In the 15th century this was a long lane that led to the little pool or poolbeg which was one of the deep anchorages of the harbour at Dublin. In the early 1700s, William Mercer was given permission by the City Corporation to infill behind Hawkins Quay forming the Mercer Dock, and later after more infill Burgh Quay and Georges Quay. The line of Mercer dock is now Poolbeg Street.