Custom House Visitor Centre

About the museum

The Custom House on the north quay of the Liffey is among the best-known neoclassical buildings in Dublin. It was designed by James Gandon and built in the late eighteenth century amid heavy controversy. The exterior is decorated with sculpture, including fourteen riverine heads carved by Edward Smyth on the keystones.

During the War of Independence the building was set on fire and burned out in May 1921. It was later restored. The visitor centre, which opened in November 2021 and is run by the Office of Public Works, tells the story of the construction, the burning and the restoration, set against more than 230 years of Irish history from the Act of Union to the creation of the Free State and the Republic.

The exhibition moves chronologically through the rooms of the building and combines audio benches, visual displays and interactive screens. It can be seen on a self-guided visit or with a guide, and a separate River Gods tour looks at the symbolism of the sculpted heads on the outside of the building.

Highlights

• Exhibition on the building, burning and restoration of the Custom House
• Multi-sensory displays with audio benches and interactive screens
• Guided tour or self-guided visit with audio guides in eight languages
• River Gods tour of Edward Smyth's sculpted keystone heads
• Stonemasons' trail for children

Permanent exhibition

• Custom House Visitor Centre exhibition – A chronological exhibition on the building, burning and restoration of the Custom House and the Irish history it witnessed over more than 230 years.

Founded

2021

Operated by

Office of Public Works (Heritage Ireland)

Admission & discounts

The first price on the Heritage Ireland page is for a guided visit and the second for a self-guided visit; the regular price shown is the self-guided adult ticket.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A lift and an accessible toilet are listed among the facilities; only assistance dogs are allowed. Visitors needing mobility access are asked to get in touch three days ahead. A social guide and a visual guide can be downloaded from the Heritage Ireland page.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Children can follow a stonemasons' trail, and baby changing is listed among the facilities.

Getting there & parking

The Custom House stands on the north quay facing the Liffey, between Butt Bridge and Talbot Memorial Bridge.

Amenities & dining

• Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is listed among the facilities; card payments are accepted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit