Molly Malone Statue Dublin
A bronze icon of Dublin's spirit, the Molly Malone statue is a must-see, famous for its 'lucky' golden touch.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
Molly Malone Statue Dublin
Best Time
Fewer crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bronze icon of Dublin's spirit, the Molly Malone statue is a must-see, famous for its 'lucky' golden touch.
"It's a fun, quirky tradition that makes for a memorable photo op!"
📸 Golden Touch Photo Op
Touch her breasts for luck! They're polished gold from years of visitors.
🚶♀️ Avoid the Groping
The statue is often crowded with people touching it. Be patient for your photo.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Molly Malone Statue
Suffolk Street, Dublin
Iconic bronze statue of the legendary fishmonger, a symbol of Dublin's spirit and song.
The Polished Breasts
Molly Malone Statue
A well-worn tradition has polished her breasts to a gleaming gold, a unique and often photographed detail.
The Loyal Dog
Molly Malone Statue
Similar to other beloved statues, the dog's nose and ears are often touched, giving them a distinct shine.
Planning Your Visit
The 'Lucky' Touch
A Move and a Makeover
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Golden Touch Photo Op
Touch her breasts for luck! They're polished gold from years of visitors.
🚶♀️ Avoid the Groping
The statue is often crowded with people touching it. Be patient for your photo.
🐶 Dog's Shiny Nose
Don't forget to notice the dog's polished nose – another popular spot for a touch!
🌸 New Flowerbeds
Flowerbeds were added to deter touching, but the tradition continues.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Golden Touch Photo Op
Touch her breasts for luck! They're polished gold from years of visitors.
🚶♀️ Avoid the Groping
The statue is often crowded with people touching it. Be patient for your photo.
🐶 Dog's Shiny Nose
Don't forget to notice the dog's polished nose – another popular spot for a touch!
🌸 New Flowerbeds
Flowerbeds were added to deter touching, but the tradition continues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Molly Malone Statue is a beloved Dublin landmark, celebrated for its iconic status and the fun, albeit controversial, tradition of touching it for luck. While some find the constant touching disrespectful, most visitors enjoy the unique 'golden' sheen and the photo opportunities it provides. It's a quick, free, and memorable stop for anyone visiting the city.
"We flew to Dublin and joined a bus tour including Dublin and all around Ireland. It was a great trip.
After visiting The Temple Bar Pub, we found the statue of Molly Malone. Not much to see but a bit of history. A busy area."
THE EXPLORER
"Next to a pretty church! Definitely worth a quick walk from Trinity.
O'Neill pub next door has Beamish and lovely marble!"
A J (Lexi)
"It's a statue with a story. We met our walking tour group here. I'm sorry we missed her celebration which was coming up in a few days. It sounded like they dress her up and everyone has a really good time."
Caryn Isabelle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Molly Malone Statue is centrally located on Suffolk Street, Dublin 2. It's easily accessible on foot from many city center hotels and attractions. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from the St Stephen's Green and Dawson Street Luas (tram) stops.
Yes, the statue is very close to Grafton Street, St Stephen's Green, and Trinity College, making it a convenient stop on a walking tour of Dublin.
Suffolk Street is a pedestrianized shopping street. You can walk from Dame Street or Grafton Street. It's well-signposted within the city center.
Parking in Dublin city center can be expensive and limited. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk. If driving, look for multi-story car parks like the one at Drury Street or Jervis Street.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Dublin. You can ask your driver to drop you off on Suffolk Street or a nearby main road like Dame Street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Molly Malone Statue is a public art installation and can be viewed and photographed for free at any time.
As an outdoor statue, it's accessible 24/7. However, it's best visited during daylight hours for photography and to experience the surrounding atmosphere.
There is no admission fee. The statue is a free landmark for everyone to enjoy.
The statue was erected in 1988 to commemorate the fictional character and the song.
No, the statue was originally located at the bottom of Grafton Street and was moved to its current location on Suffolk Street in 2001.
📸 📸 Photography
Try to capture the 'golden' effect on her breasts and the dog's nose. Early mornings or late evenings offer softer light and fewer people.
Experiment with different angles. A slightly lower angle can emphasize Molly's presence, while a wider shot can include the bustling street.
It's challenging due to its popularity. Visiting very early in the morning or late at night is your best bet for a crowd-free shot.
Years of visitors touching the statue, particularly her breasts and the dog, have polished the bronze to a shiny, golden hue.
Yes, long exposure can be used to blur the crowds and create a more artistic shot, especially at dusk or dawn.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist times. The statue is located on a busy street, so keep a close eye on children. It's a good way to introduce them to a piece of Dublin's folklore and a quirky local tradition.
📸 Photographers
Capturing the 'golden' effect on her breasts and the dog's nose is a must. Consider using a wider lens to include the surrounding street life or a telephoto lens to focus on the details. Long exposure shots can help to smooth out the crowds and create a more ethereal feel.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
It's a great spot to people-watch and soak in the city's atmosphere. Combine your visit with a walk down Grafton Street or a stroll through St. Stephen's Green for a fulfilling and cost-effective exploration of Dublin.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Molly Malone
The statue itself, created by sculptor Jeanne Rynhart, was unveiled in 1988. It portrays Molly as a young woman, pushing her barrow laden with seafood, her décolletage prominently displayed. The statue was initially placed at the bottom of Grafton Street before being moved to its current, more prominent location on Suffolk Street in 2001.
Despite her fictional origins, Molly Malone has become a beloved icon. The song is often sung by locals and tourists alike, and the statue serves as a tangible representation of this enduring piece of Dublin folklore.
The 'Lucky' Tradition and Its Impact
This tradition has sparked debate and led to measures to protect the statue. In an effort to curb the touching, Dublin City Council installed flowerbeds around the statue in 2014. However, this has done little to deter the practice, with many visitors still finding ways to reach out and touch the iconic parts of the sculpture.
The polished effect is a testament to the statue's popularity and the enduring appeal of the 'lucky touch' tradition. It’s a visual representation of the connection people feel to Molly Malone and the city of Dublin, even if it means a bit of wear and tear on the bronze.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit