The Spire aka the Monument of Light is almost 400' tall. It's a sculpture made of stainless steel in the heart of Dublin on O'Connell Street. It's the world's tallest sculpture. It looks like a ginormous needle poking through to the sky. It's only been around since 2003ish but seems as though it's been there forever. It's a can't miss attraction. As in, there's no possible way to miss it because of its sheer height. read more

The city of Dublin may be quaint in size, but it is home to several large and legendary landmarks, one of the most visible of which is the iconic Dublin Spire! Rising into the city skyline like a giant needle, the Dublin Spire stands tall as one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. The Spire is a striking monument located on O'Connell Street in Dublin, Ireland. This iconic structure has become a symbol of modern Ireland and a popular landmark for both locals and tourists. but ofcourse not everyone likes it. it has a mixed feeling. The Spire was officially unveiled in 2003, replacing the Nelson's Pillar, which had been destroyed by an IRA bomb in 1966. It is a tall, slender structure made of stainless steel, reaching a height of 120 meters (394 feet). The monument is a reminder that Ireland is a dynamic and forward-thinking nation. It has become an enduring symbol of Dublin's identity. read more

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The Spire of Dublin, officially called the Monument of Light, is a 120-meter (390 ft) tall stainless steel monument on O'Connell Street that was completed in 2003. It stands on the site of the former Nelson's Pillar and is intended to symbolize Dublin's transformation into a modern city of sky and spirit. You can't miss it as a visual landmark and a convenient meeting point. Gayle and I walked past The Spire on several occasions an also made it a point to look up. I found it interesting, but underwhelming. As it's also across the street from the historic GPO, this area is also a place for various citizen groups to make their views known. It was there that I saw a performing Hari Krishna group for the first time in years. A Gaza-related group was also present. read more

The Spire is a quick sight seeing opportunity in Dublin! There's a dedicated parking lot about a block away from the Spire. It's hard to find parking in the city. But if you are ubering there, then you have no problem. Uber might be the best option! This is probably a drive by thing. It's cool and all but I was bored with it pretty fast. It's a pointy spear that goes into the sky. Not trying to take away from it, but once you see it, you see it. It doesn't take too long to check it out and be done. At least for me. Maybe others wanna spend more time there. It's a good free activity to do around the city! read more

The Spire - Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

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The Spire is one large monument located in the heart of the beautiful city of Dublin, Ireland. It looks like a giant needle stretching out to the sky. Hard to miss this simple beauty. Be careful while admiring it though, Our friend was taking pictures of it while close to the street. He backed up to take more pictures, and he did not notice that he had backed onto the street. Oncoming traffic almost hit him. Fortunately, we warned him in time. So be careful folks!! read more

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Well the Spire is just that, a tall spire that serves as a central landmark for tour groups to gather on busy McDonnell Street. Tons of shopping nearby at Penneys (PriMark), Marks & Spencer, Arnott's and many major retailers up and down various streets in the area. Be sure to check out Dublin's Portal, across the street from the Spire, with live views at other portal destinations like Philadelphia USA, Vilnius Lithuania and Lublin Poland. The mission is about building multiple portals, which together form a global entity - a bridge to a united planet that invites people of distant cultures to meet above borders, differences and narratives. read more

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Also known as "The Monument of Light", I knew nothing about this monument when I visited Dublin. Located in the middle of the city, it looks like a giant needle that is 390 feet tall. I took a photo in front of it and was on my way. Apparently, it is really just a piece of art and doesn't have any cultural significance to the city. I think it is still worth a photo just because of its sheer height. read more

We recently had the opportunity to visit this iconic landmark while on a trip to Dublin, and we are so glad we did! If you ever find yourself in Dublin then The Spire is definitely worth a visit - even if it's just for a few minutes - as it offers stunning views and an amazing atmosphere that will stay with you long after your journey ends! read more

The Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

The true name of the Spire of Dublin is "The Monument of Light!" Or as I like to call it "the upside down elongated ice-cream Cone!!" You can visually tell it's made of stainless steel, which I think is an interesting choice of material, since its most normally associated with cookware for me. But that also means it Mkt a shiny, glittery sculpture but rather absorbs light and dare I say it? Frankly that makes it dull! Apparently it also replaced a previous monument on this site - Nelson's Pillar which was destroyed in the 1960s (a causality of an IRA bombing). It's a decent landmark - the height helps you orient yourself in relation to O'Connell street, but visibility is quite often meh cause I previously mentioned, the steel is quite dull.. PS - I think it's dull so light doesn't district the drivers of vehicle on the road around the spire, but that's just my guess Yelp 138/ 2019 read more

The Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

A gigantic needle stretches into the sky from O'Connell Street. The Spire of Dublin, which also goes by the name "Monument of Light" or "Stiletto in the Ghetto" is 120 meters (390 feet) tall. It was commissioned in 1999 and installation was from 2002 to 2003. And it's in the exact spot where Nelson's Pillar stood before it was destroyed by IRA bombers in 1966. Because it is a simple gray, it can be hard to see from across the city though it is certainly the tallest structure. At night, the top ten meters is illuminated by nearly 12,000 small holes through which LED's shine. It's definitely an odd and unusual monument. read more

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It reminds me of a pointed needle or a light saber! Monumental and good meeting spot for some events. Sharpest spire I've seen to date! read more

You would think a city as storied as Dublin would have a more deserving monument than the Spire. It's not that it's offensive, it's just that it's so nondescript. Located in the middle of the city's central thoroughfare, O'Connell Street, right across from the historic General Post Office, it is simply there. About 400 feet high, it's made of stainless steel polished in abstract patterns to give it a more artistic look. But it's easy to overlook such touches since it really doesn't inspire at eye-level where it's ten feet in diameter. From a distance, it takes on slightly more grandeur but not much (see photos). The Spire was built for the millennium, but funding shortfalls delayed its completion until 2002. It took the place of a more traditional granite pillar dedicated to Lord Nelson, which was blown up by a bomb planted by the IRA in 1966. There's a retro feel to the Spire evoking the space program with its cylindrical shape tapering to a pencil point at the top much like a Saturn rocket. None of that lingers in the memory for long. There's no elevator, no observation deck, nothing really to induce traction onto any of your senses when you come upon it. It primarily makes a convenient meeting spot in a less desirable part of the city. read more

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It's a spire- but it's pretty (I think it is, anyway). There's a great shot of it From Henry street- at the Henry/Moore intersection looking to O'Connell Street. You can frame the Spire right in the middle of the pedestrian walkway- I thought it was a great shot. 8 million Euro seems like a lot- but then it's huge- the tallest monument in Europe, I think our tour guide said. I like public art and I liked this. read more

The Spire, or "The Stiletto of the Ghetto" as our taxi driver lovingly called it, is pretty impressive as it is very very very tall and cost a LOT of money by way of citizens taxpayer dollars. The square it is located in is very busy and full of people, it is also a great way to know where you are in the city if you are ever lost! I really enjoyed being in this area as it is so full of life and vibrance! read more

The Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

I remember the debate that occurred when the decision to build the Spire was made. To this day I have no idea why this monument was chosen instead of the some of the other options that were discussed, if anything it's a monument to the drug dealers of the world since it looks like a hypodermic needle. It looks out of place among the older buildings on O'Connell St. I think you have to be flying into Dublin airport on a sunny day to see the good side of the spire since it sometimes reflects the sun and that can be pretty good looking. read more

The Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

We heard that it cost a cool four million. We heard that the tip would appear to vibrate against the sky if we stood at the base and hugged it close. We heard that it's called the stiffy on the Liffey. We like stories so we walked down O'Connell Street to meet The Spire. I like taking advice from taxi drivers. Perhaps it's the tuned mass damper, perhaps it's because we didn't believe hard enough, or perhaps it's because Dublin gives you a sleep-deprived hangover: we didn't see it shake, but we did get a new form of vertigo. The sky didn't fall in and the ground stayed strong. It did, however, seem to reach on upwards forever, like a direct passage to the clouds. I like it. read more

