The Digital Hub is expanding Dublin 8’s cultural and community offering with the reopening of the ground floor of historic St Patrick’s Tower. The landmark former windmill, which had not been used in this way since the 1860s, is now available as a new event and exhibition venue.
The opening brings together heritage, arts, technology and local participation at The Digital Hub campus in the Liberties. The launch was attended by Lord Mayor of Dublin Daryl Barron, Dublin City Council chief executive Richard Shakespeare and representatives of The Digital Hub Development Agency.
The Digital Hub gives St Patrick’s Tower a new cultural role
The newly opened ground-floor space creates an opportunity to bring fresh activity into one of Dublin’s most recognisable historic buildings. The launch included performances, poetry, music and local history, reflecting The Digital Hub’s wider role as a meeting point for creative and technology communities.
Those involved included poets Annemarie Ní Churreáin and Gerard Smyth, musicians Niamh Landale, Majella O’Beirne and Heron Red, and local historian Catherine Scuffil. A plaque was unveiled by Fiach Mac Conghail, CEO of The Digital Hub Development Agency; Daryl Barron, Lord Mayor of Dublin; Darina Kneafsey, chair of the agency; and Richard Shakespeare, CEO of Dublin City Council.
A venue connecting heritage and innovation
The reopening demonstrates how historic buildings can support contemporary public use while retaining their cultural significance. For Dublin 8 residents, artists, organisations and visitors, the venue offers another location for exhibitions, performances and community events.
The development also complements The Digital Hub’s broader programme of learning, entrepreneurship and creative technology initiatives. Its campus is home to member companies and organisations working across digital industries, while its public programme regularly supports events in the Liberties.
Upcoming events at The Digital Hub
The campus continues to host a varied programme for local communities and the wider Dublin audience, including:
- Dublin Fringe Festival 2026: Two performances and an exhibition are scheduled at the campus.
- Culture Night 2026: The Digital Hub will host events and activities as part of the national cultural programme.
- The Liberties Festival: The campus is a partner venue for six events running from 20 to 26 July.
- Community markets: We Love Markets events feature vintage sellers, local designers, crafts, jewellery and other small traders.
- Bloop Groop: The electronic music gathering supports collaboration among musicians, producers and visual artists.
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AI, learning and industry news from The Digital Hub
Alongside its cultural activity, The Digital Hub is promoting innovation through its AI for Communities residency. The four-month programme is designed to develop and pilot a community-centred approach to AI learning and engagement. The open call sought individuals or multidisciplinary teams with experience in AI literacy, technology, education, community engagement or social innovation, with a VAT-inclusive fee of €12,000 for the resident designer or facilitator.
The organisation has also highlighted learning programmes for young and older participants, member achievements and developments in digital healthcare. One featured report said researchers found that patientMpower’s digital healthcare approach enabled an 80% reduction in outpatient appointments and a 92% reduction in health service costs in a randomised controlled trial.
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What the reopening means for Dublin 8
The St Patrick’s Tower project adds a distinctive historic setting to Dublin’s event calendar while supporting The Digital Hub’s mission to connect people, creativity and innovation. More photographs and details about future programming are expected through The Digital Hub’s official channels.
Key takeaway: The Digital Hub’s reopening of St Patrick’s Tower creates a valuable new venue for exhibitions, performances and community activity, strengthening Dublin 8’s position as a centre for culture and digital innovation.
Article/Image Courtesy: The Digital Hub