The Four Courts

Have you ever wondered how Ireland’s legal system works? Right here, in front of us, stands the iconic Four Courts, a building that has been at the heart of Irish justice for over two centuries. Look at the grand structure; it was designed by famous architects, Thomas Cooley and James Gandon, and it originally housed the country’s main legal offices. Imagine, before the Four Courts, Ireland’s legal system was constantly moving around. In 1775, the decision was made to bring all the different courts together in one place to create a unified system. This meant the end of an era where justice was administered in various locations – the buildings of Christ Church, Dublin Castle, and even beyond, where the old Brehon laws were once in use.
The original Four Courts, built in 1776, were focused on the western courtyard, housing offices and the King’s Inns. When Cooley passed away, James Gandon, known for his work on the Customs House, continued the project. He added two quadrangles for legal records and a central block for the Four Courts of Chancery, Exchequer, King’s Bench and Common Pleas. The architectural masterpiece was completed in 1796.
Sadly, the Civil War in 1922 brought destruction to the Four Courts. The west wing was destroyed by a bomb explosion, wiping out the Irish Public Record Office and almost a thousand years of archives. The building was restored and reopened in 1932. Today, the Four Courts houses the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court, and the Dublin Circuit Court. Although the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate St. have taken over criminal cases since 2010, the Four Courts remains a symbol of Ireland’s rich legal history and a significant landmark in Dublin.