Introducing Bolands Mills, a living room for Dublin’s Docklands

Bridging past and future

The Bolands Mills story begins in 1873 when baker and entrepreneur Patrick Boland bought a flour mill in the industrial trading hub of Grand Canal Dock. These mills, with the acquisition of a nearby bakery one year later, would grow into one of the largest and most successful operations of their kind, producing around 200,000 barrels of flour annually by 1911. Famously occupied by rebel forces during the Easter Rising in 1916, Bolands Mills holds a prominent place in Irish history. Bolands Mills was also a fundamental part of the social and economic life of The Docklands for over 150 years. But after production at the mills stopped in 2001, the old buildings sat untouched for many years.

In 2018, Google acquired Bolands Mills, recognising an opportunity to strengthen our connection with the neighbourhood we’ve called home for over two decades.

As one of Ireland’s largest regeneration projects, Bolands Mills offers a unique chance for us to bridge this industrial past with a bright future. Respecting its landmark status, we have meticulously restored the five heritage buildings at the site, preserving the original cut-stone exteriors. Public artwork from local artists, insightful plaques, and evocative street names all tell stories of Bolands Mills’ past, ensuring its history resonates with future generations.