City Hall, Dublin

Dublin City Hall ("Halla na Cathrach, Baile Átha Cliath" in Irish) is an outstanding example of the Georgian architecture for which Dublin is world-renowned. City Hall, originally the Royal Exchange, is a civic building which was built between 1769 and 1779 to the designs of architect Thomas Cooley and is a notable example of 18th-century architecture in the city.

It is located next to Dublin Castle

The large size and fine fittings of the Royal exchange, with carved capitals by Simon Vierpyl, and plasterwork by the leading stuccodore Charles Thorpe, reflect the standing and prestige of Dublin in the 18th Century. The building contains a central entrance hall or Rotunda, with a large dome supported by twelve columns which is surrounded by an walkway where the merchants strolled and held business meetings.

The building was to provide a meeting place for Dublin's businessmen, where they could buy and sell goods. It was also close to the then Customs House making it convenient for overseas merchants.

In 1815 the metal ballustrade of the exchange fell, owing to the pressure against it by a crowd, and led to the death of nine people, with many more injured. This led to crowd restrictions in the building.

In the 1850s, the City Corporation bought the Royal Exchange and converted it for use by city government. On the 30th September 1852 the Royal Exchange was renamed City Hall at the first meeting of Dublin City Council held there. A series of frescos was later added, representing the regions of Ireland.

The building was restored to its 18th-century appearance at the beginning of the 21st century, and Dublin City Council has won awards for the conservation of this historic building.

There is an exhibition on the history of Dublin City, called "Dublin City Hall, The Story of the Capital," located in the vaults.

Opening Times

The Story of the Capital exhibition:
Monday to Saturday 10am – 5.15pm
Last admission is one hour before closing

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Ticket Prices

Admission to The Rotunda is free of charge

Admission Fees for the Story of the Capital exhibition:
Adults: €4 (€3.60 if booked online)
Senior Citizens: €2 (On production of travel pass etc.)
Students: €2 (On production of student card)
Unwaged: €2
Children: €1.50
Family Rate: €10 (two adults and up to four children)
Group Rate: €3 (For groups of ten or more - advance booking)

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 00 353 (0) 1 222 2204
Email: cityhall@dublincity.ie

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