Dublin Docklands facts for kids

Map of Dublin; the Dublin Docklands are circled.

The Samuel Beckett Bridge and the Convention Centre Dublin are important landmarks in the Docklands.

A view of the Dublin Docklands from east to west.

The Dublin Docklands (which is Ceantar Dugaí Átha Cliath in Irish) is a special part of Dublin, Ireland. It stretches along both sides of the River Liffey. This area goes from the Talbot Memorial Bridge all the way east to the 3Arena. Most of it is in the D01 and D02 postal districts. Some parts also touch the D04 district on the south side.

In recent years, the Docklands has been completely transformed. It used to be an old port area. Now, it's a modern business hub. It's like an extension of Dublin's International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). The IFSC is a big area for banks and financial companies. Many new companies have moved into the Docklands. After a slow period, the area started growing fast again around 2014.

Many cool new buildings and structures have been built here. These include the Samuel Beckett Bridge and the LUAS tram line extension. There are also exciting places like the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The 3Arena concert venue and the Convention Centre Dublin are also found here.

What's Happening in the Docklands?

The sign for the Grand Canal Docks.

The Dublin Docklands is always changing. New buildings and parks are being created. Some projects are still being built, while others are already finished.

New Projects Being Built

• In 2014, a special plan was approved for the Docklands. This plan allows for many new buildings. It includes 366,000 square metres of office space. Also, 2,600 new homes will be built. These projects are happening in the North Lotts and Grand Canal Dock areas.

Completed Projects You Can See

A view of Grand Canal Square. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is on the left. The Marker Hotel is in the middle.

• Spencer Dock: This area has modern apartments and offices. It also has a park and places for fun activities. The Convention Centre Dublin is located here.
• Point Village: This area is next to the 3Arena. It has a hotel, shops, and offices. There is also a cinema with 12 screens.
• Grand Canal Dock: This project changed an old industrial site into a lively area. It has many offices and apartments. You can also find shops, restaurants, and bars here. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and a five-star hotel are part of this area. This part of the Docklands is sometimes called Silicon Docks. It is home to the European offices of big tech companies like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Dublin Landings: A large new development with offices and homes.
• The Exo Building: A very tall and modern office building.
• Central Square Park: This is a small park located near the Spencer Dock Luas tram station. It opened in 2014.
• Royal Canal Linear Park: This is a one-kilometre long public park. It runs along the banks of the Royal Canal. The park has playgrounds, new bridges, and sports facilities. It was officially opened in 2020.
• Green on Red Gallery: This is an art gallery that has been open since 1992.

Getting Around the Docklands

A Luas tram at Spencer Dock.

It's easy to get around the Dublin Docklands. There are many ways to travel.

• DART Trains: The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) has four stations nearby. Connolly Station and Tara Street Station are close to the IFSC. Pearse Station and Grand Canal Dock Station serve the south side of the Docklands. DART trains run very often during busy times.
• Luas Trams: Dublin's tram service, called Luas, has an extension into the northside Docklands. It stops at Georges Dock, Mayor Square, and Spencer Dock. The tram line ends at The Point, near the 3Arena. Luas trams run every few minutes during busy times.
• Local Train Service: Iarnród Éireann opened the Docklands railway station in 2007. This station connects the Docklands to places like Maynooth and the M3 Parkway.
• Dublin Bikes: There are many Dublin Bikes stations in the Docklands. You can rent a bike at places like Custom House Quay, City Quay, and Grand Canal Dock. This is a great way to explore the area.

Places to Stay

The Dublin Docklands has many hotels if you want to visit.

• On the north side of the river, you can find the Gibson Hotel. It is close to the 3Arena. The Spencer Hotel IFSC and Hilton Garden Inn are also here. They are both near the Convention Centre Dublin.
• On the south side of the river, there is the Maldron Hotel on Cardiff Lane. The Marker Hotel is on Grand Canal Square. Both are close to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The Ferryman Hotel is also on this side, above the Ferryman Pub.