O'Connell Street, Dublin - red traffic light
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O'Connell Street Dublin

4.6
·491k reviews·, Ireland

Dublin's grandest street, a historic heart featuring The Spire, the GPO, and statues of Irish heroes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Vibrant atmosphere & sightseeing

CrowdMedium
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O'Connell Street, Dublin - red traffic light

O'Connell Street Dublin

Best Time

Daytime

Vibrant atmosphere & sightseeing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dublin's grandest street, a historic heart featuring The Spire, the GPO, and statues of Irish heroes.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A bustling thoroughfare, O'Connell Street is the vibrant heart of Dublin, rich with history and modern landmarks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Be Aware of Surroundings

Some Reddit users advise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and be mindful of your belongings.

🚌 Start with a Bus Tour

A hop-on-hop-off bus tour from O'Connell Street is a great way to get oriented with Dublin's sights.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Spire of Dublin

The Spire of Dublin

O'Connell Street

A towering, needle-like monument piercing the Dublin skyline. A modern icon and a great meeting point.

GPO (General Post Office)

GPO (General Post Office)

O'Connell Street

Historic building, a focal point of the 1916 Easter Rising. Offers a glimpse into Ireland's fight for independence.

Statues of O'Connell Street

Statues of O'Connell Street

O'Connell Street

Adorned with statues of Irish historical figures, including Daniel O'Connell himself. A walk through history.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating O'Connell Street

O'Connell Street is Dublin's main thoroughfare, bustling with activity. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, as some areas can feel less safe. Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour early in your visit to get acquainted with the city's layout and key landmarks.

Best Time to Explore

Daytime offers the most vibrant atmosphere on O'Connell Street, perfect for sightseeing and shopping. Evenings can be quieter, and some travelers advise caution after dark. Weekends are generally busier with locals and tourists alike.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Vibrant atmosphere & sightseeing
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

5 tips for visiting Ireland—don’t make the same mistakes I did bc i love yall and want you to succeed 🫶 #irelandtiktok #traveltiktok #traveltips #travellife #dublin #ireland🇨🇮 #travelbucketlist
@theshayspence
117.5K likes • 1.2M views

🚶‍♀️ Be Aware of Surroundings

Some Reddit users advise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and be mindful of your belongings. Reddit

🚌 Start with a Bus Tour

A hop-on-hop-off bus tour from O'Connell Street is a great way to get oriented with Dublin's sights. Reddit

here is my ultimate ireland travel guide based on my trip there this summer ☘️ let me know which spots i missed for next time! #ireland #irelandtiktok #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist #irelandtravel #d...
@theshayspence
86.2K likes • 1M views
The Do’s & Dont’s while in Dublin? We took to the streets to ask the people - Part ✌️ #irelandtravel #streetinterview #dublin #usa
@chalkncheesetravels
79K likes • 1.5M views

📸 Capture The Spire

The Spire is a striking modern landmark. Great for photos, especially at different times of day. TikTok

🏛️ Visit the GPO

Don't miss the historic GPO, a key site from the 1916 Rising. Learn about its significance. TikTok

Ireland 7 day Itinerary #visitireland #traveladvice #placestovisitireland #irish #ireland #irishgem #🇮🇪 #theirishgem #irishtiktok #dublin #clare #wicklow #irishtour #irishitinerary #travelireland #c...
@theirishgem
39K likes • 679.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Be Aware of Surroundings

Some Reddit users advise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and be mindful of your belongings. Reddit

🚌 Start with a Bus Tour

A hop-on-hop-off bus tour from O'Connell Street is a great way to get oriented with Dublin's sights. Reddit

📸 Capture The Spire

The Spire is a striking modern landmark. Great for photos, especially at different times of day. TikTok

🏛️ Visit the GPO

Don't miss the historic GPO, a key site from the 1916 Rising. Learn about its significance. TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the street and its monuments. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

O'Connell Street is a grand and historically significant avenue, praised for its iconic landmarks like The Spire and the GPO. Visitors appreciate its central location and the abundance of shops and dining options. However, some find it less charming than other Dublin areas and advise caution regarding safety at night.

What People Like

Iconic landmarks
Central location
Shopping and dining

What People Dislike

Can feel less charming
Safety concerns at night

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Dublin Express bus is a popular and convenient option, taking you directly to O'Connell Street. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. TikTokReddit

Yes, O'Connell Street is a major hub for Dublin Bus routes and is also served by the Luas tram system, making it very accessible from all parts of the city. TikTok

Absolutely! O'Connell Street is centrally located. It's a short walk from areas like Temple Bar, Grafton Street, and Trinity College, making it easy to incorporate into a walking tour. TikTok

If you're staying in the city center, walking is often the easiest and most enjoyable way to reach O'Connell Street. It allows you to soak in the city's atmosphere. Reddit

Many bus routes stop directly on O'Connell Street. The Dublin Express stops are particularly useful for airport transfers. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

O'Connell Street itself is a public thoroughfare and does not require tickets to access. You can walk along it freely. TikTok

Most monuments on O'Connell Street, like the statues and The Spire, are free to view from the outside. The GPO has a museum inside which may have an entry fee. TikTok

O'Connell Street is always open as it's a public street. However, shops and attractions along the street will have their own operating hours. TikTok

Yes, many city tours, historical tours, and hop-on-hop-off bus tours include O'Connell Street as a key stop. Booking in advance is often recommended. TikTokReddit

