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

Google’s restoration and redevelopment of the iconic 150-year-old Bolands Mills and its surrounding site is complete. An exciting clash of old and new, Bolands Mills is now an innovation hub for the 1,000+ engineers based at Google Ireland, who work to keep our global operations and AI models running 24/7.

It's also a marketplace for local businesses, a cultural space, a meeting point, and a home for frontline workers in our community. The estate includes over 50,000 square feet of public squares and walkways, alongside 30,000 square feet of retail and community space, and Ireland’s largest mural, Bláthú.

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.

Supporting local businesses and key workers

Local businesses are the life and soul of a community. That's why we've prioritised attracting a stellar group of independent, local retailers to our retail spaces at Bolands Mills. To help our retailers put down strong roots, we offer supportive lease terms and a collaborative approach. We’re delighted to welcome an eclectic mix of businesses from salon to sauna, bakery to bar, and many more, to set up shop.

But a thriving community also needs people. For that reason we appointed the housing body Clúid to oversee and manage the discounted rental of the 46 apartments at Bolands Mills to frontline workers, including public safety employees, nurses and teachers, who are all vital to the wellbeing of the community.

A community arts and culture space

Just as the mills themselves have been given new life, so too has another part of Bolands Mills’ legacy: The Factory.

A longstanding landmark on Dublin’s cultural map, The Factory is freshly renovated and returns as a community arts and culture space, having hosted legendary names like The Bolshoi Ballet, U2, and David Bowie in its past life as an event space. Now, it's a welcoming space that local groups can book for varied uses like theatrical performances, art exhibitions, music workshops, and more. It’s inspiring to see the creative sparks fly from The Factory again.

Once at Dublin’s industrial heart, Bolands Mills now pulses with a different beat. From busy flour mills, to dormant site, to a living room in The Docklands today—Bolands Mills is our way to honour the area’s rich history and build community connections that endure far into the future.

Stop by for a visit next time you’re in Dublin.