Skyview Tower – the old chimney with a view

In the heart of Smithfield, the Generator Skyview tower is a sight to behold. At a height of 60 metres the tower is one of Dublin’s tallest buildings. What makes the tower so unique is its 360-degree view of the capital. 

Several of Dublin’s well-known sites are visible, such as St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. Howth Head and the Wicklow Mountains are even visible to the naked eye on a clear day.

The tower was built in 1895 and was used as a chimney as part of the Jameson Whiskey Distillery. It was closed in the early 1970s, as Jameson made a decision to move their production to Midelton, Co.Cork.

Architect Andrzej Wejchert decided to start a project in June 1999 to turn the old Distillery chimney into an observation platform with breathtaking views of Dublin.  

In 2018 it was finally opened to the public after a long closure. 

Since its reopening, both tourists and locals consider it to be one of the city’s top attractions.

To access the tower is rather simple. You purchase tickets from the Generator Hostel which is located right beside the tower. There is a bell at the door which you press, and the staff will then proceed to let you in. Tickets are only €5 if you’re a guest at the generator hostel and €10 if not. 

You climb 259 steps to get to the top and along the way you can see pictures of the old chimney and how it looked all those years ago. 

Visitor Luke Shaw, who was visiting from Galway, said it was “a cool experience” and said the view was “well worth the long climb.”  

The best landmark he spotted? “It has to be seeing Croke Park, as a GAA man,” Shaw said. 

Once you complete the long climb up visitors have the choice of two floors. The first floor offers a closer view of the area around the tower, while the second floor is where you can see most of Dublin’s famous landmarks.  

Sandra Gleeson from Waterford said the views from the second floor were “simply breathtaking”. However, she warned: “The climb is tough. It doesn’t take particularly long but if you have any mobility problems, I personally would not do it.” 

HERE are more details on prices, opening times and info about Dublin’s Skyview tower.

Feature image: Aidan O’Boyle