About Government Buildings
Nestled just a short stroll from St Stephen's Green, Government Buildings on Merrion Street Upper form a cornerstone of Ireland's historic sites in St Stephen's Green area. Completed in 1922, this Edwardian Baroque masterpiece by Sir Aston Webb houses key departments like Finance and the Office of the Attorney General. Originally the Royal College of Science, it played a pivotal role in the 1916 Easter Rising, with bullets still visible in its Portland stone facade, a stark reminder of Ireland's fight for independence.
What to Expect
Admire the grand symmetry from the street: clock tower soaring skyward, intricate carvings, and imposing columns framing the entrance. Free to view externally, it's a hub of state business, buzzing with officials. Nearby Iveagh House adds Renaissance Revival splendour, once home to Guinness family philanthropy.
Insider Tips
Best viewed from St Stephen's Green gates for that perfect photo angle; early mornings avoid crowds. Combine with a walk to Leinster House opposite for parliamentary history. Spot bullet holes up close for a shiver of history. As a working government site, respect no-entry zones, but its exterior alone rivals European landmarks. Perfect for those tracing Dublin's revolutionary past amid Georgian elegance.
This architectural icon, cared for by the Office of Public Works, embodies modern Ireland's roots. Pair with Little Museum nearby for curated 20th-century tales.