Joshua Harris – Photo Story – Historical piece

After 160 years, St Patrick’s Tower in Dublin 8 has been reopened as a space for exhibitions and events. 

With the help of Dublin City Council, the site was renovated prior to opening to allow for different attractions. 

The renovation and reopening of the tower are part of “the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) Strategic Plan 2026 – 2028” which covers the roadmap that will guide its transformation from a state agency into a new structure under Dublin City Council, marking a major shift for one of Dublin 8’s most prominent innovation clusters (Digital Hub website). 

 On Thomas Street, the Dublin 8 Digital Hub Space can be located on Roe Lane, visible from the archway sign.

According to historian Catherine Scuffil, as reported by the Irish Independent, the tower is a “hidden gem” that needs to be searched for, as  you can see it “for miles around” as it takes up the skyline form multiple locations across the city. 

Reception for the Roe Lane hub where the tower sits 

The Digital Hub plans for the tower to be used in events for ‘The Digital Hub’s member companies, local businesses, community enterprises and groups, arts and cultural organisations and also schools and colleges”(The Digital Hub website). 

The unassuming entrance, with a plaque detailing some history of the tower 

The plaque details some of the history of the Tower, however another thing to note, is that the tower had not been open since the 1860’s as the swap to steam power meant the tower was no longer needed as a windmill, leaving it unused until October 20th. 

As the areas built up around the building over generations, there is now a stark contrast between the old historic tower, and the open art, the modern buildings and vehicles of modern Dublin. 

As reported by Dublin People Media Group, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Daryl Barron said the Tower, having stood for over 250 years is an “important part of the identity and history” for the liberties area of Dublin. 

The doors may have been locked to the public again, however in November, St Patrick’s Tower will be hosting an exhibition as part of Beta Festival 2026 – “Unmasking Nature” exhibition November 6th to 22nd (Beta Festival Website) 

It will be the first official event held inside the tower after its grand reopening.