Fownes Street in Dublin holds historical significance for several reasons. It is home to the Hirschfeld Centre, which opened in 1979 as Ireland's first gay community center, marking an important step in the country's LGBTQ+ history. The street also features a significant mid-eighteenth-century house at 5-5A Fownes Street Upper, which retains a Gibbsian door surround with an early spoked fanlight, a rare survivor in Dublin. Furthermore, Fownes Street was named after Sir William Fownes, who was the Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1708. The street's historical importance is further enriched by its proximity to the General Post Office, a building of national importance due to its role in the Easter Rising. Additionally, Fownes Street Lower was known for the Bagnio Slip, one of the ferry stations on the south shore of the River Liffey. These elements collectively contribute to the rich historical tapestry of Fownes Street in Dublin. For more detailed information, you can refer to sources like Wikipedia and Buildings of Ireland.