Bank of Ireland

This building was a an old government building. I hate that they filled in all the windows but I understand about security. The vaulted ceilings are beautiful. Most tourists don’t even realize it is B of I.

Great customer service. And exchange rate wasn’t bad dollars to euros plus no commissions charge.

I’ve never used this bank for anything but its banking attributes, but there’s no doubt that its a beautiful place to bank.
I’ve had (and have) accounts with BOI, AIB and Ulster Bank. I’ve stayed with BOI the longest (and returned to AIB against my will!) and this branch is by far my favourite. They have staff on the floor helping people who want to make simple transactions like simple lodgements without having to endure the queue. The staff I’ve dealt with have been friendly and efficient.
I also like the Lucan branch of BOI, I’ve never had to queue longer than 5 minutes!
The online banking is woeful.

Very old and large building, it’s quite wonderful.
One you get inside it’s no-​nonsense banking, that you’d expect from Europe.
Know what you want and if you don’t, just ask the people in the suit. I went once, and the teller was supremely annoyed that I had no idea what I was doing. We has some young buck wet behind the ears. I went a second time to get a proof of payment, and the lady there was sweeter than pie.
So, moral of the story: go for the sweet old ladies, it’ll make for a better banking experience.

Am not a Bank of Ireland customer, but whenever friends of mine have to come here– and I got nothing better to do– I’ll come along just to have a look at the building. The first thing that catches the eye is the fact that there are no windows in the walls… and once you get inside you get to admire the high-​ceilinged rooms. I like the fact that the bank didn’t change the interior of the original building, but just tried to fit the counters in somehow. Also, the staff here are pretty nice and because it’s such a big branch, queues move quite quickly. Nearly makes me want to switch banks.

This impressive 18^th century building was once home to the Irish government before it’s relocation to Merrion Street. It was renowned world wide as the first purpose-​built two-​chamber parliament building. Today visitors can view the Irish House of Lords chamber within the building with guides in period costume. It became the Bank Of Ireland HQ in the 1970s before the bank’s move to a modern building in Baggot Street, Dublin 2. Now this striking building is used as a working branch of the Bank of Ireland.
The Palladian central block and porticos to the east and west help make this one of the most prevalent and imposing buildings in Dublin. At night-​time, floodlights make it an outstanding photo opportunity. When you enter via the main entrance you are greeted by a roaring fire in a majestic fireplace and extraordinary chandelier dating back to 1765 together with 18^th century tapestries. Whatever bank business you are undertaking, whether it be the straightforward task of lodging or withdrawing cash or checking your balance this is an inspiring setting in which to do it within. History radiates through all of the interior furnishings. It’s not often that you can say that if you are experiencing difficulty getting your head around the particulars of Irish history, a working bank is one of the best places to start.

Bank of Ireland Trinity Branch is beautiful to look at. A person who sees the building for the first time will stop and look at its collosal pillars and white stones. The size of the building is impressive alone.
The bank is not only beautiful but it is entrenched in history as well. It first served as Ireland’s Parliament in 1739 but then fell under British rule in 1801.
Today the branch offers guided tours to teach people about the design and history of the building. Inside there are tapestries, chandeliers, oak paneling and coffered ceiling to look at.
While I appreciate the Trinity Branch for the reasons mentioned above, I think the services could be vastly improved. This banking institution seems to be behind times. Every transaction and request for information needs to be done in person instead of being offered online. Doing your daily banking becomes time-​consuming and inconvenient.

This is a forgotten stop along the tourist trail, while many Irish aren’t even aware of its existence. Aside from being a beautiful building, conveniently located just opposite Trinity (for all those graduates who won’t get jobs there, but are looking desperately for loans!).
The fact that this was the Irish House of Lords is an oft-​forgotten piece of history… when people go around with the usual mantra of ‘800 years’, they’re actually incorrect… Ireland DID have a parliament, just, in common with most at the time, the franchise was severely limited to a select few. However, it was Irish people who governed (albeit loyalists) Ireland up until 1801’s Act of Union, when they actually essentially voted themselves out of existence. A momentous moment in Irish history, to stand in the room where such a decision was made is to truly stand on the shoulders of giants such as Henry Grattan himself. (Bet you can’t guess that I studied this period of history at all, can you!!! My lecturer would be so proud!)

This was the first purpose built Parliament House in the world and was constructed constructed between 1729 and 1739.
Today attendants lead tours showing the coffered ceiling and oak panelling and huge tapestries of the Battle of the Boyne and the siege of Derry, and a 1,233-piece crystal chandelier dating from 1788!
Best of all, it is free!

Tip: Queues in banks can be ginormous, especially at lunchtime or on the last day of the month. Avoid this by using the Trinity Branch in the College Green Bank of Ireland. It’s meant to be just for TCD students and graduates, but they rarely ask. Just follow the signs and look like you know what you’re doing.