Techies Unite at The Grand Canal Dock
The Grand Canal Docks might sound like a place where fishmongers and fishermen flock to, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The Grand Canal Docks is a tech haven’s promenade that houses some of Dublin’s most massive tech giants.
When I first went there, I actually thought we were going to buy fish. Instead, we were having dinner while watching the light show for the Grand Canal Square and the other buildings around it that were lined by the bay of the River Liffey.
If you’re looking to enter and learn more about Dublin’s premier tech hub, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got tips and suggestions for all the best places to hit when you’re in the area to make your trip that much more worthwhile.
What Is The Grand Canal Dock Known For?
The Grand Canal Dock is also known as Silicon Docks, as it has transformed into a popular location for multinational technology companies to set up their base of operations in both Ireland and Europe.
Best Time To Go To The Grand Canal Dock
There really is barely any congestion at the Grand Canal Dock, as it’s a tech hub first before it’s a tourist spot. However, the best time to head to the Grand Canal Dock is in the early-to-late afternoon, as this is when most of the shops are open.
Things To Know About The Grand Canal Dock
Address: The Grand Canal Dock is located in the Grand Canal Dock district, which is on the southern side of the River Liffey. It’s close to popular destinations such as Merrion Square Park, St. Stephen’s Green, and the National Gallery of Ireland.
Parking: There are quite a few different car parks at the Grand Canal Dock. Some of these included the Grand Canal Car Park and Q-Park Grand Canal Square.
How To Get To The Grand Canal Dock
Car: The best way to get to the Grand Canal Dock by car is through the R802, also known as Pearse Street. You can also head there through Townsend Street, the Samuel Beckett Bridge, or Sir John Rogerson’s Quay.
Dublin Bus: There are quite a few different bus stops at Grand Canal Dock. Here is a list of the closest bus stops in the area and the routes that pass through them.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 27 | Pearse Square Stop / Grand Canal Quay | Monday to Friday:5:15 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 47 | Pearse Square Stop / Grand Canal Quay | Monday to Friday:7:40 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:7:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:9:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 52 | Pearse Square Stop / Grand Canal Quay | Monday to Friday:4:55 AM – 10:50 PM Saturday:6:05 AM – 10:50 PM Sunday:8:05 AM – 10:50 PM |
| Route 56A | Pearse Square Stop / Grand Canal Quay | Monday to Saturday:6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:9:45 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 77A | Pearse Square Stop / Grand Canal Quay | Monday to Friday:6:00 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:20 AM – 11:20 PM Sunday:8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route C1 | Pearse Square Stop / Grand Canal Quay | Monday to Friday:4:48 AM – 3:58 AM Saturday:4:58 AM – 3:58 AM Sunday:5:01 AM – 4:01 AM |
| Route C2 | Pearse Square Stop / Grand Canal Quay | Monday to Friday:5:18 AM – 4:28 AM Saturday:5:31 AM – 4:31 AM Sunday:5:31 AM – 4:31 AM |
| Route C3 | Pearse Square Stop / Grand Canal Quay | Monday to Friday:5:32 AM – 4:36 AM Saturday:5:38 AM – 4:35 AM Sunday:5:38 AM – 4:36 AM |
| Route C4 | Pearse Square Stop / Grand Canal Quay | Monday to Friday:4:52 AM – 11:02 PM Saturday:5:01 AM – 11:01 PM Sunday:5:03 AM – 11:03 PM |
Bike: You can easily get to the Grand Canal Dock through the same streets we suggested in the car section. There is also bike parking at the same car parks we suggested in the parking section.
There are a total of 5 different Dublin Bikes stations in the area. These are located at Lime Street, Grand Canal Dock, Hanover Quay, Benson Street, and Hanover Quay East, respectively.
DART Train System: The closest DART train station near the Grand Canal Dock is the appropriately named Grand Canal Dock station. This station isn’t actually in the main district, but it’s near Grand Canal Quay.
Taxi: You can easily get to Grand Canal Dock by Taxi as it’s a well-known district in Dublin. This may be an expensive option depending on where you’re coming from.
Important Buildings At The Grand Canal Dock
There are quite a few significant buildings at The Grand Canal Dock. These range from important landmarks to offices of tech giant firms.
Grand Canal Square
The Grand Canal Square is the main plaza of Grand Canal Dock. Here you will find a plaza that consists of red resin-glass that is accompanied by illuminated red poles. This is the highlight of the district and is often frequented by tourists.
Alto Vetro
The Alto Vetro is a marvel of architecture that can be found at Silicon Dock. The building is an apartment complex that has been awarded a Silver Medal for Housing by the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland.
Boland’s Mills
Bolland’s Mills was once a functioning mill until it was decommissioned in 2001. After which it had been converted into a variety of residences, commercial spaces, retail sections, and civic spaces.
