Once voted Dublin’s second ugliest building, Phibsborough Tower together with the adjacent shopping centre, was one of the first major post World War 2 suburban developments on the north side of Dublin.

It stands out boldly amongst the low rise, mainly brick facades of Phibsborough, making no apology for its use of raw concrete and precast aggregate cladding. The combined lift and staircase tower adds significant drama when the building is approached from the south.

If you can ignore the clutter of mismatched shopfronts and parking at street level and look up, you will see a building that is carefully considered with some handsome details. It also boasts some fine finishes that still look good after more than fifty years of service. Certainly it has its faults, for instance the blank west facade presents an undeniably bleak picture when seen from the west.

Still awaiting its fate to be finally determined, it is currently home to several businesses and to Richmond Road Studios.

Our tour begins on the street opposite the tower. After a brief introduction, we’ll cross Phibsborough Road walking up one flight of stairs to the upper carpark. There we’ll discuss the building’s historical context and possible future. Then on to the studios where we’ll have a chance to learn more and see work by the artists who are based there.

Access is via three flights of stairs, there is a lift with very limited capacity. Meeting point: at the Carpark beside Mc Donald’s Phibsborough, 144/145 Phibsborough Road

This tour is pre-book only and booking opens 14 September.

Assistance Dogs welcome