Custom House is an imposing neo-classical building on the north bank of the River Liffey in Dublin. The building houses the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Heritage and government administrative offices.
Custom House was built in the 18th century by architect James Gandon. The best materials are used for its construction, and all available workers in Dublin are requisitioned for the occasion. It has to be said that the project was colossal, and the expense enormous: the cost of the work is estimated at £200,000, a considerable sum for the time.
The four facades were sculpted by Edward Smyth, representing the rivers of Ireland, while Henry Banks was commissioned to create the statues, including the one on the Custom House dome.
The building was finally completed on November 7, 1791. It then became the official Dublin Customs Office.
However, from 1921 onwards, the building was burnt down by the IRA, as part of the War for Independence. The central dome collapses miserably, and the interior decoration is reduced to ashes.
After the Treaty of London, the State Book of Ireland decided to restore the building. The dome was then rebuilt, and the interior refurbished. Since then, Custom House has been invested in by several Irish government departments, including the Environment and Heritage.
As Custom House is a government building, it is difficult to enter without authorization. But that doesn’t mean we can’t admire it from the outside! By day, you can admire its imposing architecture, with its neo-classical style, statues, greenish dome, columns and magisterial pediment.
At night, the building is also worth a look: it’s lit up from all sides, and is beautifully reflected in the Liffey! It’s the perfect opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, while admiring the city’s architectural heritage!
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