Brick and Mortar: The Story of Ellis Court, 140 Years in the Making

Uncover the lives, struggles and transformation of a historic Dublin social housing scheme, shaped by 140 years of social change.
About this Event

Ellis Court, located on Benburb Street at Collins Barracks, is one of Dublin’s earliest purpose-built social housing schemes. Built between 1885 and 1888 as part of Dublin Corporation’s first public housing programme and designed by Daniel J. Freeman, it remains a rare and significant example of early artisan dwellings. Following years of deterioration and the impact of fires in 2005, Ellis Court has recently undergone sensitive restoration, bringing new life to a historic housing scheme while preserving its character

This public storytelling and heritage project traces the full continuum of Ellis Court from 19th-century tenement life, through decline and loss, to its careful regeneration and vibrant community today. Uncover the lives, struggles and transformation of a historic Dublin social housing scheme, shaped by 140 years of social change. In recent years, Tuath Housing Association, in partnership with COADY Architects and Dublin City Council, led the sensitive restoration of the buildings, preserving their historic fabric while delivering 22 high-quality homes in the city centre.

At the heart of the project is a powerful dialogue across time. Drawing on archival research, including census records, newspapers, maps, and photographs, historical resident narratives are paired with the voices of current tenants. Together, these stories highlight enduring themes of labour, migration, resilience, and community, showing how past lives echo in present-day experiences. It examines the social and economic conditions that led to their construction in 1890, alongside the lived experiences of the first tenants. Drawing on archival material, this section highlights patterns of family life, community structures, and the surrounding industries that sustained residents, such as local trades and labour networks. Through photographs, documents, and personal accounts, visitors are invited to understand Ellis Court not only as a physical structure but as a vibrant, working-class community embedded within the urban fabric of the city.

Through exhibition, oral histories, and a developing digital archive, Ellis Court becomes a living case study of housing, dignity, and wellbeing across generations—demonstrating how thoughtful regeneration can honour the past while shaping a more sustainable future.