The Spire of Dublin
The Spire of Dublin is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Dublin audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~15 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type monument
- Suggested visit ~15 min
- Dublin Dublin guide
About The Spire of Dublin
A 120-metre polished stainless steel spike erected in 2003 on the site of Nelson's Pillar, now one of Dublin's most recognisable landmarks and a symbol of Ireland's ambition for the 21st century.
The Spire of Dublin, officially the Monument of Light, is a 120-metre-tall, stainless steel needle that has stood at the centre of O'Connell Street since 2003. At its base it is 3 metres wide, tapering to just 15 centimetres at the tip, and it is designed to flex gently in the wind. The entire surface is polished to reflect light, so the spire changes appearance throughout the day and with the weather.
The Spire stands on the site of Nelson's Pillar, a Doric column topped with a statue of Admiral Nelson that stood on O'Connell Street from 1809 until 1966, when it was blown up by Irish republican activists. The stump was removed by the Irish Army. For decades the site stood empty, until the competition-winning design by Ian Ritchie Architects was erected in 2003.
Dubliners responded with characteristic wit: the Spire has been nicknamed 'The Stiletto in the Ghetto,' 'The Spike,' 'The Stiffy by the Liffey,' and several other less printable names. It has since become a beloved fixture of the city and a major meeting point.
Did you know? The Spire of Dublin was erected on the site of Nelson's Pillar, which was blown up by republican activists in 1966 on the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising, the Irish Army demolished the remaining stump.
How long should you spend at The Spire of Dublin?
Plan about ~15 min at The Spire of Dublin. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is The Spire of Dublin worth visiting?
The Spire of Dublin is one of the 42 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Dublin, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Dublin
Hear the story of The Spire of Dublin
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