The Spire of Dublin
A 120-meter stainless steel needle piercing Dublin's skyline, a modern symbol on O'Connell Street.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for photos & views
The Spire of Dublin
Best Time
Best for photos & views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 120-meter stainless steel needle piercing Dublin's skyline, a modern symbol on O'Connell Street.
"A striking modern icon that dominates Dublin's skyline and O'Connell Street."
๐ธ Perfect Photo Spot
Capture The Spire against the Dublin sky from O'Connell Street. Best during golden hour!
๐ถโโ๏ธ Explore O'Connell Street
The Spire is a great starting point to explore Dublin's main street and nearby attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monument of Light
O'Connell Street
A towering 120-meter stainless steel column piercing the Dublin skyline. A modern icon.
Panoramic City Views
Ground level, O'Connell Street
While you can't ascend The Spire, its height offers a dramatic focal point against the Dublin sky.
O'Connell Street's Bustle
Surrounding area
Experience the vibrant energy of Dublin's main thoroughfare, with The Spire as its centerpiece.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to The Spire
Understanding The Spire's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐ธ Perfect Photo Spot
Capture The Spire against the Dublin sky from O'Connell Street. Best during golden hour!
๐ถโโ๏ธ Explore O'Connell Street
The Spire is a great starting point to explore Dublin's main street and nearby attractions.
๐ก Modern Landmark
Appreciate its sleek design; it's a symbol of modern Dublin.
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ธ Perfect Photo Spot
Capture The Spire against the Dublin sky from O'Connell Street. Best during golden hour!
๐ถโโ๏ธ Explore O'Connell Street
The Spire is a great starting point to explore Dublin's main street and nearby attractions.
๐ก Modern Landmark
Appreciate its sleek design; it's a symbol of modern Dublin.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Spire of Dublin is widely recognized as a modern icon and a central landmark. Visitors appreciate its striking design and its role in revitalizing O'Connell Street. While some find it a bit stark or simply a tall pole, its accessibility and prominent location make it a must-see for many exploring the city center.
"This stainless steel object is so disproportionately tall that you will find it challenging to take a good picture of it. It truly is a piece of art beyond any measure that one is familiar with.
However, as with any other metal sculpture, placing your ear on it will give you another perception of the object and the space that it occupies. Trust me in this.
And if you want to take a good photo of you and your friends with the Spire, just walk away until it shrinks to a manageable size."
Valรฉrie
"I was not sure what to expect of this. I mean, a 390ft pin cannot be that interesting. However, I was wrong, and it actually is worth seeing. It is well placed on O'Donnell Street as a backdrop to the other sculptures lining the street. It is not until you reach the base that you can truly appreciate the size of the monument. It is also a really good feature to use if you get lost in the city.
The monument is free to view.
It is accessible to people who use a wheelchair."
Shelley C
"One of the must visit places in dublin. Its surface reflects Dublinโs ever-changing skies and cityscapeโraw stainless steel on top, partially polished with a custom pattern on the lower 10โฏm derived from geological core samples and the DNA double helix ๏ฟผ
โข Dramatic night illumination: the lower portion is softly lit from below, while nearly 12,000 perforations near the apex allow LED lighting to glow through, transforming into a beacon after dusk
โข The Spire sways up to ~1.5โฏm in strong winds, with internal dampers to reduce motionโthis is expected for tall slender structures ๏ฟผ
โข Cost around โฌ4.6โฏmillion; although originally designed to be self-cleaning, maintenance costs have been highโcleaning and lighting repairs have run tens of thousands annually
โข Built on the site of the former Nelsonโs Pillar, which stood from 1808 until its destruction in 1966 by the IRA. A temporary monument, the Anna Livia, occupied the space briefly before being relocated in 2001 ๏ฟผ
โข The Spire was selected from more than 200 international entries in a design competition held in 1998, aiming to rejuvenate OโConnell Street during the Celtic Tiger era ๏ฟผ
โข Reception was initially mixedโsome Dubliners questioned its style and cost, but over time it has become an iconic city symbol. Nicknames include the โStiletto in the Ghetto,โ โSpike,โ and โStiffy by the Liffey.โ"
Malik SA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
The Spire of Dublin is centrally located on O'Connell Street, Dublin's main thoroughfare. It's easily accessible by foot from many city center hotels. Numerous bus routes stop directly on O'Connell Street, and it's a short walk from the Abbey Street and Jervis Luas (tram) stops.
