Google Ireland has announced the official opening of The Factory, a dedicated community arts and culture space located at Bolands Mills, the new urban quarter made possible by Google.
The Factory is designed as a home for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. It is located at the site of the historic Bolands flour mills which was acquired by Google in 2018. Now complete, the restoration of the 150-year-old mill and surrounding site includes over 50,000 square feet of newly landscaped outdoor areas alongside 30,000 square feet of retail and community space.
Bolands Mills also provides a new hub for Google’s engineering teams, retail spaces for an eclectic mix of independent local businesses, as well as 46 discounted-rental apartments made available to key workers supporting the local community via Clúid.
"The restoration of The Factory is a shining example of how we can preserve our cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for creativity and community," said Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan. "Spaces like this are essential for fostering artistic expression, inclusion, and innovation — especially in dynamic urban areas like the Dublin Docklands."
Long a landmark on Dublin’s cultural map, The Factory has hosted legendary names like The Bolshoi Ballet, U2, and David Bowie, who have spent time here, performing, recording or rehearsing. The Factory has also nurtured some of Ireland’s most talented actors and film-makers.
The space has been restored by Google in consultation with multiple local community groups across the arts and creative industries including the National Performance Arts School, Neurodiversity Irishtown, Ringsend & Pearse Street (NIRP), RMS Music, the Dublin 4 Dance Academy, St Andrews Resource Centre, Ringsend Community Services Forum, Education Task Force and This City Works.
"With the opening of The Factory, we’re creating a revitalised space for arts, culture, and creativity-a space for people to come together, express themselves, and nurture the talent of the Dublin Docklands," said Head of Google Ireland, Vanessa Hartley.
"This is just one part of our commitment to being an active, helpful neighbour, and we’re extremely grateful to all those who helped bring this vision to life."
