Merrion Square Scavenger Hunt
Merrion Square is one of the five Georgian Squares of Dublin. This elegant square was laid out in 1762 and boasted the Earl of Kildare as its first neighbor. Over the years it has had many notable residents including poet W.B. Yeats, author Oscar Wilde, and physicist Erwin Schrodinger. Today the square is managed by Dublin Corporation who curate an extensive collection of contemporary sculpture.
Our Scavenger Hunt covers 21 questions and 13 extra points questions for things that can be found in and around Merrion Square. All the questions can be answered by searching in the square, on the 4 streets around it (Merrion Square North, South, East and West) and on Merrion St Upper.
Q1: Ireland sits in the corner but her Harp does not sing in Gaelic, what language does it speak?
Q1 Extra points: What is the harp saying – in English?
Q2. This cold sounding country owes a debt of gratitude to this grandson of Ireland. What one word
Q3. Dermot stood by the high chair of the king, but behind the throne we hear of a magical land, what is it?
Q3 Extra points: why does the chair have balls on top of it?
Q4. Was the lord Mayor of Dublin ahead of his time recognizing this leader who would later become head of his country—Who was the leader?
Q5. If three castles fly on blue, what does their harp fly on?
Q5 Extra points: What famous beverage also uses the Harp as its logo?
Q6. This tree blossoms in Japan, but it also blossoms in Merrion Square in memory of what historical event?
Q6 Extra points: What does the famous CND (Peace) sign represent?
Q7. What do the cranes chant, according to these three figures?
Extra points: The words ‘As cranes chanting their dolorous notes traverse the sky’ come from a famous Italian poem, what is it?
Q8. You would expect one of these to honour a Pharaohs, but this one honours members of what Irish organization?
Q9. Oscar was sculpted in stone of many colours, but what colours are on his tie?
Q10: Who did Oscar think were “brilliant” at breakfast?
Q10 Extra point: Oscar sued a man in court who was famous for writing down the rules of boxing, who was that man?
Q11. How are the gates to the park be shut?
Q12. How many people have lost their heads at the Duke of Rutland’s drinking spot?
Q12 Extra points: The Duke’s wife was Mary Isabelle, but what does her frieze tell us she was?
Q13. The sides of Merrion Square are called North, South, East and West, but what is the Irish word for “South”?
Q13 Extra points: Merrion Square falls into South Dock Ward and Trinity Ward. What was a “Ward”?
Q14: He wasn’t sure if his cat was alive or dead – but we do know he worked in this house from 1940 to 1956. What is the house number?
Q15: Founded in 1894, you wouldn’t go there for a broken arm, so why would you go there?
Q15 Extra points: Where would you find the oldest continuously operating Maternity Hospital in the world?
Q16: Violet could be violent if the thought something was too right – Where did she live?
Q16 Extra points: Who did she try to shoot?
Q17. Oscar’s mother had a wild nickname name, what was it?
Q18. This grand building was once home to the Duke of Leinster but is now home to Ireland’s national parliament. How many of its window look out onto Merrion Square?
Q18 Extra points. The lower house of the Irish parliament calls itself by its Irish name, what is that name?
Q19. When was the Dead Zoo opened?
Q20. The grand Iron gates to Government Buildings have 3 shamrocks and the year that Ireland became in independent country. What was that year?
Q20 Extra Points: What two famous Irish scientists guard the doors to Government Buildings?
Q21. What famous General was born near Merrion Square (Hint: ABBA sang of his greatest victory, but never mentioned his name!)?
Q21 Extra points: What item of clothing did he popularise that also has his name?
The streets around Merrion square are busy public roads. PLEASE be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look out for busses, cars, bikes and scooters. Only cross the road at pedestrian crossings. Do not get distracted by the hunt.