O'Connell Street
Dublin's grandest street, a historic heart with iconic landmarks like The Spire and GPO, bustling with shops and life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
O'Connell Street
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dublin's grandest street, a historic heart with iconic landmarks like The Spire and GPO, bustling with shops and life.
"O'Connell Street, Dublin - the greatest place on Earth?"
🚶♀️ Walk the length
Explore O'Connell Street on foot to truly appreciate its scale and monuments.
🛍️ Shop 'til you drop
Don't miss the huge Penneys store for great deals and souvenirs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Spire of Dublin
O'Connell Street
This iconic needle-like monument pierces the Dublin skyline, offering a modern landmark amidst historic architecture.
GPO (General Post Office)
O'Connell Street
A historically significant building, the GPO was a focal point of the 1916 Easter Rising. Its facade still bears the marks of conflict.
Statues of O'Connell Street
O'Connell Street
Adorning the street are numerous statues, including those of Daniel O'Connell, James Larkin, and Michael Collins, each telling a part of Ireland's story.
Penneys Flagship Store
O'Connell Street
Ireland's beloved budget fashion retailer boasts a massive, recently renovated store here, a must-visit for shoppers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating O'Connell Street
Respect and Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the length
Explore O'Connell Street on foot to truly appreciate its scale and monuments.
🛍️ Shop 'til you drop
Don't miss the huge Penneys store for great deals and souvenirs.
📸 Capture the Spire
The Spire is a fantastic photo opportunity, especially at different times of day.
🚌 Use public transport
Buses and the Luas tram are the best ways to access and navigate the street.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the length
Explore O'Connell Street on foot to truly appreciate its scale and monuments.
🛍️ Shop 'til you drop
Don't miss the huge Penneys store for great deals and souvenirs.
📸 Capture the Spire
The Spire is a fantastic photo opportunity, especially at different times of day.
🚌 Use public transport
Buses and the Luas tram are the best ways to access and navigate the street.
🧐 Be aware of surroundings
Like any major city street, stay alert to your belongings and surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
O'Connell Street is a historically rich and vibrant central Dublin thoroughfare, praised for its iconic landmarks like The Spire and the GPO, and its extensive shopping opportunities, particularly the Penneys flagship. Some visitors note its bustling nature and occasional disruptions, advising awareness of surroundings.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
O'Connell Street is Dublin's central artery and is easily accessible by numerous Dublin Bus routes and the Luas tram (Red and Green lines stop nearby). Taxis are also readily available.
While on-street parking is limited and often expensive, several multi-storey car parks are within walking distance, such as the Jervis Shopping Centre car park or the Arnotts car park.
Yes, O'Connell Street is centrally located. Many attractions like Trinity College, Temple Bar, and Grafton Street are within a 15-20 minute walk.
Walking is ideal for exploring the street itself. For longer distances or to reach other parts of the city, the extensive bus network and Luas tram are highly recommended.
The street is generally flat and wide, making it accessible. However, some older buildings or specific areas might have limited accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, O'Connell Street is a public thoroughfare and is free to access. You only need tickets for specific attractions located on or near the street, like museums or theaters.
O'Connell Street is always open as it's a public street. Individual shops and attractions along the street will have their own operating hours.
The Spire of Dublin is a monument and does not have an entrance fee. You can admire it from street level.
Yes, the GPO is a functioning post office and also houses a museum detailing its role in Irish history. It is open to visitors during its operating hours.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Evenings and weekends tend to be busier, especially during shopping hours or events.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Key sights include The Spire, the GPO, various historical statues, and the flagship Penneys store. It's also a central point for exploring Dublin.
The street is lined with significant statues, including Daniel O'Connell, James Larkin, and the Fianna Éireann memorial, commemorating important figures and events in Irish history.
Like any major city center, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings at night. It's generally well-lit and busy, but it's always good practice to stay vigilant.
The GPO was the headquarters of the Irish rebels during the 1916 Easter Rising and is a powerful symbol of Irish independence.
No, The Spire is a purely aesthetic monument and is not accessible to the public for climbing or viewing from the top.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, O'Connell Street and its immediate surroundings offer a wide range of dining options, from fast food and cafes to pubs and restaurants. Georgian Delight in Moore Street Mall offers Khachapuri.
You can find everything from traditional Irish pub fare to international cuisine. Moore Street Mall, just off O'Connell Street, has diverse food stalls.
Absolutely. Numerous cafes, fast-food chains, and the Penneys cafe offer affordable choices for a quick bite.
Several coffee chains like Costa Coffee and Starbucks have branches on O'Connell Street, alongside independent cafes offering quality brews.
While the heart of Temple Bar is nearby, O'Connell Street itself has pubs offering a more relaxed atmosphere, and many traditional pubs are just a short walk away.
📸 📸 Photography
The Spire, the GPO facade, and the various statues are prime photography subjects. The street itself offers great urban photography opportunities.
Yes, it's generally safe to take photos. However, as with any busy urban area, be mindful of your surroundings and belongings, especially when engrossed in capturing a shot.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people. Evenings can be dramatic with city lights, and golden hour provides beautiful warm tones.
Drone usage in Dublin city center is highly restricted due to airspace regulations and privacy concerns. It's best to avoid flying drones in this area.
Try capturing the contrast between historic buildings and modern elements like The Spire, or the bustling street life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a ride on the Luas tram for a fun and practical way to experience the city. While the street itself is a thoroughfare, nearby attractions like the Dublinia Viking and Medieval Museum or a walk through St. Stephen's Green can complement a visit to O'Connell Street for a more family-oriented day.
💰 Budget Travelers
For dining, look for the numerous cafes and fast-food outlets along the street, or explore the diverse food stalls in Moore Street Mall for inexpensive and tasty options. Utilizing Dublin's extensive bus network or walking between attractions will save on transportation costs.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers
Solo dining is easy with many cafes and pubs offering casual seating. Consider using the Luas tram for efficient solo travel around the city, and don't hesitate to strike up conversations with locals in pubs for authentic insights.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of O'Connell Street
Named after Daniel O'Connell, a prominent 19th-century political leader, the street is adorned with statues commemorating him and other influential Irish figures. These monuments serve as constant reminders of the nation's struggle for independence and its rich cultural heritage.
Beyond its historical weight, O'Connell Street is a vibrant commercial and social hub. It's a place where locals and tourists converge, making it a dynamic representation of contemporary Dublin life, from bustling shopping to lively street performances.
Iconic Landmarks: The Spire and the GPO
Adjacent to The Spire stands the General Post Office (GPO), a building steeped in history. Its facade bears the scars of the 1916 Easter Rising, a testament to its central role in the fight for Irish independence. Today, it functions as a busy post office and houses a museum that delves into this significant period.
Together, these two landmarks represent the blend of modern ambition and historical reverence that defines O'Connell Street, offering visitors a tangible connection to both Dublin's past and its future.
Shopping and Dining on O'Connell Street
Beyond Penneys, the street and its surrounding areas offer a diverse retail experience. Nearby Moore Street Mall provides a more traditional market feel with various food stalls and shops, including Georgian Delight for Khachapuri.
When it comes to dining, O'Connell Street caters to all tastes and budgets. You'll find familiar fast-food chains, cozy cafes for a coffee break, and traditional Irish pubs just a short stroll away. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, the area has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
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