[2][3] In 1803, in the run-up to Robert Emmet's rebellion, the victims of a powerful explosion at his ammunition depot in Patrick Street were brought to Dr Steevens' Hospital.

They included Darby Byrne and one of the Keenans, who were blown up at the time of the explosion and died in the hospital afterwards.

When the pubs closed the influx of people led to rowdy behaviour and street fights.

The four pubs, now all demolished, were Kenny's, Quinn's, O'Beirne's and Lowe's.

[5] The road widening of Patrick Street, Nicholas Street, and High Street has been viewed as resulting in this medieval area of Dublin becoming fragmented and difficult to navigate as a pedestrian.