Originally, Parnell Street was part of the ancient road connecting the old city to the northern coast, with Father Matthew Bridge connecting Church Street and Wood Quay in the east, to Ballybough and Fairview in the west. During the 18th century, the development of Amiens Street and Annesley Bridge provided a new coast road, and Parnell Street and its continuation to the east, Summerhill, became home to Georgian architecture. The Rotunda Hospital, the Ambassador Theatre and the Gate Theatre are all on Parnell Street.