The Tour of Government Buildings will commence in the quadrangle/courtyard are of the building. Government Buildings houses the Department of the Taoiseach, the Council Chamber, the Department of Finance and the Office of the Attorney General.

The building was constructed between 1904 and 1922 as a combination of Government Offices and a Royal College of Science, which occupied the magnificent centre block. Its function is reflected in the statues of Mathematician William Rowan Hamilton and Scientist Richard Boyle which flank the entrance to the building. The Architects of the building were Sir Aston Webb of London (who also designed Admiralty Arch in London and was a member of a great Irish Architectural family) and Sir Thomas Manley from Cork.

The style of the building is grandiose Edwardian Baroque. The façade is of rough granite and smooth pale Portland stone.

The Royal College of Science was incorporated in University College Dublin in 1926. In 1989 U.C.D. vacated the building in Merrion Street. The building was extensively re-designed internally and renovated by the Office of Public Works architects and staff in 1990 to house the Department of the Taoiseach who were previously accommodated in a side-wing of the building.

The Tour will include the Ceremonial staircase featuring the stained glass window by Evie Hone, the Office of the Taoiseach and the Cabinet Rooms. Contemporary Irish Artwork is displayed throughout the building which is on loan from the State Art Collection.

This building is owned by the State through the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Meeting Point: Meet at National Gallery (at information area) on Clare Street Dublin, 2. D02 K303.

Pre-Book Only

Wheelchair accessible
Accessible Toilets
Assistance Dogs welcome

The Building is fully accessible for wheelchair users

Car Park: Q-Park Dawson Street 200m away and On Street parking.