Mary Lavin Place is the first public space named in honour of a female Irish writer.
Located along the Grand Canal between Leeson Street and Baggot Street bridges, Mary Lavin Place officially opened on Friday 18th October, 2024. The new square commemorates Mary Lavin, a celebrated author, member of Aosdána, and Saoi until her passing in 1996.
Mary Lavin Place serves as a cultural and historical landmark, connecting Lad Lane—where Lavin lived from 1958 to 1981—to the newly restored Wilton Park. Developed by Iput Real Estate, the square aims to honor Lavin’s contributions to Irish literature and to ensure her work continues to inspire future generations.
The dedication ceremony was led by author and fellow Aosdána member Colm Tóibín, a close friend of Lavin and the current Laureate for Irish Fiction, who paid tribute to her enduring literary legacy.
Tóibín spoke at the opening about the universal themes present in Lavin’s stories, which explore complex emotions and experiences: “Her work addresses how happiness is won and lost, how grief becomes sorrow, and what solitude means. It’s fitting to have a place named after someone whose literary contributions have stood the test of time.”
Mary Lavin gained recognition with her first collection of short stories, Tales from Bective Bridge, published in 1942. The collection earned her the prestigious James Tait Black Memorial Prize and marked the beginning of a successful career that included numerous awards such as a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Katherine Mansfield Prize. Her works, including The Middle of the Fields and A Family Likeness, continue to resonate with readers for their portrayal of life’s intimate and challenging moments.