Explore the city's history on foot.

O’Connell Street has a number of noteworthy monuments. A monument dedicated to Daniel O’Connell, the 19th century Irish Nationalist for whom the street is named, overlooks O’Connell Bridge at the entrance.

Other statues on the street are of prominent 19th century political leader, Charles Stewart Parnell, Nationalist, William Smith O’Brien, early 20th century labour activist, Jim Larkin and MP and businessman, Sir John Gray.

There is also a statue of Father Theobald Mathew, known as ‘The Temperance Priest,’ who advocated taking a pledge not to drink alcohol for life.

The 37 metre high Nelson’s Pillar overlooked the street from 1808–1966, when it was blown up by the Republican forces. The space left was empty until 2002–2003, when the Spire was constructed.

Officially titled the ‘Monument of Light,’ the stainless steel, needle-shaped monument is 121.2 metres tall.

Be sure to look out for statues of famous Irish figures scattered around too, from writer, James Joyce, in  North Earl Street to rock star, Phil Lynott, in Harry Street to Republican and socialist leader, James Connolly, in Beresford Place and much more.

‘Molly Malone’ is arguably Ireland’s most famous traditional song and Dublin’s unofficial anthem. Its chorus of:

‘Alive, alive, oh

Alive, alive, oh

Crying ‘cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh’

has been sung by many an artist here and abroad. The song is about the story of a pretty girl who was a fishmonger and traded on the streets in Dublin.

The iconic Molly Malone Statue is a well-known landmark for visitors to the city. The most photographed statue in Dublin was unveiled during the Dublin Millennium celebrations in 1988.

The statue was located in Grafton Street but due to ongoing building work, it is currently located outside the tourist office in the former St. Andrew’s Church on nearby Suffolk Street.

There are many bridges in Dublin city centre but the Ha’penny Bridge is one of the most recognisable. Built in 1816 and recorded as one of the first iron bridges in the world, it was the only pedestrian bridge over the Liffey River for 184 years.

It inherited its name from the halfpenny toll that pedestrians had to pay to cross it before it was abolished in 1919. It was refurbished in 2001 by Dublin City Council. The bridge is 43 metres in length and 3 metres wide. Its official name is the Liffey Bridge.

To explore more in the city centre click here.