Custom House
Dublin's imposing Custom House was completed in 1791. However, merely nine years later, the Act of Union ended Ireland's self-rule and transferred its customs and excise authority to London, rendering the building obsolete.
In 1921, following Ireland's declaration of independence, Sinn Féin celebrated their victory by setting the building alight as they saw it a symbol of 700 years of British imperalism and oppression. The fire blazed for five days. Re-construction began in 1926, though the building was not fully restored and re-opened until 1991.
Custom House
Dublin's imposing Custom House was completed in 1791. However, merely nine years later, the Act of Union ended Ireland's self-rule and transferred its customs and excise authority to London, rendering the building obsolete.
In 1921, following Ireland's declaration of independence, Sinn Féin celebrated their victory by setting the building alight as they saw it a symbol of 700 years of British imperalism and oppression. The fire blazed for five days. Re-construction began in 1926, though the building was not fully restored and re-opened until 1991.