OLD BICYCLE FACTORY

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THIS WAS ONCE A BICYCLE FACTORY

The building on Hanover Quay where the AirBnB European headquarters is currently located has a rich history, most notably as the former site of the Raleigh bicycle factory.

Raleigh Bicycle Factory:

Opening and Expansion: Raleigh, a prominent bicycle manufacturer, established its Irish factory at 6 Hanover Quay in 1939. Due to the factory's success, it expanded and moved to 8-11 Hanover Quay in 1943.
Production: The factory produced a full range of Raleigh bicycles, including the iconic Chopper, for the Irish market, and also manufactured Sturmey-Archer hubs.

The Fire of 1976: In 1976, a devastating fire broke out in the factory, causing extensive damage and ultimately leading to its closure. Although the exact cause remains unclear, the wooden floors of the factory, saturated with oil and other flammable materials over the years, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Post-Fire and Redevelopment:

Following the fire, Raleigh ceased production at Hanover Quay but maintained a presence in Ireland as a distributor. The site remained vacant for a number of years before being redeveloped into the modern office building that stands there today. The building has housed several tenants over the years before becoming the European headquarters for AirBnB.

The building on Hanover Quay is a great example of how industrial sites can be transformed and given new life, contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the Dublin Docklands area.
he building on Hanover Quay where the AirBnB European headquarters is currently located has a rich history, most notably as the former site of the Raleigh bicycle factory.