Custom House Docks

A LEICA Q3 WAS USED FOR THIS SESSION

George’s Dock, situated in Dublin’s Docklands and forming part of the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), boasts a rich history and a dynamic present. Constructed in 1821 by the esteemed engineer John Rennie the Elder as part of the Custom House Docks expansion, it was named in honour of King George IV.

The Inner Dock (originally Revenue Dock) followed in 1824, completed by his son, John Rennie the Younger. These docks, alongside the older Custom House Dock, constituted a crucial element of Dublin’s maritime infrastructure, collectively known as the Custom House Docks. However, with the advent of larger vessels and containerisation, deeper water berths further upriver gained prominence, leading to a gradual decline in George’s Dock’s maritime usage. Notably, the Old Dock was infilled in 1927 for road extensions, altering the original layout.

In a parallel development, a significant Triumphal Arch now located at the western end of George’s Dock, near the entrance to the CHQ Building (Custom House Quay), has its own distinct history. This arch was originally erected in 1813 at the Eden Quay entrance to the Custom House. It commemorated the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Salamanca in 1812 during the Peninsular War. As part of the extensive redevelopment of the Dublin Docklands area, including George’s Dock, the Triumphal Arch was relocated to its current position in 1998 to preserve this historical structure within the revitalised urban landscape. An inscription stone dated 2002 was later added on the rear of the arch, honouring a Pat O’Shea for his contributions to community development, illustrating the arch’s integration into the modern community and its role in local remembrance.

Like much of the Dublin Docklands, George’s Dock itself underwent substantial redevelopment in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, aiming to revitalise the area and integrate it into the contemporary city. Crucially, the basin of George’s Dock was retained as a central water feature, a reminder of its maritime past. Today, George’s Dock is primarily utilised by Dublin City Council as an event space, hosting various public gatherings. A modern steel deck structure has been added to the dock’s centre for this purpose.

The Inner Dock saw the construction of apartment complexes in the late 1990s, blending residential living with the historic dockside environment. Furthermore, the George’s Dock Luas (light rail) stop on the Red Line offers excellent connectivity. Recent years have seen discussions and proposals for the future of George’s Dock, including a postponed white water rafting facility and more promising plans for a public outdoor swimming pool (Lido), with feasibility studies and public fundraising underway.

Other potential uses considered include temporary parks, markets, and sporting facilities, reflecting a desire to activate the space for public benefit. Any future development must carefully consider the historical significance of George’s Dock, as its physical fabric is protected.

In essence, George’s Dock and its relocated Triumphal Arch stand as testaments to Dublin’s maritime heritage and its ongoing urban evolution. Once a vital part of the city’s port, George’s Dock has been successfully integrated into the modern Docklands, serving as an event space and a focal point for future development that seeks to balance its heritage with contemporary needs, while the arch serves as a reminder of both national and local historical events.