The Spire - Hugging the spire. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

You never know where and when Godzilla will strike and destroy your city. Dublin's plan is to somehow push or trip Godzilla onto The Spire, sending the giant lizard to a medieval style impaled slow death. BBQ Reptile burgers for everyone. I'll take medium rare with a side of chips. Either way, I think this giant spike is pretty darn cool. read more

What's not to like... It is a beautiful modern Irish monument which will be seen by future generations-steering them in the direction of the city centre whenever they lose track of where they are. Although it cost millions I believe it was money well spent-O'Connell street has benefited from it's grandeur! It also makes people look up when they normally spend their time looking down! "The only way is up..oh baby it's you and me now...." read more

The Spire - Spire with Larkin in foreground - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

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The Spire is useful for two reasons: 1. Visitors can always identify their location by looking to the Spire. 2. In true Dublin fashion it has acquired loads of pet names - my favorites "the stilleto in the ghetto" and "the stiffy by the liffey" Oh and when meeting people in town to go to an undecided restuarant its an easy meeting point. read more

The Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

When I first saw The Spire, I thought "What the F***?" I wasn't a fan. I didn't like it. But, over the course of the next few days, it became like one of those people who at first you don't like, but spend every day with and realize you kind of, secretly like them...but you don't know why. It seemed to follow me every place I went. It was comforting. I always knew that I could count on it if I ever got lost - A shining, phallic beacon to reassure tourists that if you only followed it, you'd end up in a shady part of town with pickpockets waiting eagerly. No wonder I love it! read more

The Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

The Spire, the Spike, the 'Stiffy on the Liffey', whatever you want to call it, there's no denying it's pretty darn phallic. Located on the site where Nelson's Pillar was blown up by the IRA, it created huge controversy among irate tax-payers when it was first 'erected' in 2003. Whatever you want to say about it, it's an impressive feat of engineering and construction - one of the largest cranes that Europe has ever seen was used to assemble this 120 metre high needle. It's seven times the height of the nearby GPO and can be seen from around the city, especially at night when a red light illuminates its needle point. Its scale is quite remarkable, but when will they learn that bigger doesn't always mean better... read more

The Spire - Company website - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

I wonder if Gustav Eifel said to himself after building the Eifel tower: "Y'know, I should really get rid of about 99% of all that and just leave one big spiky piece stick out of the ground". Of course he didn't, because he wasn't the idiot that approved this thing. The stupidest monument I've ever seen. All it does for the city is gives tourists sore necks. read more

I remember when they were building The Spire I thought that it was such a pointless and ugly monument. Now, I actually appreciate it. Because The Spire is Dublin's most visible landmark, it makes it easier for people to find themselves in the city. When you're new to a place, a big pointy spear is a welcoming site. Whenever lost, just look up and locate it and walk towards it. Problem solved! I often meet friends at The Spire and so does half of the city. Waiting for people to show, I've realized that there's pretty patterns on this monument and that the rain trickles off it into circular grooves on the ground. Get to know your Spire and you get to know the city. read more

The Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

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I really liked the spire!! I thought it was a neat sculpture but I can see why the locals aren't thrilled. It doesn't really fit in with all the beautiful older buildings and apparently it was very overt priced for what the city got. It also has some funny nicknames. I found it useful. It's great for a reference or meeting point when you're a tourist. I was really getting to know the streets of Dublin recently well and it's partly thanks to the Spire. I fell in love with Dublin and so I shall think fondly of the spire as well!! read more

So, amongst other things, this is the tallest sculpture on the planet ... what a crazy world record. At almost 400 feet tall, it would simply be dwarfed if it were in the middle of NYC but here in Dublin this Stiletto in the Ghetto, Stiffy at the Liffey, Erection in the Intersection stands out like a sore thumb. Standing in the place where Nelson's pillar was, before the IRA blew it up in 1966, this monument was supposed to be completed by the year 2000 to commemorate the Millennium but, in grand Irish style, it was late and only completed in 2003. Guess you can't call it by its original name the Millennium Spire anymore, eh? ( - 1 star ) The little "night-light" at the top can be seen from my backyard ... always thought that was cool ( + 1 star ). read more

