I can remember the point in time at which this whole area of the Liffey was quiet. It was all derelict, old warehouses. Trust me, it is a completely different area now. The Google Dublin Gordon House complex is a real landmark and a real sign of the times. It is a real statement of the massive growth of the area in which Google is located. It is right in the heart of the Grand Canal Dock area, one of the most dynamic parts of the city and widely regarded as one of the best areas to live in Dublin today.
You should totally come here and experience it for yourself. It is a perfect representation of the global influence of the city itself. I believe you can feel the ambition here. This campus is home to more than 5,000 of the company’s workforce. More than 65 nationalities are represented. This is a global village in a small spot. It is an amazing, exciting destination. You can bet that it is where the future of Dublin is being shaped.
So, how are we going to see this incredible campus?
- First, I’ll show you the quickest way to get directly to the huge HQ.
- Next, we look for secret spots to take the best campus photo.
- At last, I’ll let you in on my recommendations for the best tours and hotels for your stay.
Location and Accessibility: For First-Time Visitors
Finding Gordon House: Address and Immediate Surroundings
It is named Gordon House, and it is situated on Barrow Street. The official postcode of this center is D04 V4X7. However, I must point out that this is merely the initial setup or base. This is actually the core of a massive complex encompassing a campus.
This massive property is no less than 47,000 square meters in area. This is more than 510,000 square feet. This enormous area accommodates thousands of virtuous employees. This is actually the mighty global brain of my beloved city.
Getting There: Transport Links for Tourists
Accessing the campus is very easy for you. The DART coastal train is the absolute best for you. Grand Canal Dock Station is literally right opposite. This means that accessing the campus is very easy for you. It is also a rapid transport from the city centre. It takes approximately €3.30 (Network Zone 1) one way.
If you’re planning a longer stay and want to explore more of the city efficiently, pairing your visit with nearby highlights like the best parks in Dublin or scenic walking routes makes perfect sense.
This is one of the busiest train stations with more than 4.2 million passengers annually. You can also enjoy the walk from Trinity College. It takes about 22 minutes (1.7km). If you use a taxi, you should monitor the time closely. A trip from the city centre costs between €12 to €18. However, you should note that prices skyrocket by more than €10 between 12 pm and 2:30 pm.
Architectural Spotting: What You Can See (And What You Can’t)
The Gordon House Exterior: A Photo Tour
Let me tell you one simple rule: you cannot go inside Gordon House. Strictly invitation-only access can be allowed inside. You should have an employee of Google to get inside. Security is active all day and night here. But the real thing to visit is the exterior. Gordon House has a cool, modern glass facade. The huge and prominent logo of Google is the essential photo op-you’ve got to get a snap there.
But the real thing to visit is the exterior. Gordon House has a cool, modern glass facade. The huge and prominent logo of Google is the essential photo op—you’ve got to get a snap there. This location consistently ranks as one of the best views in Dublin for lovers of modern architecture and city photography.
The main feature that I think I will like is the Hyperlink Bridge. It’s a curving steel and glass connection between Gordon House and Montevetro. Rather icon-like, one might say. This was completed in 2014. It ties the whole development together visually. The campus literally appears to be one single building.
Local Tip: You know, that usual plaza shot? Skip it. Just head up onto the DART platform over the street. It’s this unexpected, out-of-the-way, overhead spot for just a perfect panorama. You get the entire campus skyline. I always tell my friends to shoot the bridge lights at dusk.
Exploring the Wider Google Campus (The Docks & Montevetro)
I want you to see something more than Gordon House; the name really covers the whole vibe of the campus. It includes the dramatic Montevetro tower, a striking, colourful building 15 stories tall, reaching a height of 67 meters.
Google purchased this huge building back in 2011; it is very often referred to simply as Google Docks nowadays. This is the real “lynchpin of Silicon Docks”. The architecture here is sharp and futuristic, perfectly reflecting the scale of tech wealth inside.
Commercial Opportunities: Nearby Stays and Tours
Accommodation Near the Tech Hub
If you would like to remain in the midst of the action, then this is the spot for you. All of the hotels in the area of Google are current and of a very high class. They are all within a five-minute walk. The Marker Hotel is only 400 meters away. It is a fantastic five-star hotel. I have noticed that the rates there begin from approximately €353.
One other good alternative is the Maldron Grand Canal Hotel. It is 300 meters away with great plaza views. Budget-conscious tourists should try the Grand Canal Hotel. It is 500 meters away with rates beginning from €130 and also in good proximity to the Gibson Hotel. It is an excellent spot if you are using the Luas Red Line.
