Smithfield is an area on the Northside of the city centre in Dublin 7. It’s one of the most historic parts of the city and its focal point is Smithfield Square, now called Smithfield Plaza. This has been a thriving market place since the late 17th Century and in recent years has been redeveloped to become one of Dublin’s premier commercial and cultural districts. Here you can stroll through the many food markets, art galleries, shops, pub’s and café’s or take a tour of the two main attractions in Smithfield; The Old Jameson Irish Whiskey distillery, or why not reach new heights and take a trip up to the Smithfield Chimney Viewing Tower? The views of Dublin’s fair city from here are stunning to say the least. Read on for more…
The Smithfield Chimney viewing tower was originally used to distil Ireland’s famous Jameson Whiskey. Built back in 1895 it’s used today as an observation tower and it’s one of Dublin’s tallest landmarks reaching a height of 60 meters. The viewing tower consists of a two-tier glass enclosed observation platform located at the very top of The Chimney of The Old Jameson Distillery with a glass elevator that will take you to the platform.
A trip to the top of this observation tower will give you a spectacular and aerial view of Dublin’s city centre with full 360º views. Top Dublin attractions you can see from here include Croke Park, The Spire, Phoenix Park, River Liffey, Saint Stephen’s Green as well as many other famous landmarks. On a clear day you can see as far north as The Mourne Mountains located in County Down, and as far south as the beautiful County of Wicklow.
Entrance fees and opening times…
Admission fees for the Chimney Viewing Tower are as follows:
Adults: 5.00 Euro
Students: 3.50 Euro
Children (under the age of 12 years): 3.50 Euro
Family ticket: 10.00 Euro.
Groups are advised to book well in advance.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sundays: 11am to 5.30pm.
The Jameson Distillery proudly states that a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery is much more than just a tour, and how true this is. Whiskey isn’t made here anymore but you can avail of a guided tour of this amazing restored 17th century building and learn about (as well as sample) Jameson Irish Whiskey.
You will learn of ‘The Jameson Irish Whiskey Story’ from the time it arrives at the barley stage, to malting and milling, mashing and fermenting and from distilling to maturing. Watch out fro the interactive information screens available throughout and see how the fine oak barrels are created and branded. Volunteers will be requested during the tour to sample some of the products so be ready to put that hand up and offer your services!
For evening entertainment why not avail of ‘Shindig Nights’, priced at just 60.00 Euro per person. You can sample fine food as you are entertained with song and dance and why not wash it all down with a glass of some Jameson Irish Whiskey? There’s also a shop on-site where you can purchase your favourite Jameson to bring home. Facilities include a restaurant that can seat about 80 people and disabled access.
How to get here…
By LUAS - The Tram or LUAS (Red Line) ‘Smithfield’ Stop is located next to the tower and the distillery.
By bus - Take bus numbers 25, 25A, 67, 67A from Middle Abbey Street, bus numbers 68, 69, 79 from Aston Quay or the number 90 from Connolly, Tara and Heuston Stations. All buses stop at Merchants Quay except for the number 90 from Heuston Station, this stops Arran Quay. The Merchants Quay bus stop is about a 3 minute walk away.
If you need accommodation in the city check out our Dublin hotels page.
