On our day trip to the criminal courts as part of our law ed module we learned from Asma Saleh, a practicing Barrister the history of the court house .
The Criminal Courts of Justice is Ireland’s principal modern courthouse complex dedicated to criminal justice. It was officially opened in January 2010 and replaced older venues (such as parts of the Four Courts and other Dublin court buildings) as the main location for most criminal cases in Dublin.
Situated on the corner of Parkgate Street and Infirmary Road, close to the Phoenix Park and at the edge of Dublin’s legal quarter.
It was the largest court building project in Ireland in over 200 years when completed.
Comprises 11 storeys, with a footprint of about 25,000 m² and more than 600 rooms.
It has a circular form with a large central public space called the Great Hall — around 40 m in diameter and 28 m high — which acts as an internal civic atrium.
The exterior uses quality materials (glass, concrete and timber feature strongly) with a perforated metal screen that controls light, privacy and aesthetics.
There are 22 courtrooms in total, including 16 jury courts, spread across multiple levels.
Below the courtrooms, there is cell accommodation for up to 100 prisoners, allowing defendants in custody to be brought to court without public exposure.
The building includes waiting areas, consultation rooms, facilities for vulnerable witnesses and victims, jury dining rooms, and dedicated spaces for legal professionals and media.
Types of Cases Heard
This complex brings together the full range of criminal jurisdictions in Dublin in one location:
District Court (Criminal)
Handles less serious criminal offences (e.g., minor assaults, theft, motoring offences).
Circuit Court (Criminal)
Deals with more serious offences such as serious assaults, burglary and some drug offences.
Can impose heavier sentences than the District Court.
Central Criminal Court
The main trial court for the most serious indictable offences, including murder, rape, and other grave crimes.
Cases here are heard with a jury.
Special Criminal Court
A non-jury court that hears cases involving organised crime, terrorism, and serious public order offences.
Court of Appeal – Criminal Division
Hears appeals from the Central Criminal Court and others within the criminal system.
During the morning we visited several court rooms on the advice and guidance of Asma .
We were accompanied by our class teacher Ms Coleman and our year head Mr Kiernan.
