Four Courts
The Four Courts in Dublin which were built in the late 18th Century.
Courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Community and Local GovernmentFour Courts
Courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Community and Local Government
Courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Community and Local Government
Four Courts
The Four Courts in Dublin which were built in the late 18th Century.
Courtesy of Dept. of Environment, Community and Local GovernmentThe Four Courts is the home of the Irish law courts. It is situated on the north quays in Dublin's City Centre and is one of Dublin's main landmarks with its large drum and shallow dome.
The Four Courts is the centre of the Irish justice system, with all major trials being held here. The Central Criminal Court is also part of this building.
The Four Courts are so called because the building originally housed the four courts of Chancery, King's Bench, Exchequer and Common Pleas.
Origin
The Four Courts in Dublin
A view of the Four Courts from the southside of the River Liffey.
The Four Courts in Dublin
The Four Courts in Dublin
A view of the Four Courts from the southside of the River Liffey.
Originally the Four Courts were located in the grounds of Christ Church: however eventually the site was not large enough, and the decision to build new premises was made in 1775.
The Four Courts was built between 1796 and 1802 by the architect James Gandon, who also designed the Custom House. Gandon added further features (courts, hall and dome) to an original design by Thomas Cooley for a Public Records Office.
Dome
Four Courts Dome
After the Civil War, the dome of the Four Courts was rebuilt with reinforced concrete.
Image is reproduced with the permission of the Courts ServiceFour Courts Dome
Image is reproduced with the permission of the Courts Service
Image is reproduced with the permission of the Courts Service
Four Courts Dome
After the Civil War, the dome of the Four Courts was rebuilt with reinforced concrete.
Image is reproduced with the permission of the Courts ServiceThe dome of the Four Courts is one of the most recognisable features of Dublin's skyline. So much so that it even appeared on the front of the old £20 note before the Euro replaced punts.
It is thought that the dome was built to be used as a library but ended up as a holding place for records of the Auditor General.
As with many other notable buildings at the time, the Four Courts was badly damaged during the Irish Civil War. Although the dome was restored structurally after the war, many of the interior decorations were lost forever.