O'Connell Street often hosts parades, national celebrations, and public events, especially around holidays like St. Patrick's Day. Check local listings for event schedules. TikTok

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Key attractions include The Spire, the GPO, and numerous statues of Irish historical figures. It's also a prime spot for shopping and experiencing Dublin's city life. TikTok+1

While generally safe during the day, some Reddit users suggest exercising caution at night. It's advisable to stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

O'Connell Street offers a mix of high-street brands, department stores, and souvenir shops, catering to various shopping needs. TikTok

Definitely! The Spire, the GPO, and the various statues provide excellent backdrops for photos. Capturing the street's grandeur is a must. TikTok

O'Connell Street is deeply intertwined with Irish history, most notably as the site of the 1916 Easter Rising, centered around the GPO. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, O'Connell Street and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of dining options, from traditional pubs and cafes to international cuisine. TikTok

While Temple Bar is famous, many excellent traditional pubs can be found just off O'Connell Street, offering live music and local brews. TikTok

You'll find plenty of cafes, bakeries, and fast-casual eateries offering quick bites and affordable meals, perfect for a break while sightseeing. TikTok

Dublin has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan options. You can find dedicated restaurants or places with extensive plant-based menus in the vicinity. TikTok

Prices vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from €10-€15 for a casual meal at a cafe or pub, and upwards of €20-€30 for a sit-down dinner. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Spire offers a dramatic vertical element, while the GPO provides historical context. The statues themselves are also great subjects. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the street's architecture and monuments. TikTok

Photography rules can vary inside the GPO museum. It's best to check signage or ask staff upon arrival. TikTok

Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the full breadth of the street and its monuments. Looking up at The Spire from its base is also a popular perspective. TikTok

A standard zoom lens is versatile. For The Spire, a wide-angle lens can be effective. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

O'Connell Street offers a good starting point for families exploring Dublin. The Spire of Dublin is visually impressive for children, and the various statues can spark curiosity about history. The GPO provides an educational opportunity to learn about Ireland's past in an engaging way. TikTok

Many shops along the street offer souvenirs, and there are numerous cafes for quick snacks. Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour that starts from O'Connell Street; it's a fun and efficient way for kids to see the city's highlights without too much walking. Reddit Remember to keep an eye on little ones, as it can get busy, especially during peak hours.

💰 Budget Travelers

O'Connell Street is excellent for budget travelers as many of its key attractions are free to view. The Spire and the statues are iconic landmarks that cost nothing to admire. TikTok You can also walk the length of the street and soak in the atmosphere without spending a euro. TikTok

For affordable eats, look for cafes and bakeries offering pastries and sandwiches, or explore the side streets for pubs with reasonably priced lunch specials. Utilizing public transport like the Dublin Express bus from the airport is also more economical than a taxi. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Solo travelers will find O'Connell Street a vibrant and accessible part of Dublin. It's a great place to start your exploration, perhaps with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to get your bearings. Reddit The street's central location makes it easy to navigate to other attractions. TikTok

While generally safe, solo travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, especially at night, as advised by some Reddit users. Reddit Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, photograph the landmarks like The Spire and the GPO, and perhaps strike up conversations in the many cafes and pubs along the way.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of O'Connell Street

O'Connell Street, formerly Sackville Street, is Dublin's premier boulevard and a cornerstone of the city's identity. It has been the stage for many pivotal moments in Irish history, most notably the 1916 Easter Rising. The General Post Office (GPO), located centrally on the street, served as the headquarters for the rebels and bears the scars of the conflict, making it a powerful symbol of Irish nationalism. The street itself was named in honor of Daniel O'Connell, a prominent 19th-century political leader who campaigned for Catholic emancipation and the repeal of the Act of Union. His statue stands proudly at the entrance to the street, a constant reminder of his legacy. TikTok

Beyond its revolutionary past, O'Connell Street has always been a hub for social and commercial life in Dublin. It's lined with grand Victorian buildings, theaters, and shops, reflecting its evolution as a bustling city center. The Spire of Dublin, a modern, needle-like monument, was erected in 2003 and has become an iconic contemporary landmark, contrasting with the historical architecture. Walking down O'Connell Street is like taking a stroll through Dublin's layered history, from its fight for independence to its modern urban vibrancy. TikTok

Many visitors find that understanding the historical context enhances their appreciation of O'Connell Street. The street's transformation over the centuries mirrors Dublin's own journey. It's a place where you can feel the pulse of the city and connect with its rich heritage. TikTok

Navigating Safety and Atmosphere on O'Connell Street

O'Connell Street is a major tourist thoroughfare, and during the day, it generally feels safe and is teeming with activity. You'll find plenty of shops, cafes, and the iconic monuments. However, some travelers and locals on Reddit have noted that the atmosphere can change after dark. While it's not considered a no-go zone, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you're walking alone late at night. Reddit

Several Reddit users mentioned that while the street itself is generally fine, some of the side streets or areas immediately adjacent might feel a bit more 'sketchy' or less inviting after dark. Sticking to the main, well-lit parts of O'Connell Street and being mindful of personal belongings is a common piece of advice. If you're staying in a hotel on or near the street, most users felt it was perfectly safe for daytime access and returning to their accommodation. Reddit

For a more comfortable experience, consider using taxis or ride-sharing services if you're out late. Daytime exploration is highly recommended for soaking in the sights and sounds without any safety concerns. The street is a vibrant part of Dublin's daytime energy. TikTok

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