1924 – Independent House, Abbey Street, Dublin

Designed by Robert Donnelly of Donnelly, Moore, Keefe and Robinson. The former headquarters of the Independent Group of newspapers who publish three of Ireland’s most popular titles: The Irish Independent; The Sunday Independent; and the Evening Herald. It is an ornate brick and stone structure designed to portray the power and prestige of the newspapers. With its large clock, and copper clad rooftop cupolas, it is a landmark on Abbey Street. Alongside the main offices is an extension from 1936 which is less elaborate in appearance. Further down Middle Abbey Street lies more of the former printworks of the newspapers. In 2002 this was abandoned for a new printworks containing the latest technology on the outskirts of Dublin.

“As a student of up to date journalism, I am naturally in terested in the progress of the Independent offices now in course of erection in Abbey Street. This building which covers nearly 17,000 square feet was designed by Mr Robinson and his partners and when completed will contain the largest printing machine halls, and the most modern printing plant in Great Britain and Ireland. The Hennibique system of reinforced concrete is being employed throughout the frontage of 80 ft to the main thoroughfare being faced with red brick and Portland stone.”
The Irish Builder, February 11 1922

Middle Abbey Street has long been associated with newspaper publishing. The nationalist Nation newspaper was published here and a plaque on the wall of the offices of Independent Newspapers indicates where their offices stood.