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The Rotunda Hospital: A Dublin Landmark of Maternity Care

A historic Dublin maternity hospital, the Rotunda has provided continuous service to women and babies since 1745.

The Rotunda Hospital, located on Parnell Square in Dublin, is the world's oldest continuously running maternity hospital, founded in 1745 by Bartholomew Mosse. It is renowned for its architectural significance and historical contributions to maternal healthcare.

A brief summary to Parnell Square N

  • Dublin, Rotunda, IE

Local tips

  • Check the Rotunda Hospital website for visitor information and any restrictions before your visit.
  • Explore Parnell Square and the surrounding area, including the Garden of Remembrance.
  • Consider attending a service at the Rotunda Chapel, if accessible, to admire its opulent interior.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Rotunda Hospital is located on Parnell Square, easily accessible by foot from many points in Dublin city center. From O'Connell Street, walk north towards Parnell Square. The hospital is situated on the east side of the square. Walking from the city center will take approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Rotunda Hospital is well-served by public transportation. Dublin Bus routes stop frequently near Parnell Square. The Luas (tram) also has stops within walking distance. **Bus:** Many Dublin Bus routes serve the Parnell Square area. A single fare is approximately €3, but using a Leap Card offers reduced fares. **Luas:** The closest Luas stops are on the Green Line. A tram from Dawson Street to the Parnell stop costs €1-€2 and takes about 14 minutes. Using a Leap Card is recommended for cheaper fares.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Dublin. A taxi from the city center to the Rotunda Hospital typically costs between €10-€13 and takes approximately 6 minutes. Note that fares may vary depending on traffic and time of day.

  • Parking

    There is limited disc parking available on the streets around Parnell Square. Multi-story car parks are located nearby, such as the Ilac Centre, Parnell Street, and Marlborough Street car parks. The Rotunda's patients, visitors, and staff can park in the Parnell Centre car park for a maximum cost of €12 per day. The car park is a 5-minute walk from the hospital. The car park ticket must be validated by security staff in the hospital.

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The Rotunda Hospital, legally named the Hospital for the Relief of Poor Lying-in Women, stands as a landmark institution in Dublin, Ireland. Founded in 1745 by Bartholomew Mosse, it holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating maternity hospital. Mosse, a surgeon and man-midwife, established the hospital to provide medical care and shelter to impoverished pregnant women, addressing the high maternal and infant mortality rates of the time. Originally situated on George's Lane, the hospital relocated to its present location on Parnell Square in 1757. The architecture of the Rotunda is notable, designed by Richard Cassels with John Ensor serving as the site architect. The building's design, a reworking of Cassels' earlier design for Leinster House, features a striking country house façade with a baroque copper dome. The complex includes the hospital itself and the rounded reception rooms for which it is named. The hospital also includes a chapel adorned with extravagant plasterwork by Bartholomew Cramillion. The Rotunda has been at the forefront of advancements in maternity care. In 1833, Evory Kennedy was the first obstetrician to recognize the importance of monitoring fetal heart rate. The hospital also supervised the first caesarean in 1889. Today, the Rotunda continues to provide a range of maternity services and is managed by RCSI Hospitals. It also serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Dublin City University. While the Rotunda entertainment buildings in Parnell Square are no longer part of the hospital complex, the hospital remains an important architectural and historical landmark in Dublin.

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