DK Travel : Dublin : History & Culture

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Custom House

James Gandon designed the striking Custom House in 1791. There are four decorated façades, with finely balanced end pavilions and recessed Doric columns facing the River Liffey. The exceptional statuary around the building is the work of Edward Smyth. A fire gutted the building in 1921 during the War of Independence, but it was restored in the same decade. The latest superb restoration work was carried out in the 1990s.
Custom House

This magnificent building dominates the northside riverbank. Designed by James Gandon, the 114 m (375 ft) long façade is flanked by pavilioned arcades adorned with the Irish coats of arms. The 14 heads decorating the building represent Ireland’s rivers. Restored in 1991, the building is now used as government offices.

Custom House
Daniel O’Connell

The greatest leader of Catholic Ireland, O’Connell (1775–1847) was a constant agitator against the Union.
Deirdre and the Exile of the Sons of Usnach

King Conchubar loved Deirdre, his harpist’s beautiful daughter. The Druid Cathbad foretold she would bring disaster, so Conchubar kept her in solitude. But Deirdre loved young Naoise, son of Usnach, who, with his brothers, took her to Scotland. After persuading them to return, Conchubar killed Usnach’s sons. Deirdre, grief-stricken, killed herself.
Destruction of Dinn Rig

King Leary’s brother Covac murdered Leary and his son at Dinn Rig, then forced the grandson to eat their hearts. Struck dumb until cured by Princess Moriatha’s love, the grandson – renamed Labraidh (“Speaks”) – grew up and reconquered Leary’s kingdom. He then invited Covac to stay in an iron house on Dinn Rig. The door locked and a fire lit, all inside were roasted alive.
Dublin Castle

Built into the city walls in 1204, the castle was Dublin’s greatest stronghold, designed to defend the British-ruled city against the native Irish. It was at that time protected by rivers on both sides, the Liffey to the north and the Poddle to the south. The castle was completely reconstructed after a fire in 1684 and was further refined during the Georgian period, from which time most of the ornate state apartments date.
Dublin Castle

Originally rectangular in shape, Dublin Castle was designed as a “keepless castle”, involving four circular corner towers and, midway along the south wall, a fifth tower. However, much of the medieval castle was destroyed by fire. The remodelling we see today began at the turn of the 18th century.
Dublin Writers’ Museum

A mixture of faded parchments and a collection of portraits make up this original little museum. The Georgian proportions of the house are seen at their best on the upper floors, with a grand Gallery of Writers. Downstairs, a taped commentary takes you through Irish literary history, accompanied by photographs, correspondence and first edition works.
Eamon de Valera

Valera (1882–1973) was President of the Republic from 1959–73. His political ideal was a 32-county Gaelic republic.
Edmund Burke

Burke (1729–97) was born in Dublin, went to Trinity College and then to London to study law. A champion of individual liberty against the monarchy, his Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790) established his reputation.