The dome of the Four Courts is an iconic Dublin landmark. We will occasionally offer visits to the upper dome, facilitated by our colleagues in the OPW.
Visits to the dome of the Four Courts are occasionally offered, which are facilitated and led by the Office of Public Works. Tours begin in the Round Hall for an introduction and donning of safety equipment before proceeding up to the dome by staircase. Strict conditions are laid out and you should note the visit is not suitable for persons with mobility issues. See 'Safety Requirements' below.
No tours are currently scheduled.
The lower and upper domes are visible in James Gandon's designs (image courtesy Irish Architectural Archive).
The space between the domes was originally used to store records that eventually became a weight hazard and were moved to the Public Records Office, and is where visitors can be taken on site visits.
The dome is an active construction site.
Visitors on scheduled tours should be aware of steep climbs and narrow stairways. Sturdy footware is a must, which means decent hiking boots, or alternative, with a hard, flat sole.
Runners, pumps or anything with a high heel are not suitable and won’t be allowed on site.
Hard hats and hi-vis vests will be supplied to visitors and are mandatory to wear. Visitors will be accompanied at all times.
The capitals that support the dome are in poor condition, having been damaged by past events, including the 1922 civil war, when the roof and much of the structure were destroyed. A restoration programme was completed in 1932, but a century later each capital is being carefully removed for structural examination. Carving of replacement capitals has been taking place at Irish Natural Stone Ltd. Each capital has been hand-carved by a team of stonemasons, with over 1,000 hours of work required per capital. The masons use traditional techniques to mould and finish by hand blocks of Portland Stone, in accordance with best conservation principles.
Looking upwards from the Round Hall, the scaffolding for hoisting stonework is visible through the oculus.
Viewing the Round Hall from the oculus.