In 1879, the discovery of the remains of 600 people was made at a mound on Ailesbury Road which is believed to date back to a bloody massacre by the Danes in the 9th to 10th century.

It was named for George Brudenell-Bruce, 2nd Marquess of Ailesbury, who had married Mary Herbert, a daughter of the Earl of Pembroke.

Numbers 1 through 27 inclusive were built by Alderman Meade, whose designs here and elsewhere in Dublin are characterised by circular granite pillars at the entrance gate.

[citation needed] The former French embassy and ambassadorial residence at number 53 is one of the most exclusive addresses on the road.

The house was purchased by the French Government in the 1930s and became the residence of the first Minister for France to Ireland, Monsieur Alphand.