Grand Canal Dock

Grand Canal Dock is one of Dublin’s most fashionable and vibrant city districts. Residents are spoiled for choice with the range of amenities close by and a short stroll into the city centre.

Local services include a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, gyms, sports clubs as well as the renowned Marker Hotel and the iconic Bord Gais Energy Theatre, right in the centre of Grand Canal Dock.

An assortment of trendy bars, cafes, restaurants and shops are all on the doorstep for locals to enjoy and world class entertainment can be enjoyed at the 3 Arena and Grand Canal Theatre.

Bord Gais Energy Theatre is a breath-taking modern theatre hosting an array of shows from musicals through to ballet, comedy and concerts.

The Grand Canal Square is the centre feature of Grand Canal Dock area and was designed by renowned architect, Martha Schwartz. This square is home to multiple leading financial companies and many blue-chip companies’ in the area including HSBC, Google, Facebook, Matheson and McCann Fitzgerald, JP Morgan and Indeed.

The Luas provides easy access to the rest of the city and the Dart is less than a fifteen minute walk away. It also has its own railway station at Barrow Street and is approx. a fifteen-minute walk into Grafton street.

History & Culture

The Grand Canal Docks first opened in 1796 and at during this time were the world’s largest docks. They fell into decline within a few decades and by the 1960s, the Grand Canal Docks were almost completely derelict.

Regeneration began in 1998, when Bord Gáis sold the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) the former gasworks site located in the area between Sir John Rogerson’s Quay and Hanover Quay, for €19 million.

They spent €52 million decontaminating the land between 2002 and 2006 and once this was complete there was a significant demand in the area bringing prosperity and with an important decision by Google to set up its European headquarters in the area.

Grand Canal Square Square was completed in 2008 and the €8 million plaza consists of red resin-glass paving that juts out into the water, dotted with illuminated red poles. There are nice planted plots positioned across the square and bring a fresh feel to the square.

Samuel Beckett Bridge was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava Valls gives residents a stunning river view towards the city and over to the Convention centre.

Boland’s Mill was a functioning mill until 2001 and in early 2019, the site underwent a €150 million reconstruction to become Bolands Quay, accommodating new residences, commercial, retail, and public spaces.

Millennium Tower is a historic apartment building located on the Grand Canal outer basin. At 63 metres in height, it was the tallest standing building in Dublin from 1998 – 2009.

The Alto Vetro apartment building was awarded the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland’s Silver Medal for Housing (2007-2008) and is a stunning addition in the area.

Dine & Drink

With the number of busy professionals working in the area, there are many ‘grab-n-go’ options from soups, sambos and burritos through to healthy salads.

Those in need of a caffeine fix will not be disappointed, with many of the large chains having a home here including Insomnia, Starbucks, and Caffe Nero. Smaller cafes to check out in the area are Coffee Angel, Seven Wonders and Café H.

Il Valentino is situated right on the dock is the only destination in the area for the perfect Italian bread, pastries and cakes to take away or enjoy in their cosy seated area.

Boojum is an extremely popular local option offering casual Mexican burrito bar with award-winning casual food at great prices. The frequent everyday queue outside shows its worth a visit.

Milano’s is one of Ireland’s favourite pizza spots with a relaxed dining atmosphere and offering fabulous pizza, pasta and salads options.

Herbstreet offer diners homemade food cooked to order, using locally sourced ingredients. Part of their service is to minimise their carbon footprint and provide food and drink that is as sustainable as possible for the environment.

Charlotte Quay Bar and Restaurant is regarded as one of Dublin’s most atmospheric and chilled spots for good dinner and drinks. With panoramic water views over Grand Canal, it is an experience that must be had!

One of the newer additions is Mackenzie’s who provide a no-frills menu which is big on taste and made with local in-season ingredients. They offer brunch options at the weekend and have a beautiful south-facing terrace overlooking the Grand Canal.

The Marker Hotel is always creative for dining options and offers a 5-star experience for lunch or dinner. It is the perfect choice to enjoy a high-quality dinner after a live show at stunning Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

The Ferryman Hotel and Bar is a restored listed Georgian building, overlooking the River Liffey. This lively choice offers great food and drink options in a traditional setting.

Shop

Fresh Supermarket right on the square provides excellent food options. There are multiple small convenient stores dotted throughout the area with many Spars for quick and easy shopping.

Other neighbourhood offerings

Accommodation options in the area include the iconic Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Hotel and the long-established Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane.

Green space options are only a short walk away with St. Stephen’s Green, one of Ireland’s most renowned Victorian parks, an ideal place to unwind.

Merrion Square is close by and is an attractive public park with colourful flower and shrub beds and a playground.

Herbert Park in Ballsbridge is one of the most popular parks in the city offering beautiful heaven for its visitors. It has a variety of amenities to enjoy such as football, tennis, boules, croquet and children’s play area.

EPIC is close by and provides an incredible insight into Ireland’s cultural heritage and the remarkable influence its citizens contributed to other parts around the world.

The 3 Arena is located close by at North Wall Quay and is a stunning, state-of-the-art entertainment venue, home to world-class events throughout the year.

Convention centre overlooks the River Liffey at Spencer Dock and was designed by the Irish-born American architect Kevin Roche. It is a world-class conference and event venue.