Custom House, Dublin

This neoclassical landmark stands on the north bank of the Liffey and is regarded as one of Dublin's finest Georgian buildings. Designed by James Gandon and completed in 1791, it originally served the collection of customs duties for the busy port. Its long façade is crowned by a copper dome and decorated with carved heads representing Ireland's rivers. Badly damaged by fire during the War of Independence in 1921, it was restored and now houses government offices, with a visitor centre explaining its history.