Dublin Custom House Tours
Sitting on the north bank of the River Liffey, the copper-domed neoclassical Dublin Custom House was erected in the 18th century as part of a city-wide project to enhance and beautify Dublin. Originally headquarters of the Commissioners of Custom and Excise, it now houses local government offices and a visitor center tracing the history of the building.
The Basics
Custom House is one of Dublin’s finest neoclassical buildings. Many visitors catch sight of the landmark during walking tours of North Dublin, which typically include other nearby sights such as the Great Irish Famine Memorial, Liberty Hall, and the Jeanie Johnston tall ship. Others see Custom House while en route to the nearby EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, which is just a 5-minute stroll down the riverfront.
In addition to admiring the grand building from outside, visitors can explore the Custom House Visitor Centre. Exhibitions focus on architect James Gandon and the construction of the Custom House; its role in the 1916 Easter Rising; and the events of 1921, when—during the Irish War of Independence—the building was occupied and set on fire by the Irish Republican Army.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Custom House is a must-see for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
- Bring a camera to take photos of one of Dublin’s most prominent landmarks.
- Wheelchair users can make advance arrangements to access the visitor center through the main reception on Beresford Place.
How to Get There
Custom House is situated on Custom House Quay in the Dublin Docklands. Ride the DART or train to Tara Street or Connolly Station. The Luas Red Line tram and all intercity and regional buses stop at Busáras station, just a 3-minute walk from Custom House.
When to Get There
Though Custom House can be seen at any time of the year, it’s perhaps most photogenic on a clear, sunny summer day when its copper dome is reflected in the water of the Liffey. The Custom House Visitor Centre opens from mid-March through August.
Best View of Custom House
Though it’s situated on the north side of the River Liffey, Custom House is best viewed from George’s Quay on the south side. From the benches here, you’ll be treated to a full view of the facade, including the central dome, which is topped with a 16-foot-high (5-meter-high) statue of Hope, and the sculpted keystones beneath the frieze, which represent the main rivers of Ireland.
Address: Custom House Quay, Dublin, Ireland
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Dublin Custom House
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Mountain Bike ToursSee Dublin By Bike
Explore Ireland’s buzzing capital on two wheels on this Dublin bike tour. Spin along Dublin’s stylish Fade Street with your guide. Take in top attractions and landmarks including College Green, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Brewery, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Temple Bar. Explore the Georgian streets around Parnell Square and Merrion Square, and gain insight into Dublin’s rich history. Head off the tourist trail to hidden spots such as the Roe Distillery’s windmill and Blessington Street Basin, then delve into the Grand Canal Dock area.
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- 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$39.04
Mountain Bike ToursCycle Tours Dublin
Explore Dublin by bike with our experienced and friendly guides. Enjoy a unique eco-friendly tour of our amazing city. Our tour is a great way to find your way around Dublin at a nice relaxed pace, while at the same time covering a lot of ground! Discover Viking & Norman Dublin. See where the Lords & Ladies lived in Georgian Dublin. Hear about the many rebellions that took place and the heroes that led them. Discover where famous writers like James Joyce and Jonathan Swift lived and wrote. Find out where St. Valentine's heart is and where Dracula was written. Hear about Dublin's famous musicians such as U2, The Dubliners, Sinead O'Connor and much, much more
The tour is around 2.5 hours long and suitable for cyclists of all ages and experience. We will supply you with helmets and reflective belts. Dress for the weather!
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- 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$35.71
Bus ToursDublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Maximize your time in Ireland’s vibrant capital with a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket. Discover Dublin’s spectacular sights and listen to entertaining commentary as you cruise around the capital. Whenever a landmark captures your attention, simply disembark to explore further; see attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and St. Stephen’s Green and then simply rejoin your bus tour at a time and stop that suits your schedule. Entry to the Little Museum and a Dublin walking tour are included with the bus ticket.
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- 40 minutes to 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
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Private Sightseeing ToursWalking Tour Dublin North Side (Revolutionary Dublin)
We will see the non touristic area of Dublin and speak about how this country foought for independence.
We pass for very unique places usually avoided by tourists.
Experienced tour guides that know very well the city.
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- 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$210.04
per group
From
$210.04
per group
- 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
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