O’Connell Street is Dublin’s main thoroughfare and one of the most famous streets in Ireland.
Located in the heart of the city, it’s known for its wide layout, historic statues, and bustling atmosphere. It was named after Daniel O’Connell, a prominent 19th century Irish nationalist leader.
The street has been widened, narrowed, demolished, rebuilt, bombarded, and rebuilt again. It’s witnessed periods of glory.
So, if nothing else, it’s interesting!
Today, as the central artery of Dublin, O’Connell Street is very busy. With cars, buses, and pedestrians, it feels a bit chaotic. It’s not exactly charming and probably should be avoided at night.
But it’s worth visiting during the day to get a sense of the history of Ireland and see Ireland’s most famous building.
In this guide, I’ll give you a mini history of O’Connell Street and the General post Office (“GPO”) and tell you what you can see there today.
If you’re up for a guided walking tour, I visited all these sites with a lovely Irish lady (whose name I forget, sorry) on this 3 hour history tour. For something at bit shorter, at 2 hours, you can try the 1916 rebellion walking tour.
Mini History
Originally laid out in the 17th century, O’Connell Street found its stride in the late 18th century when it extended to the river with the opening of O’Connell Bridge.
From there, its fortunes soared. It quickly became one of Dublin’s most elegant thoroughfares.
In the 19th century, the street filled with grand buildings and luxury hotels, including the iconic GPO.
Built in 1818, the GPO became one of the last great Georgian landmarks in Dublin, boasting an impressive portico with six towering Ionic columns.
However, the street’s golden age didn’t last. Much of its grandeur was eventually lost. Still, O’Connell Street would go on to forever write itself into history.
In 1916, the GPO became the dramatic headquarters for the rebels of the Easter Rising, a bold revolt against British rule.
On Easter Monday morning, around 1,200 armed nationalists seized the building. They took down the Union Jack, and raised the Irish flags instead.
Patrick Pearse, the Rising’s leader, stepped out and read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic—taking everyone by surprise. Back then, most people weren’t keen on independence, so the declaration left Dubliners stunned.
The British were initially caught off guard, with their pants down. They suffered heavy losses in those first clashes.
But they quickly retaliated, with brutal force. As the fighting intensified, shelling reduced much of central Dublin, including the GPO, to rubble. By the end, only the building’s grand facade remained, a haunting reminder of the uprising.
Many of the rebels were killed. Thousands were injured. Some of the leaders ended up in Kilmainham Gaol, where they were executed.
This changed the entire mood of the country. Opinion swung sharply against the crown. It led directly to the Irish War of Independence three years later.
The GPO was finally restored in 1929. It’s Ireland’s most important building, a symbol of nationalism and heroism. You can still see bullet holes in the columns.
In the years following, O’Connell Street was rebuilt and regained some of its former cache. It’s been gussied up with some statues, nicer buildings, and pedestrianized areas.
Guide To O’Connell Street & The GPO: What To See
So what can you see in this area Dublin?
Sculptures & Statues
If you’re standing on O’Connell Bridge, you’ll be looking at the fine monument to Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator. He didn’t really liberate Ireland. But he did win some emancipation for the Catholic population.
Four winged sculptures surround him, representing his virtues. Poor Courage has a bullet hole form the Rising in her right boob.
Almost directly across from the GPO is another statue, this one of Jim Larkin. He was an early 20th century Trade Union leader.
Heading north, there’s a statue of Father Theobold Mathew. He tried to convince the Irish to stop drinking so much, with some measure of success.
At the far north end of the street stands the impressive obelisk and statue to Charles Stewart Parnell, who was nicknamed the unofficial “king of Ireland” in the late 19th century.
A cool new addition to the street is the Portal. It’s a public art installation that creates a real-time visual bridge between Dublin and other cities.
Unveiled in May 2024, it initially connected Dublin with New York City. Passersby in both locations to interact through a 24/7 livestream.
In October 2024, the connection shifted from New York to Philadelphia. This initiative is part of Dublin’s designation as the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024.
And you can’t miss the Spire of Dublin. It’s a landmark that dominates the skyline and catches everyone’s eye.
It’s site originally held a statue of Admiral Nelson, a remnant of Ireland’s British imperial colonial past.
But in 1966, the IRA bombed the column — probably one of the only good deeds they did. Years later, the Spire took its place, rising nearly 400 feet in polished stainless steel.
Also called the Monument of Light, it’s said to be the tallest sculpture in the world and one of Dublin’s most recognizable symbols.
Its slender, needle-like shape was designed to represent a forward-looking, modern Dublin. By day, it reflects the sun. At night, it glows softly from LED lights near the top.
Of course, Dubliners have come up with plenty of cheeky nicknames. You’ll hear it called the “Stiffy by the Liffey” or the “Erection at the Intersection.” Dubliners seem divided on whether it’s a joke or quite grand.
Just off O’Connell Street, take a wander down Henry Street, Dublin’s favorite shopping strip. It’s like a more relaxed, down-to-earth version of Grafton Street, where all the high-end brands are. Completely pedestrianized,
Henry Street is packed with over 200 shops, from popular international stores to quirky local boutiques. You’ll even find a bustling fruit and veg market on Moore Street.
A must-visit on Henry Street is Arnott’s. It’s Dublin’s largest and oldest department store, and has been welcoming shoppers since 1843.
Nearby, on Liffey Street Lower, you’ll spot the charming “Hags with the Bags” sculpture, officially called “Meeting Place.” It’s a nod to Dublin’s shopping culture and a popular photo op!
And if you’re a James Joyce fan, don’t miss the bronze statue of the famous writer on North Earl Street, right off O’Connell.
Joyce stands with his iconic cane, ready to greet passersby in his hometown.
His sculpture is nicknamed “the Prick with the Stick.” He was known as a rather intense and difficult name.
The GPO
The GPO’s architecture is classic Neo-Classical style—all about strength, order, and elegance. Six massive columns hold up a proud triangular pediment, giving it that impressive, stately look.
On top, you’ll spot three sculptures watching over O’Connell Street. They represent Hibernia (Ireland herself), Mercury(the god of communication), and Fidelity (loyalty). Together, they symbolize Irish heritage and resilience.
Inside, you’re greeted by a statue of Cu Chulainn, Ireland’s legendary hero, honoring those who fought during the 1916 Rising. And if you’re keen to dive into that history, the Witness History exhibit is a must-see.
>>> Click here to pre-book a GPO ticket
The exhibit is designed to bring the past to life. Through interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and deeply personal stories, it immerses you in the events of 1916.
You can see artifacts up close, hear the voices of those who lived it, and walk away with a deeper connection to Ireland’s fight for freedom.
It’s not just a story of the Rising. It’s a reflection on how it shaped Ireland’s identity and spirit
So, there you have it. Everything you wanted to know about O’Connell Street and the GPO for your Dublin visit.
If you want to pay your respects to some of these great figures from Irish history I’ve mentioned, head to Glasnevin Cemetery. It’s 1.5 miles from O’Connell Street.
You may find these other Dublin travel guides useful:
- Dublin bucket list
- 1 day in Dublin itinerary
- 2 days in Dublin itinerary
- 3 days in Dublin itinerary
- guide to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- guide to Trinity College & Book of Kells
- guide to the Guinness Storehouse
- guide to the National Museum of Ireland
Pin it for later.
