Sir, – While Frank McNally highlights that the crossroads at Kilmainham Gaol "encapsulates Irish history" (Irishman's Diary, January 7th), a short trip to the Liberties places you at a crossroads that once captured a more gregarious and all-encompassing aspect of Ireland's past. The junction at Dean Street, Patrick Street, New Street and Kevin Street was once known as the "Four Corners of Hell" , due to the presence of Kenny's, Quinn's, O'Beirne's and Lowe's public houses at each corner. Four pubs but five toilets, with a public convenience situated in the centre of the crossroads, equidistant from the four drinking establishments, presumably to ensure nobody got caught short on a quadrangular pub crawl! – Yours, etc,
MARK LAWLER,
Kilmainham,
Dublin 8.