1962 – Bord Failte, Baggot Street, Dublin

Designed to cost as little as possible, the headquarters of Bord Failte (Irish Tourist Board) occupies a very important site at the Baggot Street crossing of the Grand Canal. Designed by Robin Walker of what was then Michael Scott and Partners, the building has a very functional appearance with its exposed concrete structure and brick infill panels.

Completed at a cost of £50,000, soon after Walker’s return from Chicago, where he had studied under Mies van der Rohe. Grim, and foreboding, it hardly creates the image of Ireland of the thousand welcomes. Now empty and for sale as a potential development site.