RSUA invites you to attend an architect-led tour of Custom House in Belfast from 11am to 12pm on 12 September 2026. The tour will be delivered by an architect from TODD Architects. There is no charge to attend, but pre-booking is essential.
250 WORD EVENT DESCRIPTION
Custom House is widely regarded as one of Belfast’s finest Victorian public buildings and an important symbol of the city’s commercial and civic history. Designed by celebrated architects Charles Lanyon and William Henry Lynn, the building was constructed between 1854 and 1857 during a period of rapid industrial growth in Belfast. Inspired by the elegance of Italian palazzos and Palladian architecture, Custom House brought grandeur and sophistication to the city’s waterfront. Its impressive carvings, designed by Samuel Lynn and sculpted by Thomas Fitzpatrick, added further distinction to the building’s appearance.
Originally, Custom House stood beside Belfast’s busy historic quays and served as a central hub for government services. Departments housed within the building included Customs, the Post Office, Inland Revenue, Stamp Offices and Emigration services. Different entrances were provided for each department, while the main entrance featured sculptures of Britannia, Neptune and Mercury overlooking the River Lagan. The famous novelist Anthony Trollope also worked there briefly while employed by the Post Office in Belfast during the 1850s.
Over the years, the building underwent several refurbishments to preserve its structure and adapt it for modern use. Today, after restoration by its new owners, Custom House has entered a new chapter as a high-quality office and business space. While modernised internally, it still retains its historic character and continues to play an important role in the life of Belfast.
