History of Dublin the Catholic majority of Ireland's population. In Dublin however the Protestant Ascendancy was thriving, and the city expanded rapidly from the 17th century onward. By 1700, the population had surpassed 60,000, making it the second largest city, after London, in the British Empire. Under the Restoration, Ormonde, the then Lord Deputy of Ireland made the first step toward modernising Dublin by ordering that the houses along the river Liffey had to face the river and have high quality frontages. This was in contrast to the earlier period, when Dublin faced away from the river, often using it as a rubbish
St Catherine's Church, Dublin (Church of Ireland) St Catherine's Church, Dublin (Church of Ireland) St. Catherine's Church, on Thomas Street, in Dublin, Ireland, was originally built in 1185. It is located on what was once termed the ""Slí Mhór"" (Irish: Great Way) - a key route that ran westwards across Ireland from Dublin. The church was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century by John Smyth (or Smith). The church closed in 1966 due to a decrease in the size of the local congregation. The church was de-consecrated the following year, and for a period was used by Dublin Corporation for exhibitions and concerts. After