The Custom House Quay (CHQ) Building has its own unique and interesting history, which stretches back over 200 years. On your tour you will learn the story of its original purpose, as a bonded warehouse and its use as a Banquet Hall to celebrate the veterans of the Crimean War.

With the completion of the Customs House in 1791 and the construction of three deep water docks, Georges Dock, Spencer Dock and Grand Canal Dock and eleven warehouses, the area became known as the Custom House docks complex. These warehouses were called stacks. Our CHQ building was one of these stacks and was called Stack A. Sadly, it is the only on which survives today.

On your tour you will learn about the architect of the CHQ Building, John Rennie, how he designed and delivered one of Dublin’s first fireproof buildings, working with experimental materials at the time such as cast and wrought iron. The construction of the building was considered a masterpiece for its time.

Your tour will take you on a walk around the building exploring the unique architecture and how the building has borne witness to the ever changing landscape of the Dublin Docklands.

Pre-book only

The building is wheelchair accessible, there is no stairs to navigate on the tour.
There are accessible toilets on site
Assistance dogs are welcome
We offer a sensory kit and sensory room
The tour will be delivered on the main floor of the CHQ Building, which is accessed through the West and North entrances to the building.

Sensory Rooms (designated areas that individuals with sensory issues can use to retreat to when feeling overstimulated)

Wheelchair accessible
Accessible Toilets
Assistance Dogs welcome