Wellington Monument, Dublin - low-angle photography of brown concrete tower
1 / 10

Wellington Monument Dublin

4.6
·2k reviews·, Ireland

A colossal 62m obelisk in Phoenix Park, honoring Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. An iconic Dublin landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Wellington Monument, Dublin - low-angle photography of brown concrete tower

Wellington Monument Dublin

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A colossal 62m obelisk in Phoenix Park, honoring Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. An iconic Dublin landmark.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"An imposing and impressive landmark, its grandeur is universally appreciated."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore Phoenix Park

The monument is within Phoenix Park, so plan time to explore the park's other attractions too! :parkwithtrees:

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Visit early morning for unobstructed shots. The scale is impressive! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Obelisk

The Grand Obelisk

Phoenix Park

A colossal 62-meter monument dedicated to the Duke of Wellington, an iconic Dublin landmark.

Phoenix Park Views

Phoenix Park Views

Surrounding Phoenix Park

Enjoy panoramic views of the monument and the expansive, green landscapes of Phoenix Park.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

The Wellington Monument is a popular spot, especially during peak tourist seasons. To enjoy a more peaceful experience and get unobstructed photos, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Understanding Its Significance

This towering obelisk honors Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, a celebrated military leader. Learning a bit about his victories beforehand can enrich your appreciation of this impressive Dublin landmark.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

i told him what needed to be said also what is that fluff floating in front of me idk #fyp #dublin #ireland #oscarwilde #statue #solotravel #traveling #travelguide #traveltips #BookTok #books #classic...
@ssssydneyyyyyyy
243.1K likes • 913.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Phoenix Park

The monument is within Phoenix Park, so plan time to explore the park's other attractions too! :parkwithtrees:

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Visit early morning for unobstructed shots. The scale is impressive! :camerawithflash:

Save this to spend the perfect day in Dublin! 🇮🇪 It’s a busy schedule but it’s so worth it. We hit a lot of the major sites in one day! #dublin #ireland #travel #travelguide #dublinitinerary #itinera...
@wanderingpassports
68.1K likes • 1.4M views
Our top Dublin recommendations! 🤩🇮🇪 We had the BEST time & can't believe how much we got done in one day 👏🏼 #nathanandgrace #dublin #dublintiktok #kilmainhamgaol #templebar
@nathanandgrace
37.1K likes • 547.8K views

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking in Phoenix Park, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:

5 things to do in Dublin - spoiler: it‘s not just about the Guinness (okay, maybe a little) 🍺🍀 #motelone #designhotel #citytrip #visitireland #dublin #dublintiktok #guinness #guinnessmuseum #templeba...
@motel_one
33.2K likes • 858.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore Phoenix Park

The monument is within Phoenix Park, so plan time to explore the park's other attractions too! :parkwithtrees:

📸 Perfect Photo Spot

Visit early morning for unobstructed shots. The scale is impressive! :camerawithflash:

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking in Phoenix Park, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Wellington Monument to be an imposing and impressive landmark, particularly for its sheer scale and its prominent location within the beautiful Phoenix Park. While some may not know its specific historical context, its grandeur is universally appreciated. The surrounding park offers ample opportunities for exploration, making it a worthwhile stop for those visiting Dublin.

"Nice memorial to commemorate Wellington's win over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. Each of the sides of the memorial has different texts. There is a huge field around it where you can easily have a picknick or a lay-down after a long walk in the park."

Jeroen Ravenshorst

"We flew to Dublin to join a bus tour of Ireland. It started in Dublin and then went around the island and ended back in Dublin.
We self guided around the city using google maps and passed by the Wellington Monument. It was visually very nice but not really much to see."

THE EXPLORER

"I wouldn't go here just to see this huge column of bricks, but if you are nearby anyways or are on a hop-on/off bus, get off at the nearby stop, have a quick look here and the go for a walk in the lovely nearby park."

