‘Solidarity: The Dockers of Dublin Port’ Launches at Dublin Port

23rd November 2023

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste launches Solidarity: The Dockers of Dublin Port, alongside (left to right) Sarah Clancy, Chief Executive of the Little Museum of Dublin, Dublin Port Heritage Director Lar Joye, Dr Rhona Mahony, chair of the Little Museum of Dublin and Barry O’Connell, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company. Credit: Tommy Dickson

Dublin Port Company has proudly welcomed ‘Solidarity: The Dockers of Dublin Port’, a compelling exhibition curated by The Little Museum of Dublin, to its Substation for a three-month stay.

The first-ever exhibition at the Substation, Dublin’s latest cultural hub, was launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste. The showcase - which includes never-before-seen photos - provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of the dockers, a vibrant and resilient community integral to the history of Dublin Port.

‘Solidarity’ delves into the rich tapestry of Ireland’s industrial subculture, spotlighting the dockers’ narrative characterised by hardship, camaraderie, and unyielding resilience. From the challenges of casual labour to the advent of containerisation, the exhibition vividly illustrates the evolution of this dynamic community.

Guests take in history at Solidarity: The Dockers of Dublin Port, a new exhibition from the Little Museum of Dublin and Dublin Port Company, free of charge for all and open every Thursday-Sunday 11:30am-3:30pm at The Substation, Dublin Port, until early February. Solidarity: The Dockers of Dublin Port showcases never-before-seen photos which provide a poignant glimpse into the lives of the dockers, a vibrant and resilient community integral to the history of Dublin Port Photo: Tommy Dickson

Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste commented on the significance of the exhibition, stating: “The dockers of Dublin Port have played a crucial role in shaping the city’s history. ‘Solidarity’ is a tribute to their enduring spirit and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who toiled on the docks. This exhibition not only preserves their legacy but also invites us to reflect on the vibrant tapestry of Dublin's industrial heritage. I would like to congratulate Dublin Port Company and the Little Museum of Dublin for coming together to put on such a wonderful exhibition.”

Barry O’Connell, CEO of Dublin Port Company, remarked: “We are proud to support this insightful exhibition from the Little Museum of Dublin that brings to life the untold stories of the dockers. ‘Solidarity’ provides a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of this remarkable community, highlighting the crucial role they played in the development of Dublin Port. It is a testament to their resilience and the enduring legacy they have left behind.”

Historian in residence at the Little Museum of Dublin Daryl Hendley Rooney (left) with Dublin Port’s Marta López (centre) and the Little Museum’s Dara Flynn at the launch of Solidarity: The Dockers of Dublin Port Photo: Tommy Dickson

‘Solidarity’ invites visitors to explore the profound traditions rooted in family ties that defined the dockers’ lives. Many dockers followed in the footsteps of their families, embracing a life of physically demanding and unpredictable work. The exhibition meticulously examines various facets of the dockers’ lives, including docker’s reads, the button system of preferential hire, the tools of the trade, and the indispensable role of cranes. Additionally, the exhibition delves into the social aspects of a docker’s life, juxtaposed with the daily dangers faced on the docks.

Paddy Daly, retired docker, holding his docker’s shovel, currently on display at The Substation at Dublin Port as part of the Little Museum of Dublin’s exhibition Solidarity: The Dockers of Dublin Port. The exhibition showcases never-before-seen photos which provide a poignant glimpse into the lives of the dockers, a vibrant and resilient community integral to the history of Dublin Port. Solidarity is free of charge for all and open every Thursday-Sunday 11:30am-3:30pm until early February. No repro fee. Photo: Tommy Dickson

Free of charge for all, ‘Solidarity: The Dockers of Dublin Port’ is open to the public at The Substation, Alexandra Road, Dublin Port, every Thursday-Sunday, 11:30 am-3:30 pm until early February.

Dr Rhona Mahony, Chair of the Little Museum of Dublin, added: “We were thrilled to work alongside Dublin Port Company to bring this engaging exhibition to the port. Dockers would have gathered in their hundreds next to the Substation every day seeking work on the docks, so there couldn’t be a more appropriate venue. A lot of time and hard work went into this exhibition, and I would like to pay tribute to the Dockers who shared their memories with our curation team, enabling them to create this exhibition.”

Published in Dublin Port, River Liffey

Published in Dublin Port

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Dublin Port

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About Dublin Port

Dublin Port is Ireland’s largest and busiest port with approximately 17,000 vessel movements per year. As well as being the country’s largest port, Dublin Port has the highest rate of growth and, in the seven years to 2019, total cargo volumes grew by 36.1%.

The vision of Dublin Port Company is to have the required capacity to service the needs of its customers and the wider economy safely, efficiently and sustainably. Dublin Port will integrate with the City by enhancing the natural and built environments. The Port is being developed in line with Masterplan 2040.

Dublin Port Company is currently investing about €277 million on its Alexandra Basin Redevelopment (ABR), which is due to be complete by 2021. The redevelopment will improve the port's capacity for large ships by deepening and lengthening 3km of its 7km of berths. The ABR is part of a €1bn capital programme up to 2028, which will also include initial work on the Dublin Port’s MP2 Project - a major capital development project proposal for works within the existing port lands in the northeastern part of the port.

Dublin Port has also recently secured planning approval for the development of the next phase of its inland port near Dublin Airport. The latest stage of the inland port will include a site with the capacity to store more than 2,000 shipping containers and infrastructures such as an ESB substation, an office building and gantry crane.

Dublin Port Company recently submitted a planning application for a €320 million project that aims to provide significant additional capacity at the facility within the port in order to cope with increases in trade up to 2040. The scheme will see a new roll-on/roll-off jetty built to handle ferries of up to 240 metres in length, as well as the redevelopment of an oil berth into a deep-water container berth.

