CHQ Building

Overview

Nestled on the banks of the River Liffey, the CHQ Building (Custom House Quay) is one of Dublin’s most striking industrial landmarks. Spanning more than 8,000 sq m, the former bonded warehouse now buzzes with a mix of cultural attractions: the award‑winning EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, a thriving food market, boutique cafés, a startup hub (Dogpatch Labs) and event spaces that host everything from corporate launches to art exhibitions. Its massive cast‑iron frame and vaulted brick interiors give the complex a dramatic, cathedral‑like feel, making it a perfect backdrop for both history lovers and tech‑savvy explorers.

Architecture & Design

Designed by Scottish engineer John Rennie in 1820, the CHQ Building was pioneering for its all‑metal structure – no timber was used. A cast‑iron skeleton spans 155 m × 55 m, supporting a slated roof and creating nine underground vaults that once stretched the full length of the site; eight and a half survive after the 1884 quay widening. The vaults’ soaring arches are comparable to cathedral naves, and the brick‑faced façade retains the original 19th‑century industrial character while the interior has been transformed into bright, airy public spaces.

History

Designed by the Scottish engineer John Rennie in 1820, the CHQ Building was originally known as Stack A, a bonded warehouse for tobacco, tea, wine, spirits, grain and flour. The structure was revolutionary for its time: no wood was used, and a cast‑iron skeleton supported a slated roof across a clear span of 155 m × 55 m. Nine underground vaults once stretched the full length of the building; eight and a half survive after a 1884 reduction to widen Custom House Quay.

In the 19th century the building served as a bustling hub for Dublin’s maritime trade. It even hosted the “Great National Banquet” in 1856, a massive celebration of Irish soldiers who fought in the Crimean War. After a period of decline, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority restored the protected structure in the early 2000s. In 2013, former Coca‑Cola CEO Neville Isdell and developer Mervyn Greene purchased the site, paving the way for its modern reinvention as a cultural and entrepreneurial quarter.

What to See & Do

EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC occupies the atmospheric vaults of the CHQ Building and tells the story of the Irish diaspora across 1,500 years. The museum features 21 interactive galleries, high‑tech touch screens, motion‑sensor quizzes and immersive audio‑visual installations. Highlights include:

• The Annie Moore Room – a recreation of the room where the first major wave of emigrants arrived in Ellis Island.
• The Great National Banquet Hall – a nod to the building’s 1856 banquet, now used for special exhibitions.
• Irish Family History Centre – staffed by genealogists who can help you trace your roots.

EPIC has been voted Europe’s leading tourist attraction for three consecutive years. The museum is open daily 10:00 – 18:45 (last entry 17:00) – check the EPIC website for any seasonal changes.

Current Exhibitions (2026)

• Éire to Everywhere: Stories Without Borders – running 28 May – 16 June 2026, featuring contemporary Irish voices such as Nicola Pierce and Nuala O’Connor.
• Irish Fashion & Designer Showcase – 6 May 2026, a celebration of Irish design.
• On Leaving – 16 May – 4 June 2026, a solo exhibition by David Monahan exploring contemporary emigration.

Food Market & Culinary Highlights

The ground‑level promenade offers a constantly evolving food court:

• TOSS’D Noodles & Salads – open‑kitchen Asian‑inspired bowls.
• Upshoots – health‑focused burritos and bowls made from locally sourced ingredients.
• The Bakehouse – Irish‑style baked goods and hearty meals (relocated to a larger space in 2015).
• Urban Brewing – Dublin’s newest micro‑brewery; guided tours let you taste fresh beer straight from the tank and explore a rotating selection of over 200 brews.
• Seven Wonders – fresh, made‑to‑order healthy meals.
• Starbucks – a familiar coffee stop for quick caffeine.

A weekly market (typically Saturdays) adds a lively, local flavour, while a Friday farmers’ market and a seasonal Christmas market bring additional stalls of artisanal produce and festive treats.

Creative & Event Spaces

Beyond the museum, the CHQ Building hosts Dogpatch Labs, Ireland’s leading startup hub, and offers versatile venues for corporate events, weddings, and cultural performances. The Galleria, Annie Moore Room, and Liffey Corner can accommodate up to 800 guests, with state‑of‑the‑art AV equipment and on‑site catering.

Fitness & Wellness

The on‑site FlyeFit gym provides free classes and cutting‑edge cardio equipment, open to the public and to CHQ tenants.

Events & Programming

The venue has a history of hosting pop‑up cultural events, from the Morning Gloryville early‑morning rave (2014) to the Dublin Biennial exhibitions (2014) and the World Press Photo showcase (October 2014). Current programming is listed on the CHQ website and includes seasonal food festivals, tech meet‑ups, and live music evenings.

Practical Information

Getting There

The CHQ Building sits on Custom House Quay, a short walk from Connolly Station (DART) and the LUAS George’s Dock stop. Several Dublin Bus routes, including the 15, 33 and 151, stop nearby. For those exploring on foot, the site is within a 10‑minute stroll of O’Connell Street, the Famine Memorial and the Jeanie Johnston tall ship.

Opening Hours & Admission

Last admission is typically 30 minutes before closing. On‑site ticket sales are available, but pre‑booking online is recommended during peak periods (Tuesday‑Thursday mornings). Group bookings should be arranged in advance via Dervla O Neill (+353 1 531 3688).

Accessibility & Facilities

The building is fully wheelchair‑accessible, with lifts serving the main exhibition floors and accessible toilets throughout. Audio guides are offered in German, Spanish, French and Italian for a modest extra fee. Free Wi‑Fi is available in public areas. A paid car park (Q‑Park IFSC) sits a short walk away, and bike racks are provided near the LUAS stop.

Nearby Attractions

While you’re in the Docklands, consider a quick visit to the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, the Famine Memorial, or a river cruise departing from the nearby dock. The vibrant neighbourhood also offers boutique hotels such as the Hilton Dublin and a range of cultural venues, including the nearby Abbey Theatre.

Visitor Tips

• Plan for 1‑3 hours – EPIC alone can fill two hours; add time for food and a market stroll.
• Pre‑book tickets online during school holidays to avoid queues.
• Take advantage of the free Wi‑Fi for the interactive galleries.
• Check the EPIC website for the latest exhibition schedule before you go.
• Parking – Q‑Park IFSC charges €2 per hour; street parking is limited and metered.
• Bike friendly – Dublin Bikes stations are a few minutes’ walk away.
• Market days – Saturdays host the main food market; Fridays feature a farmers’ market, and a special Christmas market runs from early December to 24 December.
• Brewery tours – Urban Brewing runs daily tours (check their schedule on‑site).

The CHQ Building seamlessly blends Dublin’s industrial past with a forward‑looking cultural programme, making it a compelling destination for history buffs, families, and anyone eager to experience Ireland’s global story under one spectacular roof.