The Gus MacAmhlaigh Collection of Ireland

Gus MacAmhlaigh

In Dublin in 1987, Gus moved from the Department of the Environment to found the Custom House Docks Development Authority. He became a key figure in formulating the first masterplan for the Dublin Docklands area which primarily focused on what we now know as Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre.

He was responsible for the largest ever regeneration scheme in the history of the State. More than 21,000 people are now employed in the docklands and a further 22,000 people live in the area.

Gus worked to persuade the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, and later, the Minister for Finance, Ruairí Quinn, to promote the area and to help the people see its true potential. He left the Docklands Authority in 1999 and became CEO of the Irish Pension Unit Trust, one of the largest property funds in the country. He worked there until his retirement in 2007 and then proudly joined the board of directors of the commercial estate agents, Bannon Commercial. Gus began collecting banknotes in the early 1970’s. He began with his local Irish banknotes but his collection then proudly grew to include all of the British Isles.

His passion for collecting lasted over 40 years. This timespan, along with his attentive nature, allowed him to acquire a huge and impressive collection. So much history and so many memories are wrapped up in this collection and I hope that whoever purchases a piece of this story will enjoy these banknotes as much as myself and my father have over the years.

In memory of my father, Gus Mac Amhlaigh, who is sadly missed by all of his family and friends.
Domhnall Mac Amhlaigh