This beautiful painting of the Custom House from the Liffey shows the busy port in 19th Century. It is believed to be by the painter Richard Brydges Beechey (1808-1895).

Until 1800 most trade took place on the south side of the River Liffey, but with the opening of the new Custom House in 1791, port development shifted to the north bank of the river. The original Custom House Dock opened in 1796. In 1821 it was supplemented by George’s Dock, which included large warehouses and storage vaults. These formed part of the Custom House Dock Area.