The Four Courts is one of the best-known historical and architectural landmarks in Dublin, Ireland. Located on the north bank of the River Liffey, these impressive neoclassical buildings house the Supreme Court, the High Court and other Irish legal institutions. Built between 1776 and 1802 to designs by architect James Gandon, the Four Courts are considered a masterpiece of Georgian architecture.
Yes, before the Four Courts became a backdrop for historical films, it was the scene of many a turbulent event!
It all began in 1776. At that time, Ireland was willy-nilly battling against British domination, which was crushing it and depriving it of its independence. Many official institutions are chaperoned by the London government, and the Irish have had enough.
After many failed attempts at uprising, the Irish want to reform their institutions with the aim of achieving greater independence.
To achieve this, they decided to use the Irish judicial system, which many people already wanted to reform, as a battle-horse…. They decided to build a new building where the Supreme Court of the Republic of Ireland could sit and impose its independence on the British.
This is how the idea of Four Courts was born.
Dublin architect Thomas Cooley decided to design what he called the “Four Courts”, a building destined to house the future Supreme Court of the Irish judicial system. In 1784, James Gandon took over after Cooley’s death, and completed it many years later, endowing the building with 4 interior courtyards and a green dome supported by a series of classical columns.
The main façade, overlooking the Liffey estuary, features a grandiose Corinthian portico serving three pavilions. Each pavilion is topped by a dome, and the two outer pavilions also feature octagonal lanterns.
The rear of the buildings is less ornate. The building is constructed of portland granite and cement-covered brick. The interior features remarkable horseshoe-shaped staircases and vaulted rooms housing the various courts of justice.
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Once completed, the building became a powerful symbol of Ireland. So much so that it was soon considered a strategic location for the attempted Easter Uprising in 1916: the Republicans seized it until it was defeated by the British.
It was in 1922, during the Battle of Dublin, that the anti-Treaty forces took the Four Courts by storm, and fought a battle against Michael Collins and his pro-Treaty army. This army did not hesitate to fire on the building, causing its partial destruction. After violent confrontations, Michael Collins finally managed to dislodge them, leaving the building in a state of serious disrepair.
In particular, the west wing was completely devastated by fire. It wasn’t until 1932 that work began on rebuilding the building in a style virtually identical to the original. It was at this time that the Supreme Court relocated to its premises.
Today, some traces of the damage are still visible, but overall the buildings have been restored to their former splendor.
The Four Courts are home to many of Ireland’s major legal and judicial institutions. Here you’ll find the Supreme Court, the High Court and the public service offices of the Court and Tribunals.
Numerous trials are still held here, and the building also houses a vast law library, open to the public and legal professionals alike. Guided tours are also available.
Nearly 800 people work every day in these historic yet modern buildings.
Over the years, Dublin’s Four Courts have served as the backdrop for a number of films. Here are some of the notable films shot here:
The majestic, historic setting lends itself particularly well to costume films or courtroom intrigues!
The Four Courts, home to the Supreme Court, the High Court and other Irish judicial institutions, offers guided tours to the public. These visits are the perfect opportunity to discover the magnificent interior architecture, with its horseshoe-shaped staircases, domes and numerous audience rooms.
In particular, visitors can access the Supreme Court room, the largest courtroom in the country, with its vaulted ceiling and 300-person capacity! In fact, it is often possible to witness real trials in progress during the visit.
These guided tours take place Monday to Friday at 10:30 and 12:30 and must be booked online in advance. They last about 30 minutes. Special tours are also organized on certain Saturdays.
So if you’re passing through Dublin, be sure to book your slot to explore this colorful historic site, a must-see in the Irish capital! It’s the best way to discover all the anecdotes and secrets that the famous Four Courts hold over their centuries of eventful history.
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The Four Courts are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
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