A modern building in the middle of the Grand Canal basin explains the technique of canal-building and tells of the construction of the Irish navigable waterway network in the 18C. The terrace roof gives a view of the warehouses lining the canal basin.

This 13C castle surrounded by a moat consists of a medieval Great Hall over a vaulted undercroft, flanked by a battlemented tower. Restored to match its medieval appearance with a formal 17C garden (box hedges, lavender and herbs).

The centre is aimed at promoting interest in the life and work of James Joyce who spent his childhood in nearby Fitzgibbon Street and went to Belvedere College. It provides lectures, guided tours of the house and walks in the northern part of the city centre, and also organises Bloomsday (16 June). It is located in an 18C house. Portraits of members of the Joyce family adorn the staircase, and there are family photographs in the exhibition room.

All that remains of the abbey are the Slype and rib-vaulted Chapter House where the 15C cloister has been reconstructed using the original elements, discovered in 1975. The abbey was founded in 1139 by Benedictines from Savigny. Explanations are given of its architecture, history and the Cistercian way of life.
With vast estates either side of the Liffey, it was closely associated with the city and used as a warehouse, strongroom and meeting place for the Council of Ireland.