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is the largest theatre in Ireland. Designed by the Polish-American architect Daniel Liebeskind, and has been a highlight of Silicon Docks since 2010. It was previously known as the Grand Canal Theatre.
The Factory
The Factory is a multipurpose space that focuses on film production. This space houses the Irish Film and Television Network and is fully utilized by the network. It’s also used as a rehearsal and recording studio by artists who frequent the building.
Google Docks
The Google Docks is a commercial building in Dublin and is the main office of Google in the city. It’s iconic for its curving three-pringed steel and transparent glass footbridge that bridges the gap between two sections of the office building.
The Marker Hotel
The Marker Hotel is one of six of The Leading Hotels of the World in Ireland. Designed in 2004, it was constructed in 2013 and serves as the city’s first rooftop terrace and bar.
Millennium Tower
The Millennium Tower is an apartment building that is located on the outer basin of Grand Canal Dock. It’s significant for being the tallest storied building in Dublin from 1998 to 2009.
No. 2, 4, and 5 Grand Canal Square
These three buildings are modern office buildings alongside the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and were the product of architect Daniel Liebeskind. They also hold significance as they are as beautifully constructed as the square itself.
Where To Eat When Visiting The Grand Canal Dock
While there isn’t much to do at the Grand Canal Dock, there are quite a few different places to have a nice meal while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Here are some of the restaurants that we’d highly recommend when visiting the Silicon Dock.
Charlotte Quay
Media Credit: Charlotte Quay Instagram, Charlotte Quay Facebook
Website: https://bereenbrothers.com/charlotte-quay
Address: Charlotte Quay Dock, Millennium Tower, Ground Floor, Ringsend Rd, Dublin 4, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 908 9490
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday:
- 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday:
- 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Charlotte Quay is a restaurant that prides itself on locally sourced ingredients to create an exciting dining experience that focuses on Mediterranean dishes. We’d highly suggest that you try their Meatballs Marinara as it’s a simple dish, yet delicious.
Charlotte Quay is located at the Grand Canal Docks itself, and you simply cannot miss it as it’s inside the Millennium Tower. It is, however, on the other side of the Grand Canal and not near the district’s centre.
Mackenzie’s
Media Credit: Mackenzie’s Instagram, Mackenzie’s Facebook
Website: https://mackenziesdublin.ie
Address: Opus Building, National College of Ireland, 6 Hanover Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin, D02 RR24, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 533 7566
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday:
- 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Mackenzie’s focuses on taste, and they deliver on that tenfold. Made from fresh ingredients, their dishes are hearty and filling. A dish that we’d highly suggest you try is their Roasted Cod, as it’s paired with crab ravioli and crab butter that is incredibly rich.
Mackenzie’s is located at Hanover Quay, which overlooks the Grand Canal Dock itself.
Herb Street
Media Credit: Herb Street Instagram, Herb Street Facebook
Website: https://www.herbstreet.ie
Address: 3 Hanover Quay, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 675 3875
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday:
- 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday:
- 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Herb Street is your friendly neighborhood cafe that has been serving Dublin since 2008. They’re a modern cafe that uses sustainable produce for their dishes. Something great to try is their Irish Cod, as it’s flaky and perfectly seasoned without that fishy taste.
Herb Street is located at Hanover Quay and overlooks the main bend of the Grand Canal, and is close to the Grand Canal Square.
Osteria Lucio
Media Credit: Osteria Lucio Instagram, Osteria Lucio Facebook
Website: https://osterialucio.com
Address: The Malting Tower, Grand Canal Quay, Clanwilliam Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 DW90, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 662 4198
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday, Friday to Saturday:
- 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Thursday:
- 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Osteria Lucio is a contemporary restaurant that has a beautiful brick backdrop alongside some wonderful outdoor seating. We’d highly recommend that you try their Fusilli al Ragu as it’s a umami tomato-based pasta that tastes fresh and is extremely palatable.
Osteria Lucio is located at Grand Canal Quay, which is near Grand Canal Dock station, which is an 8 minute walk to the restaurant from the Grand Canal Dock.
Ryleigh’s Rooftop Steakhouse
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Website: https://ryleighs.ie
Address: 82 N Wall Quay, North Wall, Dublin, D01 XR83, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 245 7911
Price Range: €20 – €40
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday:
- 7:15 AM – 10:45 AM
- 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday:
- 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Ryleigh’s is located on the rooftop of the Mayson and is a wonderful steakhouse that you simply cannot miss when visiting the city. Since it’s a steakhouse, we’d recommend the Striploin as it’s a perfectly marbled cut that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Ryleigh’s is located on the opposite side of the River Liffey, which you can get to via the Samuel Beckett Bridge, which should take you around 14 minutes of walking from Grand Canal Dock.
