Custom House

Located along the River Liffey sits the impressive Custom House, a neoclassical gem built by James Gandon between 1781 and 1791.

The 18th-century Custom House is an architectonic masterpiece. Its beautiful façade is especially outstanding with a Doric-style portico surrounded by large pavilions and a bronze dome crowned by a statue, a customs symbol.

Rising from the Ashes

Although the building was initially designed for collecting customs duties, it was soon used as the centre of the Local Government Board for Ireland.

During the Irish War of Independence, in 1921, the IRA set the building on fire and caused irreparable damage to the structure’s interior burning many historical documents. It was rebuilt in 1928 and during the 1980s, it was restored again and completed in 1991.

Custom House Nowadays

Since it was reopened after being restored, Custom House has become the Department of the Environment. Custom House is the most striking building on the banks of River Liffey. Its monumental façade is well worth taking a photo of both during the day and at nighttime.

If you want to enjoy Custom House in all its splendour, we recommend taking a boat trip on the River Liffey and seeing this majestic building from the water: