Located to the east of Dublin, the Poolbeg Chimneys are officially the tallest chimneys in Ireland, at 207.8 metres! Far from being aesthetically pleasing, they belong to a disused thermal power station on the edge of Dublin harbour. Although they are no longer in use today, and despite their aesthetic assets, Dubliners are strangely attached to them, and see in these chimneys a true symbol! Explanations…
The modernization of Dublin’s electrical installations has changed so much in recent decades, that the Poolbeg power station was abandoned in 2010, leaving the existing infrastructure, including its chimneys, unchanged. Left untouched for several years now, the towers have been subjected to the ravages of time, as well as the many storms of Dublin Bay.
Located on the outskirts of Dublin harbour, it’s impossible to miss the imposing red and white chimneys! So much so, that Dubliners gradually developed a fondness for these 2 towers. So any Dubliner returning from a trip, whether by plane or ferry, will see these chimneys as the first sign of their return home. A real symbol, in fact, prompting some to compare the chimneys to the French Eiffel Tower!
For the time being, these chimneys have no real tourist appeal, but a project is currently under consideration to rehabilitate these towers for tourists! Among the craziest ideas, some architects are thinking of building a platform between the 2 chimneys, where you can eat, bungee jump… etc. In short, there’s no shortage of ideas!
Over the next few years, more than 3,000 homes are also due to be built at the foot of the Poolbeg chimneys. A host of projects that could literally transform the tourist appeal of the area!
Nevertheless, chimneys are not of great interest at the moment. So you can skip it, and concentrate on the more fun sites: there are plenty of them in Dublin!
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Pigeon House Rd, Ringsend, Dublin (County Dublin) - Republic of Ireland
53.338901, -6.191219
Here are a few useful places to stay so you can extend your trip and stay close to the sights you want to visit.
