Work based on the designs of Thomas Cooley, architect of the Royal Exchange (now City Hall), began in 1776. Cooley’s building concentrated in the area of the west courtyard and was intended to house only the Public Records Office and King’s Inns.

When Cooley died in 1784, James Gandon, architect of the Customs House, was appointed to add the courts to the plan.  The alterations made since 1922 have not materially changed the aspect of the older building. An arcaded passage ran along the southern front of the quadrangles. This arcade has been enclosed with offices and a new corridor constructed on their northern side. The library on the first floor has been removed. The passageway which was built out from the central hall to the solicitors buildings has been built over, where the Supreme Court now stands.

Join a tour of this historical building and discover its architecture, heritage and place in Irish history.