Next Door, 1821

    From Saunders’ News-Letter, 21 April 1821: “EASTER HOLIDAYS The Public are respectfully informed that Polito’s Grand Menagerie, is removed from Abbey Street, to Ormond-Quay, near the Four Courts, where they will be exhibited for a short time previous to their… Continue reading

  • The Original Judges’ Car Park, 1852

    The annual State Trials for conspiracy and treason were a very exciting time at the nineteenth-century Four Courts. Many members of the public of all political persuasions attended to observe and comment.  All tried to put their best face forward. … Continue reading

  • Barristers’ Bags Stolen and Recovered, 1853

    From the Freeman’s Journal, 7 June 1853: “A man named John Whitaker was… charged with having stolen a large number of briefs and a law book the property of Messrs. Robinson, QC, Robert Owen Lawson, JF Martley and McCarthy, barristers.… Continue reading

  • Groom Obtains Habeas Corpus in respect of Bride, 1824

    From the Dublin Evening Post, 22 June 1824, a story of young love’s struggle against parental opposition: “Mr Sheil… moved for a Habeas Corpus against William Ormsby, the Marshal of the Four Courts Marshalsea, commanding him to bring up the… Continue reading

Subscribe

Contact Us