Historic St Patrick’s Tower Reopens as New Cultural and Events Space in Dublin 8
One of The Liberties’ most recognisable landmarks has been given a new lease of life, as The Digital Hub officially opens the ground floor of St Patrick’s Tower for the first time since the 1860s.
Standing proudly above The Liberties for more than 250 years, St Patrick’s Tower has long been a familiar feature of the Dublin 8 skyline. Following an extensive programme of conservation and restoration works, the historic former windmill has reopened as an intimate new space for exhibitions, events and community activities.
Officially opened on 20 October 2026 by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Daryl Barron, the project was funded and supported by Dublin City Council and delivered by the Digital Hub Development Agency.
The restored ground floor can accommodate up to 50 people and offers a wheelchair-accessible venue with excellent acoustics and a distinctive historic setting. It will be available to local businesses, artists, cultural organisations, community groups, schools and colleges, alongside The Digital Hub’s member companies.
An Evening of Poetry, Music and Celebration
The reopening was marked by a special cultural evening featuring poetry and traditional Irish music within the newly restored space.
A highlight of the occasion was the world premiere of The Angels’ Share, a specially commissioned poem by acclaimed Irish poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin. Taking its title from the distilling term for the portion of spirit that naturally evaporates from whiskey barrels during maturation, the work paid tribute to the tower’s connection to the whiskey-making heritage of The Liberties.
The evening also featured poetry readings by Annemarie Ní Churreáin and Gerard Smyth, alongside traditional music performed by Niamh Landale and Majella O Beirne of Na Píobairí Uilleann (the Society of Irish Pipers) and Irish folk duo, Heron Red.
Speaking at the opening, Lord Mayor Daryl Barron highlighted the importance of finding new uses for historic buildings, allowing them to remain active parts of the city while preserving their character for future generations.
From Windmill to Cultural Landmark
Dating back to 1757, St Patrick’s Tower was originally known as Roe’s Windmill and played an important role in the industrial history of The Liberties.
The windmill formed part of the Thomas Street Distillery, which later became associated with George Roe & Co., one of Dublin’s great whiskey distilling businesses. Its enormous sails once harnessed the wind to grind barley for whiskey production, before advances in steam technology made them redundant in the early 19th century.
The tower later acquired its distinctive copper cupola and St Patrick weathervane, becoming the landmark we recognise today.
Over the centuries, the building has witnessed the transformation of The Liberties from a thriving centre of industry and distilling to the vibrant cultural and creative neighbourhood it is today.
Preserving the Past, Creating Space for the Future
The restoration has carefully balanced the conservation of the tower’s historic character with the creation of a contemporary space for public use.
Works included the renovation of the ground floor, conservation of the building’s exterior, careful repointing of sections of the structure and the installation of new seating.
The Digital Hub also commissioned historian Catherine Scuffil to research and document the history of St Patrick’s Tower. New interpretation panels, both inside and outside the building, now share its story and its place within the industrial heritage of The Liberties.
A New Cultural Space for Dublin 8
The tower’s first official event following its reopening will take place as part of Beta Festival, Ireland’s festival of art and technology, which returns to The Digital Hub campus in November 2026.
The new venue adds to Dublin 8’s growing network of cultural spaces, offering opportunities for exhibitions, performances, talks and community gatherings.
For Culture Date with Dublin 8, the reopening is a welcome example of how the neighbourhood’s historic buildings can be preserved while finding new purpose in the cultural life of the area.
After more than 160 years, St Patrick’s Tower is once again a space that people can step inside, experience and enjoy, connecting the industrial heritage of The Liberties with its creative future.
Find out more about St Patrick’s Tower, its history and The Digital Hub at www.thedigitalhub.com.
Photo Credits: Mark Stedman on behalf of Digital Hub Development Agency