If you are planning shopping, dining, or downtime after exploring the campus, nearby options rival some of the best shopping centres in Dublin for convenience and atmosphere.
It is good to stay here because of its up-to-date, luxurious facilities. This is excellent for accessing the city or the Docklands. Comes the temptation to pamper yourselves with a stay in this incredible area?
Guided Tours That Pass Through the Silicon Docks
As you cannot go into the area, I would suggest taking a guided tour. Local tours include the interesting history of Silicon Docks. Dublin Bay Cruises provide a special view from the water. It costs approximately €20 for one hour. It provides a unique campus view from the water.
You can also go for the Silicon Docks Walking Tour. These tours cost approximately €25. These tours also last for about 90 minutes. These walking tours provide information about the history of tech in the area as well as the graffiti found in the region.
This is the perfect way to get a feel for the unique tech culture that this area boasts. This is something that I would definitely recommend in conjunction with your visit to the EPIC Museum. A combo ticket for both EPIC and the Jeanie Johnston costs only €25.
Visitor Engagement and Insider Tips
The Best Time to Visit and Vibe Check
Want to get a real feel for the Silicon Docks? Come out here on a weekday. It is busiest at lunchtime. This is between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. More than a thousand tech employees pour into the area. It is raw, uninterrupted people-watching bliss for you. This is what it means to be in such a dynamic area.
Want the best pictures? Go on a Sunday morning between 10:00 and 2:00. The campus is like a ghost town at that time. It is quiet and completely empty for your pictures. The summer twilight is also stunning here.
My personal recommendation for good coffee nearby? Avoid the big chains. A coffee at Nutbutter for about €4.50 is the way to go. It is very popular with the locals among techies. If you are there for lunch, you should definitely order the wraps from Spice India for €12-15.
Connecting the Dots: Linking to Other Dublin Attractions
I would like you to know that it is very easy to connect your campus visit with other locations. There are plenty of things to do around the area. Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship is just a 12-minute walk away. The EPIC Irish Emigration Museum is not far either.
I am aware that it is no stranger to the title of the Leading Tourist Attraction in Europe, having achieved this feat three times. The massive Convention Centre Dublin is a five-minute walk away. Not to mention that the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is also nearby. It is very easy to plan a flawless day out.
Take a Piece of the Future Home
A visit to the Google Dublin Gordon House is incredible if you know where to go, and with this blog of mine…now you do! It reflects the new life Dublin is enjoying, marrying global technology with the Irish experience. Built to international architectural standards, the area is best appreciated in person, where the dynamic energy of the tech quarter truly comes alive.
Did you get a good picture of Gordon House? Show us your photo and tag us! Get involved with the Dublin of the Future today and follow Dublinz Facebook and Dublinz Instagram for more!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can tourists visit inside Google Dublin HQ?
No, the campus does not allow public tours. One needs an invitation from the working employee. The only option is viewing the great exterior architecture. Sometimes employee-led visits happen for selected events; however, this facility remains restricted to the public for security reasons, as this is one of the high-profile headquarters of EMEA.
How do I get to Google Dublin from the city centre?
Take the DART by train to Grand Canal Dock; this takes approximately eight minutes. The same journey on foot from Trinity College will take about 22 minutes. Other options include the Luas Green Line to Grand Canal and cycling routes along the Dodder River, which are very popular these days because of the great e-bike trends in Dublin.
What are the best photo spots at the Google Dublin campus?
The best photo spots are the Barrow Street entrance. Also, try the Hyperlink Bridge. The DART platform is different and elevated for panoramic views. These places attract Instagram users with their ultra-modern design, especially during the ‘golden hour’ because the reflections on the canal double up the futurism.
What hotels are near Google Dublin?
The Marker Hotel is a five-star luxury hotel at €353. The Maldron offers great plaza views for €220, while the more budget-conscious would find the Grand Canal Hotel at €130. These options work well for the tech visitor, and many events are held in the Marker, near the innovative architecture of the campus.
Is the Google Dublin campus safe for tourists?
Yes, the area is very secure for visitors. It’s a well-lit tech district. There is security on campus 24/7. Because of its low crime rates and the presence of corporate businesses at any time, Grand Canal Dock is perfect for even daytime photography and strolls.
What is the best time to photograph Google Dublin?
Save Grand Canal Dock on Sunday mornings, when the commuter crowds are minimal, and you can shoot its modern architecture unobtrusively. Noon in winter provides soft light that creates dramatic shadows on the Hyperlink Bridge. During the summer, time captures the golden hues reflecting off the canal, enhancing the glass facades that make this such a futuristic campus.