Government Buildings

Dublin


This gleaming Edwardian pile opened as the Royal College of Science in 1911 before being transformed into government offices in 1989. Free 40-minute tours include the Taoiseach’s (Prime Minister's) office, the Cabinet Room and the ceremonial staircase with a stunning stained-glass window – designed by Evie Hone (1894–1955) for the 1939 New York Trade Fair. Pick up tickets from 9.30am on the day of the tour at the Clare St entrance of the National Gallery.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dublin attractions

1. Museum of Natural History

0.05 MILES

Affectionately known as the 'Dead Zoo', this dusty, weird and utterly compelling museum is a fine example of the scientific wonderment of the Victorian…

2. Leinster House

0.06 MILES

All the big decisions are made at the Oireachtas (Parliament). This Palladian mansion was built as a city residence for James Fitzgerald, the Duke of…

3. Huguenot Cemetery

0.06 MILES

This tiny cemetery was established in 1693 by French Protestant refugees. The cemetery is closed but you can see graves through the railings; of the 239…

5. Wolfe Tone Monument

0.11 MILES

In the southeastern corner of St Stephen's Green is a monument to Wolfe Tone, the leader of the abortive 1798 invasion; the vertical slabs serving as a…

6. Famine Victims Memorial

0.12 MILES

At the northeastern entrance to St Stephen's Green is a poignant memorial to the victims of the Famine (1845–51) featuring three figures and a dog…

7. National Memorial

0.12 MILES

The National Memorial is a pyramid-shaped stone-and-glass sculpture designed by Brian King (1942–2017) and unveiled by the then-president Mary McAleese in…

8. National Library of Ireland

0.12 MILES

The domed reading room of this august establishment is the main visitor highlight, and it was here that Stephen Dedalus expounded his views on Shakespeare…