Dublin City Hall

The Story of the Capital is an exciting exhibition tracing the history of Dublin City. The story is told through multimedia displays, which offer a fascinating insight into the city’s evolution. The city’s treasures can also be viewed.

The building itself is also to be admired. Designed by Thomas Cooley and built as The Royal Exchange for a then-prosperous merchant population between 1769 and 1779, Dublin City Council took ownership of the building in 1851 and restored it to its original beauty.

Visitors to City Hall will have an opportunity to view a rare, recently conserved original copy of the 1916 Proclamation, gifted to the citizens of Dublin in the 1950s by the family of nurse Elizabeth O’Farrell. Talks on the history of the building are available for groups by prior arrangement and a charming café and gift shop on site add to the ambience of this wonderful city treasure.

The Na Fianna Eireann banner which was seized from Countess Markievicz’s home by the British army has been secured on loan from the Royal Collection in London and is presently on display in City Hall. There is also an exhibition on Postcards in the 1916 Rising and a display relating to veteran Richard P. Gogan.

The multi-media exhibition in the vaults on the lower ground floor offers an introduction to Dublin's colourful past by tracing the evolution of the city from before the Anglo-Norman invasion of 1170 to the present day. A new section dedicated to 1916 was included in 2016 and tempory exhibitions are on display throughout the year.

Talks on the history of the building are available by prior arrangement.
 

• The city hall is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture, for which Dublin is world-renowned
• A multimedia exhibition on the history and evolution of Dublin
• See an original copy of the 1916 Proclamation

Closed: Bank Holidays, Sundays, Good Friday and the Christmas period (dates may vary).

Approx. visit duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour recommended

Admission Prices 

Admission is FREE
 

Other Useful Information

LANGUAGES
Exhibition in English only. Information leaflets in English, Irish, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Dutch, Japanese and Mandarin. 

DINING / REFRESHMENTS
Beautiful recently re-modelled café serving coffee/tea and a selection of delicious cakes and light lunches

PARKING
Paid on-street car parking nearby.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Fully accessible with accessible toilets. 

 

Meetings, Events and Gala Dinners  

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The Magnificent Rotunda Room 

City Hall is a unique and exclusive venue for your Corporate Event. The magnificent Rotunda Room can accommodate 200 – 250 seated conference style; 150 – 180 seated banquet style; and 300 – 400 drinks reception/cocktail party style.

The Exhibition area is also available for smaller receptions (100 max).

For more information, contact City Hall, Dame Street, Dublin 2. Phone +353 (0)1 222 2204  or see their website: www.dublincityhall.ie

 

Map Location

Located in Dublin's City Centre, near Temple Bar, Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle.

 Dublin City Hall    Nearby Attractions