Apollo House

Apollo House Dublin: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Apollo House, once a prominent modernist office block in Dublin, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural evolution and a focal point of social activism during Ireland’s housing crisis. Erected in 1969 on Tara Street, Apollo House became both a symbol of Dublin’s post-war ambitions and, later, a powerful stage for the Home Sweet Home occupation, which brought national attention to homelessness in Ireland. Though demolished in 2018, the site’s story continues to shape conversations about urban renewal, civic engagement, and community-driven change, especially as it transforms into the new College Square development (Archiseek, Wikipedia, Dublin Live, Irish Times).

This guide explores the origins, architecture, social legacy, and practical visitor details of the Apollo House site—offering insight for those interested in Dublin’s urban and social history.

Origins and Construction of Apollo House
Role in Dublin’s Urban Landscape
Vacancy and Symbolism in the 21st Century
The Home Sweet Home Occupation (2016–2017)
Demolition and Redevelopment
Cultural and Social Significance
Visiting the Apollo House Site and College Square
Summary and Visitor Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Origins and Construction of Apollo House

Constructed in 1969 at Tara Street, Apollo House was part of Dublin’s drive toward urban modernization, replacing several older buildings in the city centre (Wikipedia, Archiseek). Designed by David Keane, also known for the Phibsboro Shopping Centre, the nine-storey structure featured a distinctive aggregate concrete façade with pseudo-Greek lettering. Its name commemorated the Apollo 11 Moon landing, capturing the era’s spirit of innovation.

Apollo House included street-level retail, a multi-level car park, and even a petrol station—characteristic of the multifunctional urban blocks of its time (Archiseek). For decades, it served as an office space for public and private tenants.

Role in Dublin’s Urban Landscape

Apollo House stood as a notable, if controversial, feature in Dublin’s cityscape for nearly 50 years. While some criticized its stark modernism, others saw it as a marker of Dublin’s transformation in the late 20th century (Archiseek). The building was part of a cluster of large office blocks around Tara Street, including Hawkins House and College House, reflecting a broader trend toward centralized business districts (Dublin Live).

Vacancy and Symbolism in the 21st Century

By the 2010s, Apollo House was largely vacant, emblematic of Dublin’s wider property challenges post-2008 financial crisis. Managed by the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), the building’s emptiness became a powerful symbol of the city’s homelessness crisis, contrasting the abundance of unused spaces with the scarcity of emergency accommodation (Irish Post, Dublin Live).

The Home Sweet Home Occupation (2016–2017)

In December 2016, a coalition of activists, artists, and volunteers occupied Apollo House, transforming it into an emergency winter shelter as part of the Home Sweet Home campaign (Irish Times, Wikipedia). Over 27 days, the occupation provided shelter, food, and support to around 205 homeless people, with the effort amplified by public figures such as Glen Hansard, Jim Sheridan, and Hozier (Irish Post).

The occupation ended in January 2017 following a High Court order but left a lasting impact on public consciousness and policy debates around homelessness and vacant property (Irish Post).

Demolition and Redevelopment

Apollo House was demolished in June 2018, making way for the €50 million College Square development, which also replaced adjacent Hawkins House (Dublin Live). The site was acquired by Marlet Property Group for redevelopment into a modern mixed-use district featuring a 22-storey tower—soon to be one of Dublin’s tallest buildings—along with offices, apartments, retail, and new public spaces (The Structural Engineer, Paul Hogarth, The Journal).

During demolition, remains of a historic stone building—possibly a chapel—were uncovered, adding another layer to the site’s story (Wikipedia).

Apollo House’s legacy extends far beyond its architecture. The 2016–2017 occupation, under the Home Sweet Home banner, became a rallying point in the fight for housing justice and brought unprecedented public attention to homelessness in Ireland (Irish Times, RTÉ Brainstorm).

The campaign showcased how vacant urban spaces could be repurposed for social good, highlighting the responsibility of policymakers and property owners. Apollo House’s story has since been commemorated in art, academic studies, and activism, inspiring future campaigns like “Take Back the City” and “Raise the Roof” (RTÉ Brainstorm).

A commemorative plaque now marks the site, honoring those who lost their lives while homeless and ensuring that Apollo House remains part of Dublin’s collective memory (Irish Post).

Visiting the Apollo House Site and College Square

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Apollo House itself no longer exists, and there are no specific visiting hours or ticket requirements for the site. However, College Square is open to the public, with accessible retail, dining, and landscaped pedestrian spaces. Private residential and office areas are restricted. For updates on opening times and events, check the Marlet Property Group website.

Accessibility and Transport

The site is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport:

DART: Tara Street station is adjacent.
Dublin Bus: Multiple routes serve the area.
LUAS: Light rail stops are within walking distance (Visit Dublin).

The area is pedestrian-friendly, with new step-free walkways and public spaces.

Nearby Attractions

Trinity College & Book of Kells: Just minutes away.
Temple Bar: Lively district for culture, nightlife, and dining (Born Globals).
River Liffey: Scenic walks and views of Dublin’s bridges.
Custom House & O’Connell Street: Iconic landmarks nearby.
Shopping: Grafton Street and George’s Arcade for retail and local eats (Ireland Before You Die).

Practical Visitor Tips

Getting Around: Use a Visitor Leap Card for easy public transport access (Born Globals).
Best Time to Visit: Weekends are quieter; weekdays are busier with office traffic (Visit Dublin).
Local Customs: Tipping is customary; bring reusable bags due to plastic bag levies.
Safety: Central Dublin is generally safe, but remain aware, especially at night.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit Apollo House today?
A: The original Apollo House building was demolished in 2018. Visitors can explore the College Square development at the former site and learn about its history through tours and online resources.

Q: Are there guided tours of the Apollo House site?
A: While there are no official guided tours of College Square, some walking tours of Dublin’s social history include the former Apollo House as a point of interest.

Q: Is there a memorial for the Home Sweet Home campaign?
A: A commemorative plaque exists, but there is no large formal memorial on site.

Q: Is College Square open to the public?
A: Yes, public spaces like the landscaped areas and pedestrian walkways are open during daylight hours; private residential and office sections are not accessible.

Q: How do I get to the Apollo House/College Square site?
A: The site is accessible by DART (Tara Street Station), numerous bus routes, and is within walking distance of central Dublin landmarks.

Summary and Visitor Recommendations

Apollo House’s legacy is one of transformation—architecturally, socially, and politically. Its story embodies the intersection of urban development and grassroots activism, with the 2016 Home Sweet Home occupation marking a historic moment in Ireland’s fight for housing justice (Irish Times, RTÉ Brainstorm).

Today, visitors can experience the next chapter at College Square, reflect on Apollo House’s social significance, and explore nearby attractions that form the fabric of Dublin’s vibrant city centre. For those interested in Dublin’s ongoing housing debate, local walking tours, digital archives, and cultural institutions offer further opportunities to engage with the site’s enduring story.