Architectural Dublin / 19th Century / Connolly Station

Architect: William Deane Butler
Interior Access

Originally constructed for the Drogheda and Dublin Railway Company, this was the first of the four major Dublin Railway termini to be constructed. Still in use today, it has been renamed Connolly Station after James Connolly who was executed for his part in the 1916 rising although many people still refer to it as Amiens Station.

The station was built between 1844-46, and it is constructed on an axis with Talbot Street allowing the central tower to act as a signpost for the station. A symmetrical five bay facade with three towers and an enormous entrance arch - the main facade does not hang together particularly well as an integrated design.

The interior of the structure is disappointing. Like Heuston Station, there appears to have been little money left for the interiors or the station concourse and railway shed. There are substantial and impressive vaults beneath the building.