While there isn't direct parking at The Spire, several multi-story car parks are within a short walking distance, such as the Jervis Shopping Centre car park or the Arnotts car park. Driving in the city center can be challenging, so public transport is often recommended.
Yes, taxis are readily available throughout Dublin. You can hail one on the street or find them at designated taxi ranks. Inform your driver you wish to go to O'Connell Street, and they will know The Spire's location.
The Spire is a prominent landmark, and its 120-meter height makes it visible from various points in the city, especially from higher vantage points or when approaching the city center.
Walking is often the best way to explore Dublin's city center, as many attractions are close together. Dublin Bus and the Luas tram system are also efficient options for longer distances.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
No, The Spire of Dublin is an outdoor monument and is free to view from the ground. There are no tickets required to see or photograph it.
As an outdoor monument, The Spire is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can view it at any time.
Unfortunately, visitors cannot ascend The Spire of Dublin. It is a purely visual monument.
There is no admission fee for The Spire of Dublin. It is a public monument for everyone to enjoy.
Many general Dublin city walking tours and bus tours will pass by or stop near The Spire as it's a central landmark on O'Connell Street.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
Daylight hours offer clear views, but for dramatic shots, consider sunrise or sunset (golden hour) when the light is softer and casts interesting shadows. Evenings are also great when the monument is illuminated.
Try shooting from the base of O'Connell Street looking up for a dramatic perspective. You can also capture it with the surrounding street life or against the Dublin skyline from slightly further away.
Absolutely! The Spire is often illuminated at night, creating a striking visual. This is a popular time for photographers.
Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography of The Spire. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic.
For daylight, a standard aperture like f/8 will ensure sharpness. For night shots, you'll need a tripod and a longer exposure, so experiment with ISO and shutter speed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Families with Kids
Since it's an outdoor monument on a busy street, keep an eye on little ones. The surrounding O'Connell Street offers plenty of family-friendly dining options and shops. It's a perfect, no-cost stop on a busy day of sightseeing, allowing kids to burn off some energy while admiring a unique piece of modern art.
๐ธ Photographers
Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' around sunrise or sunset for the most captivating light. The Spire is also beautifully illuminated at night, providing excellent opportunities for long-exposure photography. The surrounding O'Connell Street offers various vantage points, allowing for creative compositions that incorporate the street's architecture and activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spire: A Modern Icon
While it's a purely visual monument and not accessible to the public for climbing, its sheer height and sleek form make it a captivating sight. It's designed to reflect light, appearing to glow at night, and its presence has undeniably reshaped the city's skyline. The construction itself was an engineering feat, utilizing pre-fabricated sections that were lifted into place.
Many visitors find The Spire to be a bold statement of modernity against the backdrop of Dublin's historic architecture. It serves as a central meeting point and a constant reference for navigation within the city center. Its presence on O'Connell Street also places it amidst a hub of activity, surrounded by shops, theaters, and other significant landmarks, making it an integral part of the urban experience.
Experiencing O'Connell Street
Visitors often use The Spire as a landmark to orient themselves while exploring O'Connell Street and its surroundings. The street itself is a testament to Dublin's evolution, blending grand 19th-century architecture with modern developments. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into the daily life and commercial heart of the city.
When visiting The Spire, take the opportunity to stroll along O'Connell Street, soak in the atmosphere, and discover the many historical and cultural points of interest. It's an ideal location for people-watching and experiencing the dynamic energy of Dublin.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit