Overview
George’s Quay runs along the southern bank of the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin’s city centre. Flanked by Burgh Quay and Hawkins Street to the west and City Quay and Talbot Memorial Bridge to the east, the quay forms a key segment of the bustling IFSC (International Financial Services Centre) area. Today the street is dominated by the sleek glass façade of George’s Quay Plaza, a 13‑storey office complex that rises above the river and offers striking views of the Custom House and the Liffey.
History
The name George’s Quay dates from Dublin’s 18th‑century Georgian expansion, when extensive land‑reclamation along the Liffey’s south‑eastern banks first made the area buildable. While the quay’s layout still reflects that Georgian grid, most of the surviving architecture dates from the 19th and, especially, the 20th centuries. Early‑2000s development saw the erection of George’s Quay Plaza – designed by KMD Architecture and completed in 2002 – which quickly became a landmark of modern Dublin. The tower, at 13 storeys high, was originally the headquarters of Ulster Bank; the bank vacated the premises in 2019, leaving the space available for a range of commercial tenants.
Facilities & Amenities
George’s Quay Plaza is more than an office block. The building includes a purpose‑built amenity zone for occupants and visitors, offering:
- 12 high‑quality shower rooms,
- 200 individual storage lockers,
- Drying facilities and
- 200 secure bicycle‑parking spaces. These facilities are open to the public during office hours and are especially useful for cyclists using the new Liffey Cycle Route.
Parking & Cycling Amenities
- Basement car parking – The development provides a limited number of secure underground spaces (approximately 10 bays). Pay‑and‑display options are also available on nearby streets.
- Cycle route – The 750‑metre Liffey Cycle Route (George’s Quay to Aston Quay) opened on 27 February 2025. It is sign‑posted, traffic‑calmed and links to the wider Dublin city‑wide network, including the Dublin Port Greenway and the Grand Canal Dock loop.
- Bike‑friendly facilities – In addition to the 200‑space bike rack at the Plaza, cyclists can access showers and lockers free of charge.
What to See & Do
- George’s Quay Plaza promenade – Walk beneath the glass façade to admire the interplay of historic stonework and contemporary steel. The building’s height makes it one of Dublin’s tallest after Liberty Hall, and its riverside position offers excellent photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
- Liffey Cycle Route (George’s Quay to Aston Quay) – Re‑allocated road space for cyclists and pedestrians, providing safer crossing points between Talbot Memorial Bridge and Aston Place. The route is part of Dublin City Council’s Active Travel Network and is sign‑posted on the council’s map here.
- Nearby attractions – Within a short walk you’ll find the Science Gallery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the National Wax Museum Plus, and the historic Talbot Memorial Bridge. The Loopline Bridge and the iconic Custom House are also visible from the quay. For a different riverside perspective, see nearby Arran Quay.
- Shopping & Dining – The surrounding IFSC area hosts a variety of cafés, restaurants and retail outlets, making it easy to grab a bite after a stroll along the river.
Transport Links
- Rail – Tara Street railway station sits directly on George’s Quay, offering frequent commuter services across the city. Tickets can be purchased up to 90 days in advance via the Irish Rail Journey Planner. Wheelchair‑accessible spaces are limited, so advance booking is advisable for travellers with reduced mobility.
- Bus – Several Dublin Bus routes stop on the quay, including 120, 120B, 120F, 120X, 126, 126X, 130, 500 and 501X. These routes connect the quay to the airport, city centre and surrounding suburbs.
- Luas – The Red Line is a short walk away: Busáras stop (≈5 min) and George’s Dock stop (≈7 min). The Green Line can be reached in about 15 minutes via a brief walk.
- Intercity & Airport – Connolly Station (≈7 min walk) provides Irish Rail services to the west and south of Ireland, while the Aircoach express to Dublin Airport departs from nearby Busáras.
Accessibility
While the quay itself is open public space, the main office buildings have standard commercial accessibility. Tara Street station offers limited wheelchair‑accessible seats; passengers are encouraged to reserve these in advance via the Irish Rail booking system.
Nearby Amenities
- Restrooms – Public facilities are available at the IFSC visitor centre and at the nearby Custom House.
- Wi‑Fi – Free public Wi‑Fi is provided in the IFSC area, including George’s Quay Plaza.
Practical Information
Hours & Fees
George’s Quay is a public street and does not have opening hours or an admission charge. Access to the Liffey Cycle Route and the Plaza’s bike facilities is free of charge.
Coordinates
- Latitude: 53.3475
- Longitude: -6.25234