Seeing the Sights - Dublin - page 99

1919, to adopt Ireland's Declaration of Independence and ratify the
Proclamation of the Irish Republic by the insurgents of 1916. Ride
the DART to Pearse, or take bus no. 10, 11A, 11B, 13, or 20B.
Bank of Ireland Centre/Parliament House Although it's
now a busy bank, this building was erected in 1729 to house the
Irish Parliament. It became superfluous when the British and Irish
parliaments were merged in London. In fact, the Irish Parliament
voted itself out of existence, becoming the only recorded parliament
in history to do so. Highlights include the windowless front portico,
built to avoid distractions from the outside when Parliament was in
session, and the unique House of Lords chamber. The room is
famed for its Irish oak woodwork, 18th-century tapestries, golden
mace, and a sparkling Irish crystal chandelier of 1,233 pieces, dat-
ing from 1765.
This is also the home of the Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, which
plays host to an impressive program of art exhibitions, concerts, and
poetry readings. Entry to readings, lunchtime recitals, and exhibi-
tions is free.
2 College Green, Dublin 2. & 01/661-5933, ext. 2265. Free admission. Mon-Wed
and Fri 10am-4pm; Thurs 10am-5pm. Guided 45-min. tours of House of Lords
chamber Tues 10:30am, 11:30am, and 1:45pm (except holidays). DART: Tara St. Bus:
Any city-center bus.
Custom House The Custom House, which sits prominently on
the Liffey's north bank, is one of Dublin's finest Georgian buildings.
Designed by James Gandon and completed in 1791, it is beautifully
proportioned, with a long classical facade of graceful pavilions,
arcades, and columns, and a central dome topped by a 5m (16-ft.)
statue of Commerce. The 14 keystones over the doors and windows
are known as the Riverine Heads, because they represent the Atlantic
Ocean and the 13 principal rivers of Ireland. Although burned to a
shell in 1921, the building has been masterfully restored and its
bright Portland stone recently cleaned. The visitor center's exhibi-
tions and audiovisual presentation unfold the remarkable history of
the structure from its creation by James Gandon to its reconstruction
after the War of Independence.
Custom House Quay, Dublin 1. & 01/888-2538. € 1.25 ($1.50) adults, € 4 ($4.80)
families. Mid-Mar to Oct Mon-Fri 10am-12:30pm, Sat-Sun 2-5pm; Nov to mid-
Mar Wed-Fri 10am-12:30pm, Sun 2-5pm. DART: Tara St.
Four Courts Home to the Irish law courts since 1796, this fine
18th-century building overlooks the north bank of the Liffey on
Dublin's west side. With a sprawling 132m (440-ft.) facade, it was