Strange that the start of the 21st century in Dublin should see the unveiling of two cultural buildings that externally take their cue from medieval fortifications. But then, when you see the quality of commercial floorspace being flung up at George’s Quay and elsewhere, you begin to understand why the practitioners of high design in Dublin might feel a need to retreat behind their defences.

Everyone is awaiting with interest the arrival of Ian Ritchie’s “Spire” in O’Connell Street, which could be a masterstroke or a huge let-down. In the meantime the best recent architecture in Dublin is neither on Nassau or Clare Streets, and is an interior: David Chipperfield’s masterly setting for artist Francis Bacon’s London studio, surreally transported to the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square. I have a feeling that this does not count. But after all, why not?