Where To Stay When Going To The Grand Canal Dock
There are quite a few hotels around the Grand Canal Dock that should suit your fancy. There’s nothing like waking up to a lovely view of Dublin City’s skyline and the wonderful River Liffey. Here are some hotels and hostels that we can recommend.
The Marker Hotel
Media Credit: The Marker Hotel Instagram, The Marker Hotel Facebook
Website: https://www.anantara.com
Address: Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 687 5100
Price Range: Starts at €353
The Marker Hotel is located within the limits of the Grand Canal district and is one of Dublin’s premier world-class hotels. Here you’ll find the typical 5-star experience while being offered some of the best views in Dublin City.
The Marker is located near the banks of the Grand Canal and is near attractions such as the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, and is located at the very centre of the district.
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane
Media Credit: Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane Instagram, Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane Facebook
Website: https://www.claytonhotels.com
Address: Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin Docklands, Dublin, D02 YT21, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 643 9500
Price Range: Starts at €143
The Clayton Hotel at Cardiff Lane is a modern hotel that is close to many of the usual tourist spots around the Grand Canal Docks. They are well-known for the staff’s incredible service and have incredible views of the River Liffey.
The Clayton Hotel at Cardiff Lane is located at the very heart of the Grand Canal Docks and is close to many of the buildings we’ve mentioned in this article. It’s also quite cheap to stay here, despite it being a 4-star hotel.
The Spencer Hotel
Media Credit: The Spencer Hotel Instagram, The Spencer Hotel Facebook
Website: https://www.thespencerhotel.com
Address: Excise Walk, International Financial Services Centre, Dublin 1, D01 X4C9, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 433 8800
Price Range: Starts at €189
The Spencer Hotel is no stranger to those visiting Dublin, as it’s quite well-known among its peers as a modest yet highly classy 4-star hotel. You’ll find yourself overlooking the River Liffey, and it’s the perfect home base to explore Dublin.
The Grand Canal Dock is a short walk away from the Spencer Hotel, as it’s located on the other side of the Samuel Beckett Bridge, on the opposite side of the River Liffey. It’s close to other popular destinations, such as the Convention Centre Dublin.
The Mayson Dublin
Media Credit: The Mayson Dublin Instagram, The Mayson Dublin Facebook
Website: https://themayson.ie
Address: 82 N Wall Quay, North Wall, Dublin, D01 XR83, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 245 7900
Price Range: Starts at €148
The Mayson is a 4-star boutique venue in Dublin and offers a chic style in its decor that will surely attract anyone who’s looking to visit Dublin in style. Here, you’ll find velvet furniture with modern touches that mix the past with the present.
The Mayson is known for its incredible service, and might we add, they have some of the comfiest beds in town. The hotel is a short 14-minute walk to the Grand Canal Dock and is just on the opposite side of the Samuel Beckett Bridge.
Grand Canal Hotel
Media Credit: Grand Canal Hotel Instagram, Grand Canal Hotel Facebook
Website: https://www.grandcanalhotel.ie/en
Address: Grand Canal Street Upper, Dublin, D04 X5X7, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 646 1000
Price Range: Starts at €130
There is no better place to stay at when you’re heading to the Grand Canal Docks than the Grand Canal Hotel. While it isn’t as classy as the Marker Hotel, it makes up for it with its cheap rates and muted, yet comforting, decorations and furniture.
The Grand Canal Hotel isn’t in the Grand Canal Docks, but is instead closer to the Grand Canal Dock station. Don’t worry, as it’s simply a 12-minute walk from the hotel to the district, and you get to explore a few of Dublin’s most traversed streets.
Tips When Visiting The Grand Canal Docks
I know you’re excited to visit the Grand Canal Dock, but hold your horses as we’ve got one more surprise for you. We’ve gathered a few tips from our own experiences to make your trip that much more enjoyable and memorable.
| Wear Sunscreen There aren’t that many trees at the Grand Canal Dock, and we’ve visited there a few times to know that if you’re not wearing sunscreen, then you’ll be a few shades tanner after your visit. Go On The Rooftops While some of the buildings won’t allow you to enter, there are a few buildings that will. If you’re lucky enough to ask around, you’ll be greeted with an amazing view of the city, the River Liffey, and the Grand Canal itself. Visit Pearse Square ParkIf you’ve grown tired of the tall buildings and concrete skyscrapers of the Grand Canal Dock, there is a small park near the bus stop that you can head to. It’s a lovely place to relax after an exhausting trip exploring Silicon Dock. Use Public TransportThe Grand Canal Dock has some of the more pricier hotels and restaurants in Dublin; as such, if you’re looking to save a few euros when travelling, we’d suggest using public transport over taxis. |