The Tour of Government Buildings will commence in the quadrangle courtyard area 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 the Royal College of Science, which occupied the magnificent Centre Block. It’s function is reflected in the statues of mathematician William Rowan Hamilton and Scientist Richard Boyle which flank the entrance. The Architects were Sir Aston Webb of London (who also designed Admiralty Arch in London) and a member of a great architectural family, Sir Thomas Manley Dean from Cork.

The style of the building is grandiose Edwardian Baroque. The façade is of rough granite and smooth pale Portland stone. Internally the building was one of the most modern of its day.

The College was incorporated in University College Dublin in 1926. In 1989 UCD vacated the premises. Between January and December 1990 the building was extensively renovated by architects of the Office of Public Works to house the Department of the Taoiseach which had previously occupied a side wing.

Included in the tour will be the ceremonial staircase and Evie Hone stained glass window, Office of the Taoiseach and Cabinet Room. Contemporary Irish Art from the State Art Collection is displayed throughout the building.

Pre-Book Only.

Building is fully accessible for wheelchair users

Wheelchair accessible
Accessible Toilets
Assistance Dogs welcome