Grafton Street
The Grafton Street ( Irish sraid Grafton ) is Dublin's main shopping street. It runs from St. Stephen 's Green in the south to Trinity College in the north. The street was named after the first Duke of Grafton (1663-1690), owned the land in this area. It originated from a rural road in 1708 and was expanded from the Dawson family in 1708. After this family the parallel Dawson Street is named.
Since the 1980s, the road, except for a small part between Nassau Street and College Green, a pedestrian zone. But on this little section there are two Dublin attractions: The house of the Dean of Trinity College from the 18th century and the statue of Molly Malone from the late 20th century, which nowadays is a popular meeting place.
In Grafton Street has always some street performers and musicians who entertain the crowds.
The opening of the Luas tram in Dublin in late June 2004, to October to 20% more " buyers " in Grafton Street, although the construction of a large shopping center in Dundrum ( at the other end of the tram line ) this balance could tarnish in the future. Rents in the street rose between 2003 and 2004 by 46% and make it as the fifth most expensive street in the world.
Well-known shops on Grafton Street
- Brown Thomas Department Store ( department store )
- Weir ( jeweler )
- Dunnes Stores ( women's clothing )
- HMV ( music)
- Marks and Spencer ( clothing and food)
- River Iceland clothes ( clothing )
Well-known street performers on Grafton Street
- Paddy Casey - former buskers on Grafton Street, now internationally successful musician
- Glen Hansard - Former buskers on Grafton Street, Oscar-winner and part of the duo The Swell Season
- David McSavage - stand-up comedian, today internationally successful comedian
- Damien Rice - former buskers on Grafton Street, now internationally successful musician
- Rodrigo y Gabriela - Former buskers on Grafton Street, Mexican guitar duo