Martin Jul Jönsson

What People Like

Imposing scale
Phoenix Park location
Impressive landmark

What People Dislike

Lack of detailed information on-site

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Wellington Monument is located within Phoenix Park. You can reach it by car, bus, or even by cycling. Several Dublin Bus routes serve the park's perimeter. If driving, there are parking areas available within the park. :bus: :car:

While buses don't go directly to the monument itself, they stop at various points within Phoenix Park, requiring a walk to reach it. Check Dublin Bus for routes like the 46A or 145 which pass near the park entrances. :bus:

Yes, walking and cycling are excellent ways to reach the monument, especially if you're already in or near Phoenix Park. The park has dedicated cycle paths and is very pedestrian-friendly. :bike:

Phoenix Park is vast! Using a map app on your phone or picking up a park map at an entrance is highly recommended. The Wellington Monument is a prominent landmark, so it's hard to miss once you're in its vicinity. :world_map:

Yes, there are several car parks within Phoenix Park. Parking availability can vary, especially on busy days, so arriving earlier is advisable if you're driving. :car:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Wellington Monument itself is an outdoor landmark and is free to view. Access to Phoenix Park is also free. :ticket:

As an outdoor monument, it's accessible at any time. Phoenix Park generally has daylight access, though specific gates might have closing times. :clock1:

No, Phoenix Park is a public park and has no entrance fee. You can explore its grounds and see the Wellington Monument without any cost. :moneywithwings:

No, climbing the monument is not permitted for safety and preservation reasons. It's meant to be admired from the ground. :noentrysign:

While there aren't specific tours solely for the monument, many general Dublin or Phoenix Park tours might include it as a point of interest. Check with local tour operators. :walking:

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning offers the best light and fewest people for unobstructed shots. Late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour lighting. :camerawithflash:

Try shooting from the base looking up to emphasize its height, or from a distance within Phoenix Park to capture it within its scenic surroundings. :iphone:

Drone usage in national parks like Phoenix Park is often restricted. It's best to check the official Phoenix Park website or local regulations before flying a drone. :noentrysign:

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the monument's full scale. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or if you're further away in the park. :camera:

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming might require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors. :camerawithflash:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Wellington Monument is a great stop for families, primarily because it's located within the vast and engaging Phoenix Park. The sheer size of the obelisk is impressive for children, and the open spaces around it are perfect for them to run around. The real draw for families, however, is the chance to see the wild deer that roam freely in Phoenix Park. TikTok

Plan your visit to include time for a picnic in the park or a stop at the Dublin Zoo, which is also within Phoenix Park. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as exploring the park can involve a lot of walking. Consider renting bikes to cover more ground and make the experience more fun for older children. The monument itself is a visual landmark, but the surrounding park activities will likely be the highlight for younger visitors.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

For solo travelers, the Wellington Monument offers a chance for quiet contemplation and excellent photo opportunities. Its location in Phoenix Park means you can combine your visit with a peaceful walk or bike ride, enjoying the natural beauty and perhaps spotting some of the park's famous deer. TikTok

It's a straightforward landmark to find and appreciate without needing a guide. You can easily spend an hour admiring the monument and its surroundings, or make it a brief stop on a longer exploration of Phoenix Park. The open space allows for personal reflection and a break from the city's hustle and bustle.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Duke and His Monument

The Wellington Monument stands as a colossal tribute to Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, a pivotal figure in British military history. Standing at an impressive 62 meters (203 feet), it's one of the largest obelisks in Europe. The monument was erected in the mid-19th century, long after the Duke's most famous victories, including the Battle of Waterloo. Its sheer scale is designed to impress and commemorate his significant achievements.

Visitors often marvel at the monument's imposing presence within the vast expanse of Phoenix Park. While the monument itself is the focal point, its location offers a chance to appreciate the historical significance of the park, which has served various roles from a royal hunting ground to a military garrison. The surrounding landscape provides a dramatic backdrop, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Many visitors find the monument a striking landmark, even if its historical context isn't immediately apparent. Its grandeur is undeniable, and it serves as a powerful reminder of Ireland's connection to significant figures in British history. The sheer size and the open space around it contribute to a sense of awe and scale. TikTok

Experiencing Phoenix Park

The Wellington Monument is nestled within the sprawling grounds of Phoenix Park, one of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe. This makes a visit to the monument an opportunity to explore a vibrant green lung of Dublin, offering much more than just the obelisk itself. The park is home to herds of wild fallow deer, which are a major attraction for visitors, especially families. TikTok

Beyond the monument and deer, Phoenix Park boasts a variety of attractions including the Dublin Zoo, Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the President of Ireland), Victorian flower gardens, and numerous historical buildings. The park's extensive network of paths makes it ideal for walking, cycling, and even horse riding. Many visitors recommend dedicating a good portion of the day to truly experience all that Phoenix Park has to offer, with the Wellington Monument serving as a significant landmark within this expansive landscape. TikTok

When planning your visit, consider how you'll navigate the park. Renting a bike is a popular and efficient way to cover more ground and reach various points of interest, including the monument. Alternatively, guided tours often include stops at key locations within the park. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking or cycling to fully appreciate the park's offerings. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2