Customs

The Custom House in Dublin, designed by the English architect James Gandon and completed in 1791, is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture and represents one of the city’s most iconic symbols. Located on the north bank of the River Liffey, this imposing structure has served multiple purposes throughout its long history, functioning as an administrative center for the collection of customs duties and housing various government offices. The construction of the Custom House was a titanic endeavor that took ten years to complete. The project was commissioned by John Beresford, the first commissioner of revenue in Ireland, who saw in Gandon the ideal architect to create a structure that would represent the power and efficiency of the British bureaucracy in Ireland. The choice of the site, at the time a marshy area and poorly regarded by local merchants, was met with skepticism but proved strategic for controlling the goods that passed along the River Liffey. The building is a masterpiece of symmetry and classical proportions, with four monumental facades adorned with Doric columns and a central dome topped by a lantern. The sculptural decorations were entrusted to the Irish artist Edward Smyth, who created a series of river heads carved on the pediments of the facade, representing the main rivers of Ireland. These details not only add an artistic touch to the building but also symbolize the importance of waterways for the country’s trade and economy. The history of the Custom House is marked by dramatic events, particularly during the Irish War of Independence. In May 1921, the building was set on fire by members of the IRA as part of a campaign to target British administrative infrastructure. The fire devastated the interior of the structure and destroyed numerous government documents, but Gandon’s robust construction withstood the damage and allowed for subsequent reconstruction. This event marked a turning point in the war, drawing international attention to the Irish cause. After independence, the Custom House was restored by the newly formed Irish Free State, which chose to use Irish limestone for the rebuilt dome, in stark contrast to the original Portland stone, as a symbol of self-sufficiency and national rebirth. Further restorations were carried out in the 1980s, returning the building to its former glory. Today, the Custom House houses the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and since 2021, a new visitor center offers the public an immersive experience in the history and architecture of the building. The visitor center explores the construction, destruction, and rebirth of the Custom House through multimedia exhibits that include audio benches, visual displays, and interactive screens, making the visit an educational and engaging experience.