Custom House

Overview

The Custom House is widely considered Dublin's finest Georgian building — a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture by James Gandon, originally built as the city's customs headquarters.

Highlights

• Gandon's Masterpiece: Completed in 1791 after 10 years of construction, with a façade stretching 114 metres along the Liffey.
• Riverine Heads: Fourteen carved keystone heads by Edward Smyth representing the rivers of Ireland.
• Copper Dome: Crowned by a statue of Commerce, the dome was rebuilt after the 1921 fire.

History

Commissioned by the British government and completed in 1791, the building was deliberately burned by the IRA in 1921 as a symbol of British administration. It was reconstructed and now houses the Department of Housing.

Visitor Tips

• The visitor centre inside (free) explains the building's architecture and turbulent history.
• Best viewed from the Matt Talbot Bridge or George's Quay.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.