Today here in the centre of O'Connell Street, we see the Spire of Dublin. This sculpture was completed in 2003, designed by Ian Ritchie Architects.
However, for more than 150 years, another monument was on this site: Nelson’s Pillar.
This was a 121-feet tall large granite column, topped with a statue of British naval hero Admiral Horatio Nelson. It was erected in 1809 to commemorate Nelson’s victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The images here show the pillar of Sackville Street, the previous name for O’Connell Street, in the early 1900s.
Over time, particularly with Irish independence coming in the 1920s, Nelson's Pillar became increasingly controversial. In 1966, it was destroyed, blown up by a republican group. Now there is no trace here of Nelson’s Pillar though the head from the statue can be seen at the Dublin City Library and Archive on Pearse Street.
For the next stop, turn to the left into North Earl Street.
Image credits:
Sackville Street, National Library of Ireland
Nelson's Pillar, O'Connell Street, National Library of Ireland, In copyright
