Open House Dublin 2016: Smock Alley Theatre, Marsh's Library, Merrion Mews and Royal Society of Antiquaries

First stop was Smock Alley Theatre. I was impressed but the best part (the original theatre built in 1662) was not open to the public, much to my dismay. I suppose I'll get to see it next time I attend a play...

I headed to Marsh's Library, expecting a precious gem that has to be one of the most beautifully atmospheric places in Dublin. No photos allowed though, so I'll have to describe how cool were these cages built inside the library to prevent readers from stealing books, ornated with white and golden arcades and imaginary cobwebs. Infinite oak bookshelves, galleries still haunted by the presence of Bram Stoker and James Joyce, an impressive collection of manuscripts, spiral staircase leading to Bookworm's Heaven. This magical library is a throwback to the 18th Century - mind you, it was the FIRST public library in Ireland. Ah! I love the smell of old books in the morning.

Talk about property porn... If you're looking for the cosiest, cutest, prettiest dollhouse-like restored gaff, look no further. Merrion Mews is the place. Enter 63 Merrion Square/Fitzwilliam Lane for an experience with the past. Garden, mews, stables, all refurbished and still retaining the essence of an 18th century townhouse. You know the best thing about this quaint pastel-hued house in the heart of Dublin city? You can actually spend a few nights there! I kid you not, it's on Airbnb!!!

Now, step into The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, founded in 1849, also in Merrion Square, still retaining some of its original features. Those Giant Irish Deer antlers took my breath away and that walled rear garden was beyond lovely. If you stare at plaster ceilings for way too long, like me, this is the place for you. The library on the ground floor looked like the one in Lara Croft's manor, it's probably the coolest room in the house with so many quirky details. Ah, the wonders of Georgian Dublin always keep me coming back for more.

Open House Dublin: 12 Henrietta Street

Henrietta Street is Dublin's earliest Georgian Street and this house is Georgian Dublin's finest. A street full of surprises, I tell you. The entrance to King's Inn is spectacular and there is a picnic-worthy park right behind the cul-de-sac. Also, quite a few movies and TV shows were filmed there, such as Albert Nobbs and Penny Dreadful.

The moment I stepped into this majestic house, I immediately knew I was in for a treat. An architectural titan. A throwback to the 18th century. This quintessentially Georgian townhouse was built in 1731 and designed by Sir Edward Lovett Pearce. From wealthy aristocratic ballers to slummy tenement housing, this house has seen everything; no. 12 is the epitome of the glory and the misery of an era. Centuries of history with no witnesses left - just imagine the stories this house could tell. The whole place screams haunted - some creepy displays of taxidermy, an eerie garden in the backyard, creaky stairs... You could almost hear footsteps from the past.

Let's focus on the beautiful interiors. Ceilings so high it makes you feel as if there's no roof. A bit like Downton Abbey with a touch of Addams Family. Gems and relics like paintings, piano and antiques add some bygone opulent luxury to the decadent decor. Rich details like embellished stairways and plasterwork wonders are an absolute delight to the sight. I wonder how exactly did it look like before being converted to tenements.The property has this atmospheric allure that one can only experience when the house itself has a soul (in this case, plenty of souls, I reckon) and the mirrors harbour memories.

Open House Dublin, presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation, offered the visitors the opportunity to get an up close and personal sneak peek, inviting the people to explore the urban secret side of the city. It's not like this house (and many other venues) would be open to public on a regular basis. I was so impressed with this piece of heritage that I couldn't help daydreaming and thinking how it would be if that house was my home. What struck me the most was the timeless nostalgia around those spacious rooms, with candle-lit chandeliers and old furniture smell. I'll never look at a building the same way as I will always wonder what would I find behind those bricks, beneath those layers of fading wallpaper... Gosh, I would've been a great real estate agent, ah! Anyway, if you look at these photos and still think "It's just a feckin' old house", think twice.