Bank of Ireland, Majestic architecture with historical grandeur

College Green, Dublin

3.7

Introduction

Bank of Ireland was established in 1783 and is one of the four major commercial banks in Ireland. Although it has never served as a central bank, it has had some similar functions. In the history of Irish banks, Bank of Ireland has always had a unique position. Until the 1970s, the Bank of Ireland headquarters was located in the Irish Parliament building in College Green. This was the world's first custom-designed parliament building, designed by Edward Lovett Pearce. The building is semi-circular in shape, covers an area of nearly 6,000 square meters, and is surrounded by an extended columned porch at the main entrance. There are three statues above the porch, representing Ireland, loyalty and accuracy, and commercial wealth. A royal shield is also carved above the entrance. James Gandon later replaced Pearce and renovated the parliament building. An additional entrance was added to the east side, surrounded by six Corinthian columns, with sculptures representing courage, justice, and freedom above. Since then, the parliament building has undergone many renovations.