Custom House | Dublin

Information

Landmark: Custom House
City: Dublin
Country: Ireland
Continent: Europe

Custom House, Dublin, Ireland, Europe

The Custom House is a Neoclassical 18th-century government building situated on the north bank of the River Liffey. It serves as the headquarters of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Visual Characteristics

The building features a 114-meter-long facade made of Portland stone. Its central feature is a rhythmic Doric portico topped by a copper-domed clock tower, which is surmounted by a statue representing Commerce. The exterior is decorated with various stone carvings, including 14 riverine heads (keystones) representing the Atlantic Ocean and 13 Irish rivers. The structure is illuminated at night by a sophisticated external LED system.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at Custom House Quay, Dublin 1.

Public Transport: Directly served by the Busáras central bus station (0.2km) and the Luas Red Line (Busáras or George’s Dock stops). Tara Street DART station is located 0.3km south across the Talbot Memorial Bridge.

Access: While the building serves as a working government office, the Custom House Visitor Centre is accessible via the south entrance on the quay.

Parking: There is no on-site parking; the nearest public car parks are at Irish Life or the IFSC.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Architect James Gandon designed the structure, which was completed in 1791 at a cost of £200,000. It replaced an older custom house further upstream. During the Irish War of Independence in May 1921, the building was occupied and set on fire by the IRA, resulting in the total destruction of its interior and the collapse of the central dome. It was reconstructed by the Irish Free State and reopened in 1928.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Custom House Visitor Centre offers an exhibition detailing the building’s construction, the history of the Irish Customs service, and the 1921 fire. Visitors can view original architectural drawings and the "Riverine Heads" up close. The surrounding quay is a primary site for the Dublin Docklands 5km run and various maritime festivals.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The visitor center includes public restrooms, a small gift shop, and tactile architectural models for the visually impaired. High-speed 5G cellular coverage is consistent throughout the North Docklands area. The exhibition areas are wheelchair accessible.

Best Time to Visit

The south-facing facade is best photographed in the early morning or at sunset from the Matt Talbot Bridge or the south bank of the Liffey to capture its reflection in the river. The visitor center typically operates Tuesday through Sunday; early morning slots avoid peak commuter traffic on the quay.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical detail is the presence of a "ghost sign" near the building-an original 18th-century weighing scales embedded in the quay wall. Legend suggests that Gandon, the architect, had to be protected by guards during construction because local merchants, who preferred the old custom house location, frequently harassed the workers.