North Wall

Hidden beneath the clamor of Dublin, the North Wall whispers tales of a bygone era. The North Wall isn’t just a place; it’s a time capsule. It stretches from the imposing Custom House to the bustling Dublin Port. This area encompasses historic George’s Dock, the modern Spencer Dock, the tranquil Royal Canal, and the vibrant streets of Mayor Street, Guild Street, and Sheriff Street. Originally, the North Wall, taking its name from the North Bull Wall built in the 18th and 19th centuries, referred to the area between Sheriff Street and the Liffey. The very land we stand on was reclaimed from the sea thanks to the construction of the North Bull Wall. This wall served a dual purpose: extending the Liffey estuary and shaping Dublin Port as we know it today. Imagine the scene in the early 1700s. Dublin Corporation, eager to expand the city, began a lottery. They divided the newly reclaimed land, known as the North Lotts, among themselves. By 1750, this area was fully reclaimed, no longer subject to the whims of the tide. Street names like Mayor Street, Sheriff Street, and Guild Street reflect the city’s governance and trade. The area around Castleforbes takes its name from a house built in 1729 by George Forbes, the 3rd Earl of Granard and a former Lord Mayor of Dublin. This site later became home to a Lever Brothers factory, built on the former grounds of the Dublin Glass Bottle Company. Today, the North Wall stands as a testament to Dublin’s evolving identity. Modern apartments and offices rise alongside remnants of the old docklands. The echoes of dockworkers and bustling trade mingle with the rhythm of modern life. The International Financial Services Centre, Spencer Dock, and the main part of Dublin Port call the North Wall home. The North Wall’s story continues to be written, a blend of past and present, industry and innovation, all set against the backdrop of the River Liffey.