Flats and Cottages; Herbert Simms and the Housing of Dublin's Working Class 1932-1948
NewsTeatime TalksPublished 17 November 2025
14 Henrietta Street presents Teatime Talks a series of talks inspired by the history and people of 14 Henrietta Street. By listening and engaging with visitors, historians, experts, local people, former tenement residents and their families, we continue to uncover, record and respond to the 300 year story of 14 Henrietta Street.
Eoin Ó Broin discuses the work of Herbert Simms work when he was appointed the capital's first dedicated housing architect. Over the next sixteen years, Simms spearheaded one of the most ambitious public housing programmes in the history of the state, delivering 17,000 flats and cottages in the inner-city and emerging suburbs. Clearing some of Dublin's worst tenements, Simms and his team gave modern homes to generations of working-class Dubliners, transforming not only their lives but the urban fabric of the city.
Eoin Ó Broin is the author of a new history of Herbert Simms, a collaboration with photographer Mal McCann.
This talk will take place in person on the 1st floor of the Museum and can be accessed via lift. The talk will run for 60 minutes. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us on +353 1 524 0383 or email us at info@14henriettastreet.ie.