Architect: James Gandon
Interior Access
The finished external design consisted of four façades each subtlety different but consistent and linked by identical corner pavilions. The exterior of the building is richly adorned with sculptures and coats-of-arms by Thomas Banks, Agnostino Carlini and Edward Smyth who carved a series of sculpted keystones symbolising the rivers of Ireland. The main façade (above) is typical of James Gandon's façade treatment with an interplay between projections of block with the two end pavilions projected clear of the arcaded sections. Originally the windows on the first floor alternated between windows and blind niches but this was changed during the reconstruction following the fire. The central block is based on the design of the pavilions with a pavilion façade each side of the entrance portico.
In the plan above which shows the building as originally constructed, there were two courtyards either side of a great hall. This hall destroyed in the fire was never rebuilt and a single storey block replaced it. Visually this is invisible from outside but from above and internally, the original intent is lost. Originally the eastern block was a bonded warehouse and was framed by two portals into the courtyard. The entrance into the Great Hall was processional through the entrance hall which opens up into the centre of the dome. To either side are two smaller domed chambers connecting to side corridors.
The eastern side (above) was enclosed in the 19th century as a dining hall. Originally this was a bonded warehouse with entrance portals through to the eastern courtyard at each end. The northern façade is place on an axis with Gardiner Street - ending the magnificent vista from Mountjoy Square. This façade is visually more horizontal than the main façade as it lacks the vertical emphasis of the drum and dome.
Above is an illustration of the vaulted arcades that run along the main southern front of the building.