Dublin Port FAQ

How old is Dublin Port?

Dublin was little more than a monastic settlement until the Norse invasion in the 8th and 9th centuries when they selected the Liffey Estuary as their point of entry to the country as it provided relatively easy access to the central plains of Ireland. Trading with England and Europe followed which required port facilities, so the development of Dublin Port is inextricably linked to the development of Dublin City, so it is fair to say the origins of the Port go back over one thousand years. As a result, the modern organisation Dublin Port has a long and remarkable history, dating back over 300 years from 1707.

Where was the original Dublin Port located?

The original Port of Dublin was situated upriver, a few miles from its current location near the modern Civic Offices at Wood Quay and close to Christchurch Cathedral. The Port remained close to that area until the new Custom House opened in the 1790s. In medieval times Dublin shipped cattle hides to Britain and the continent, and the returning ships carried wine, pottery and other goods.

How big is Dublin Port?

510 acres. The modern Dublin Port is located either side of the River Liffey, out to its mouth. On the north side of the river, the central part (205 hectares or 510 acres) of the Port lies at the end of East Wall and North Wall, from Alexandra Quay.

Who owns Dublin Port?

Dublin Port Company is a State-owned commercial company responsible for operating and developing Dublin Port.

What is Dublin Port Company?

Dublin Port Company is a self-financing, and profitable private limited company wholly-owned by the State, whose business is to manage Dublin Port, Ireland's premier Port. Established as a corporate entity in 1997, Dublin Port Company is responsible for the management, control, operation and development of the Port.

Name someone famous connected to Dublin Port?

Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny of the Bounty fame) was a visitor to Dublin in 1800, and his visit to the capital had a lasting effect on the Port. Bligh's study of the currents in Dublin Bay provided the basis for the construction of the North Wall. This undertaking led to the growth of Bull Island to its present size.

Is Dublin the largest Port in Ireland?

Yes. Dublin Port is the largest freight and passenger port in Ireland. It handles almost 50% of all trade in the Republic of Ireland.

Who handles the Cargo in Dublin Port?

All cargo handling activities being carried out by private sector companies operating in intensely competitive markets within the Port. Dublin Port Company provides world-class facilities, services, accommodation and lands in the harbour for ships, goods and passengers.

Who is the Chief Executive of Dublin Port?

Eamonn O'Reilly is the Dublin Port Chief Executive.

Who is the Harbour Master of Dublin Port?

Capt. Michael McKenna is the Dublin Port Harbour Master

How many passengers come through Dublin Port each year?

In 2019, 1,949,229 people came through the Port.

How many cruise liners arrive in Dublin Port?

In 2019, there were 158 cruise liner visits.

How many tonnes of exports were shipped by Dublin Port?

In 2019, 9.4 million gross tonnes of exports were handled by Dublin Port.

How many ships arrive at Dublin Port each year?

In 2019, there were 7,898 ship arrivals.

What is the total throughput of goods at Dublin Port?

In 2019, there was a gross tonnage of 38.1 million.

How many tourist vehicles come through Dublin Port?

In 2019, there were 559,506 tourist vehicles.

How many trade vehicles come through Dublin Port?

There were 98,897 lorries in 2019

Can pleasure craft enter Dublin Port?

Boats can navigate the River Liffey into Dublin by using the navigational guidelines. Find the guidelines on this page here.

What is the VHF Channel for Dublin Port control?

VHF channel 12. Commercial vessels using Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire Port typically have a qualified pilot or certified master with proven local knowledge on board. They "listen out" on VHF channel 12 when in Dublin Port's jurisdiction.

Is there a Dublin Bay webcam?

A Dublin Bay webcam showing the south of the Bay at Dun Laoghaire and a distant view of Dublin Port Shipping is here

What is Dublin Port’s 'distributed museum'?

Dublin Port is creating a distributed museum on its lands in Dublin City.  A Liffey Tolka Project cycle and pedestrian way is the key to link the elements of this distributed museum together. The distributed museum starts at the Diving Bell and, over the course of 6.3km, will give Dubliners a real sense of the City, the Port and the Bay. For visitors, it will be a unique eye-opening stroll and vista through and alongside one of Europe’s busiest ports: Diving Bell along Sir John Rogerson’s Quay over the Samuel Beckett Bridge, past the Scherzer Bridge and down the North Wall Quay campshire to Berth 18 - 1.2 km. Liffey Tolka Project - Tree-lined pedestrian and cycle route between the River Liffey and the Tolka Estuary - 1.4 km with a 300-metre spur along Alexandra Road to The Pumphouse (to be completed by Q1 2021) and another 200 metres to The Flour Mill. Tolka Estuary Greenway - Construction of Phase 1 (1.9 km) starts in December 2020 and will be completed by Spring 2022. Phase 2 (1.3 km) will be delivered within the following five years. The Pumphouse is a heritage zone being created as part of the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment Project. The first phase of 1.6 acres will be completed in early 2021 and will include historical port equipment and buildings and a large open space for exhibitions and performances. It will be expanded in a subsequent phase to incorporate the Victorian Graving Dock No. 1 which will be excavated and revealed.   The largest component of the distributed museum will be The Flour Mill. This involves the redevelopment of the former Odlums Flour Mill on Alexandra Road based on a masterplan completed by Grafton Architects to provide a mix of port operational uses, a National Maritime Archive, two 300 seat performance venues, working and studio spaces for artists and exhibition spaces. The Flour Mill will be developed in stages over the remaining twenty years of Masterplan 2040 alongside major port infrastructure projects.