Francis Street, Dublin’s historic antiques and design quarter, has always been a destination for those who appreciate craftsmanship, patina, and a touch of the unexpected. Last week, the SCS Design team spent a day exploring its most compelling stops – a curated mix of heritage, artistry, and modern creativity.

1. Killian McNulty Gallery – Contemporary Craftsmanship
Our first stop was the Killian McNulty Gallery, a curated space in Dublin showcasing the finest Mid-Century design furniture, alongside sculptural lighting & furniture. Clean architectural lines meet meticulous detailing, with pieces that feel as much like sculpture as they do functional design. McNulty’s commitment to process of finding interesting pieces is truly inspiring. The gallery would not feel out of place in Paris or New York. The space also shows how placing beautiful furniture and furnishings within an interior can deliver impact. The gallery houses a stunning collection of vintage pieces and is the largest showcase of Niamh Barry (Irelands preeminent female sculptor) in Ireland. What makes it such a great showroom to visit are the eclectic and deeply interesting pieces for sale.

2. Michael Mortell – Timeless Luxury
Next, we stepped into Michael Mortell’s showroom, a space that is full of beautiful pieces that embody understated luxury. Mortell’s showroom selection is effortlessly sophisticated – rich materials, perfectly balanced forms, and a confidence in finding unique pieces that comes only from decades at the top of the industry. It’s a masterclass in how to buy furniture that will look just as relevant fifty years from now. Michael specialises mainly in furniture from the French Art Deco period and Mid-Century Italian period which he buys for its high quality and aesthetic beauty.

3. Hopeless Botanicals – Nature with Attitude
Francis Street is full of surprises, and Hopeless Botanicals is proof. Think botanical design that’s moody, dramatic, and unapologetically different – from dark, velvety leaves to sculptural plant arrangements that feel like living art installations. It’s greenery, but not as you know it – the kind of pieces that can shift the entire energy of a space. We loved meeting Erin & Jess and talking through the various plants, pots, books and all things botanical. As advocates of biophilic design this is a wonderful gem to have in Dublins city centre…

4. Yeats Antiques – Layers of History
We ended the day at Yeats Antiques, where every piece feels like it has a story to tell. From intricate chandeliers to perfectly worn leather club chairs, the collection spans centuries, styles, and continents. It’s a reminder that in design, contrast is powerful – pairing the new with the old creates spaces with depth, soul, and authenticity. Yeats Antiques is full to the gills with interesting finds – the challenge is to take the time to find the treasure!

Why Francis Street Matters for Designers
For the SCS team, the day was more than a sourcing trip. It was a reminder that exceptional interiors aren’t built from catalogues – they’re layered from the vision of artisans, the weight of history, and the courage to incorporate the unexpected. Francis Street remains one of Dublin’s richest design resources, and it’s clear its relevance will only grow. In the days as we are now, where so much is done behind a screen it’s great to get out, touch feel and see. Speaking to the experts is where it is at