O'Connell Street
About
O'Connell Street is Dublin’s most iconic and bustling thoroughfare, lined with historic monuments, grand architecture, and vibrant commercial activity. Originally known as Drogheda Street, it was widened and renamed in 1924 to honor nationalist leader Daniel O'Connell, whose statue now stands at the lower end of the street. The street has witnessed pivotal moments in Irish history—from the 1916 Easter Rising, when the General Post Office (GPO) was taken over by revolutionaries, to the 1922 civil war and the 1966 demolition of Nelson's Pillar. Today, it serves as the main route for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a key artery for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can explore the historic GPO, marvel at the modern Spire of Dublin, stroll past the 19th‑century O’Connell Monument, and enjoy the eclectic mix of shops, cafés, and cultural institutions that have defined the street’s character over centuries.
Highlights
- General Post Office
- Spire of Dublin
- O'Connell Monument
- Clerys Department Store