Dublin Discovered Boat Tours
We start from The Sean O’ Casey Footbridge, on the North side of the river, just opposite the CHQ Building. The tour runs between this point, Grattan Street bridge, in the city centre and the Thomas Clarke bridge on the edge of Dublin Port to the east, taking in the old city centre and the more modern Docklands on our cruise
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the docklands area was regenerated as an extension of the business hub of Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). By 2008 the area had over 599 enterprises. While growth slowed considerably due to the post-2008 Irish economic downturn, since 2014, property values and development activity has made a recovery.
The tour lasts 45 minutes and is suitable for all ages. The boat seats up to 48 people. Its large windows and glass roof ensure good views for all.
Dublin Docklands History
In the past there was little contact between the communities on both sides of the river. Until Butt Bridge opened in 1879, Sackville Bridge (now O’Connell Bridge) was the nearest crossing-point, so people relied on the Liffey ferries to cross downstream. Until 1930 Ringsend was part of Pembroke Township, which was home to some of the wealthiest households in the Dublin area. In that year it became part of Dublin City.
The traditional Dublin industries, such as poplin and silk were located in the neighbourhood of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. When these industries declined after 1800, the population fell in older parts of the city. In Docklands by contrast the population increased steadily throughout the nineteenth century, and the vacant land was gradually covered with houses and commercial properties.
When the Custom House opened in 1791, Ringsend was the only part of this area that was developed. The remainder consisted of low-lying wastelands, which had been divided into lots – or lotts – by the Ballast Office. As the port expanded downriver, this land became more valuable. People and businesses moved into the Docklands, attracted by the prospect of jobs and the large tracts of underdeveloped land.
Some of the larger employers, like the railway companies, built housing for their workers. Speculative builders erected small cottages in the lanes and back streets to cater for the rising population, but commercial and industrial development took precedence and the houses were occasionally demolished to provide sites for warehouses or other business premises and housing standards were generally poor.
Other attractions
Things to do in Dublin Docklands
Diving Bell
- Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin
- No Phone Number required
- Visit website
This is the Diving Bell, a piece of engineering art for building deep water quay walls back in the 19th century . Available to visit Free of charge in the Docklands
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- CHQ, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1
- 353 1 906 0861
- Visit website
Winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction, this interactive museum tells the story of the Irish diaspora.
The Jeanie Johnston: An Irish Famine Story
- Custom House Quay, Dublin 1
- 353 1 473 0111
- Visit website
Discover Ireland’s dark history on board the Jeanie and hear the stories of those who fled the Famine in search of a better life.