Leeson Street (Irish: Sráid Líosain) is a thoroughfare near central Dublin, Ireland.
Originally known as Suesey Street, it was renamed in 1728 after the Leesons, a family of local brewers, who branched into property development and subsequently became Earls of Milltown.
The street is divided into two parts by the Grand Canal: Lower Leeson Street is to the north of the canal, linking to St Stephen's Green, with Upper Leeson Street south of the canal.
The Ombudsman's main office is on the street. It is also home to two secondary schools, the Institute of Education and Catholic University School.
The street has an active nightlife, with clubs such as Buck Whaleys and the Sugar Club, and Nostromo Private Party Venue. Several pubs, such as Kobra, Hartigan's and Hourican's pubs are also here. It is also home of the charities Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and Aware - which aims to beat depression.
In 1990, Caravaggio's lost masterpiece, The Taking of Christ, was recognized in the residence of the Jesuit Communication Centre on Lower Leeson Street. Broadcaster Gerry Ryan lived and was discovered dead on this street.
Bagatelle, an Irish rock band in the 1970s, had a hit with a song called "Leeson Street Lady".
Famous quotes containing the word street:
“Everybody has that thing where they need to look one way but they come out looking another way and that’s what people observe. You see someone on the street and essentially what you notice about them is the flaw. It’s just extraordinary that we should have been given these peculiarities.... Something is ironic in the world and it has to do with the fact that what you intend never comes out like you intend it.”
—Diane Arbus (1923–1971)