The Foundling Hospital of Dublin was opened in 1704 and was likely designed by Thomas Burgh.

[2][3] Between 1798 and 1804, Francis Johnston was involved in designing new structures on the site including a chapel and infirmary as well as embellishing the front with a castellated parapet and cupola.

[4] Firmly established by the mid-18th century, the Foundling Hospital had steadily become a large "baby farming" institution.

[5] In 1829 the select committee on the Irish miscellaneous estimates recommended that no further assistance should be given.

[12] Former senator, John Gilroy, said that given the presence of the foundling hospital on the site and the very high death rate, there was a possibility that children might have been buried there.