The Four Courts of Dublin, also occasionally known as „The Four Goldmines“, are these days a complex dedicated to more than the historic four courts (see below) - but the building named after them still is one of Dublin's signature buildings. James Gandon built the seat of Ireland's Supreme Court between 1786 and 1802, incorporating an earlier building by Thomas Cooley (built between 1776 and 1784) into the whole structure.
During the struggle for Irish independence the Four Courts was seen as a strategic objective and a good place to shell, today's building is the 1931 restoration. Thankfully it was a restoration as near to the original as possible and sensible.
The building is best seen from Merchants Quay and the Liffey bridges. Then take a stroll around the building and take in the size of the whole complex. The original Four Courts, all of which could be reached from the central hall under the cupola, were the Court of the Exchequer, Court of Common Pleas, King's Bench and the Court of Chancery. A whiff of the old times can be had when busy barristers pressed for time hurry from their offices into court, wearing black robes and even occasionally their wigs.
At the rear of the Four Courts you'll normally notice a high number of prisoner transport vehicles – it is advisable to halt photography when prisoners are actually brought in, some might take exception. In a very vocal way that also tends to arouse the emotions of friends and supporters gathering nearby ...
