O'Connell Street

O\'Connell Street which includes heritage elements, a monument and an administrative building
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
Marvel at one of the world’s tallest public works of art as you stroll down this boulevard of shops and historic buildings.

O’Connell Street is among Dublin’s busiest and recognizable parts. It consists of a wide boulevard divided by spaces for trees and works of art. Admire the many historic buildings and peruse the upscale boutiques that line this busy street.

Among the most interesting structures is the General Post Office. Note its Greek-revival design with imposing columns and a large pediment. Hear how the building was home to leaders of the Easter Rising in the early 1900s, before most of it burned down.

In the center of the boulevard is the Spire of Dublin, which many claim is the world’s tallest public sculpture. Look at your distorted reflection in the wide stainless steel base. Gaze up at the tip of the spike, which reaches a height of 400 feet (120 meters). See the artwork at night, when its base and tip are illuminated. From the spire, spot the James Joyce Statue, which depicts the Irish writer with one hand in a pocket and the other leaning on a cane.

Find out about the origins of the boulevard, which was known as Drogheda Street in the 17th century. It later played a major role in momentous occasions, such as the Dublin Lockout, the Irish Civil War and the destruction of the Nelson’s Pillar by the Irish Republican Army.

The street, which has several car lanes and large sidewalks, is more than 150 feet (45 meters) across. Reach the O’Connell Bridge at the southern end of the street. Learn about its rich past, dating back to 1794. Its three semi-elliptical arches glow green at night. Discover the hoax tribute to Father Pat Noise that was attached to the stonework by pranksters.

Admire the O’Connell Monument to 19th-century nationalist leader Daniel O’Connell, after whom the bridge and street were named. He campaigned for Catholic rights.

O’Connell Street leads north from the north bank of the River Liffey. It lies in the heart of the city and is considered the most central point. Ride a bus to one of the many stops along the street, which leads to the Gate Theatre and Ambassador Theatre.

Reviews of O'Connell Street

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
146
" "5 - Excellent 34.679334916864605%
4 - Good
218
" "4 - Good 51.78147268408551%
3 - Okay
51
" "3 - Okay 12.114014251781473%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 1.4251781472684086%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
28 Jan 2020

Although a main part of the bus route back, we didn’t always feel the safest there. Walk over the bridge and catch a bus back from there...

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 May 2019

Great variety of eateries . Very interesting , the GPO Witness History Visitor Centre . Everything you need to know about the Easter Uprising plus a very nice , reasonably priced cafe .

4/5 - Good

Andrew
13 Apr 2019

Walking down O'Connell Street is a must whilst in Dublin - in itself it presents a sort of history tour. It does have about a million tourist trappings though, and the pedestrian crossings take an eternity to change (keep your wits about you, you never know when a bus or tram might suddenly show up!). For food and drink I recommend going slightly further afield, though I liked The Oval Bar on the corner of Abbey Street.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
10 Apr 2019

Lots to see

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
22 Jan 2019

Visit Brannigans which is just off O'Connell Street. Lovely little pub, good food, excellent ambience and friendly waiting staff.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Arlington Hotel O'Connell Bridge
Arlington Hotel O'Connell Bridge
3 out of 5
23-25 Bachelors Walk, Dublin, Dublin
Arlington Hotel O'Connell Bridge
Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street
Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street
3.5 out of 5
17 - 19 Moore Lane, Dublin 1, Dublin
Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
28-32 O'Connell Street Upper, Dublin
Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Zanzibar Locke
Zanzibar Locke
4 out of 5
34 ORMOND QUAY LOWER, Dublin
Zanzibar Locke
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street - Formerly Jurys Inn
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street - Formerly Jurys Inn
4 out of 5
Moore Street Plaza, Parnell Street, Dublin, Dublin
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street - Formerly Jurys Inn
Temple Bar Hotel
Temple Bar Hotel
4 out of 5
13-17 Fleet St Temple Bar, Dublin
Temple Bar Hotel
Academy Plaza Hotel
Academy Plaza Hotel
3 out of 5
10-14 Findlater Place, off Upper O'Connell St, Dublin, Dublin
Academy Plaza Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
4 out of 5
23 Upper O Connell Street, Dublin, Dublin
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.