This is the only national landmark that has saved my life. I was taking a helicopter tour of Dublin and unwittingly slipped out of both my seabelt and the door, which I had opened in the hope of catching a few birds, and plummeted to what I presumed would be my death until I slammed into just below the tip of the Spire. I held on, slid down the length of the monument and landed on the ground at some speed, unfortunately breaking both my ankles and legs. Also, my arms were stretched out from the increasing girth of the phallus and I now have a arm span of over 15 feet, which is both a plus and a minus. I can reach virtually everything in any room from my wheelchair but I resemble a grotesque and terrifying monster. 5 out of 5 read more

A truly beautiful statue in the middle of Dublin. It stands out like a huge beckon, a grand landmark to be sure. On the top of it is Daniel O'Connell , he was a Catholic Statesman. He was from Kerry and not Dublin. Beneath him you will find all the social classes of Ireland. Someone fired a bullet into Daniel at some time, they say it happened in 1916. He also has a few bullet holes in his arms. But he still stands tall and strong. Like the freedom fight of Ireland itself. It is a lovely statue and worth having a look at. Lots of local homeless like to gather here as well. I do not know why though. read more

A wonderful statue, and one of the great ironies in Dublin is to be found here. O'Connell represents constitutional nationalism of course, yet in 1916 his statue would endure a hail of insurgent bullets. The next time you pass it, go to the back of the statue and look in the figure to O'Connell's right. In the centre of her breast, you find a 1916 bullet hole. O'Connell has a few bullets in his own arm, and there are others to be found in various places. This statue saw Irish nationalism move from a largely constitutional movement to a new, militant force. On another note, I always say O'Connell gave Dublin something for which we can never repay him- Glasnevin Cemetery. read more

Take your pick of nicknames; the stilletto in the ghetto, the poker next to Croker, the stiffy in the Liffey etc. The place has been christened which means it's entered into the hearts of Dubliners, wether they like it or not. I'm actually quite fond of the spire, as much for practical reasons as as tribute to Dublin's long running heroin problem. If you ever get lost in town, just look for the spire and you're found. Handy innit? read more

I must be one of a few that absolutely love the spire..... I love that it can be seen from most areas in Dublin, I can see it at night from my bedroom window....some miles away! I think it is a conversation piece and the fact that it is an obscure object that doesn't really make sense really getting people talking about it...be it good or bad! Which is better than it being a pretty monument that nobody talks about for even notices! read more

Aesthetically speaking, I used to hate The Spire. I guess I still do, it's a little too post-modern to fit in with Dublin's Georgian architechture (but it does go well with ugly, revamped O'Connell St). Some reviewers have commented on its usefulness as a reference point, and its spawning of witty nicknames ('The Prick in the Brick' being my personal favourite), but in my opinion, what stands to The Spire most is its intrinsically Irish nature. Ill-conceived and half-assedly constructed, The Spire was originally feted as 'The Millenium Spire', which would lead one to assume that the edifice was constructed in 1999 or 2000. But no, the grand unveiling of the retitled 'Just Spire' did not occur til 2003 or 2004 (memory fails me which). Still, it does provide O'Connell St drunkards with something a bit novel to piss against at half 3 in the morning. read more

The 'stiletto in the ghetto' is called so on account of O'Connell Street's not-so grand nor aesthetically satisfying disposition owing to the conglomerate of fast food restaurants and bargain basement shops all using cheap plastic shop fronts that are visually unattractive and garish together with the fact that it is on route to the troublesome North Side of Dublin. It gets some bad press and this nickname is by no means flattering but I personally believe it's dynamic simplicity bridges art and technology well. Officially named the 'Monument of Light', all 400 foot of it stands on the site of the former Nelson's Pillar, which was destroyed in 1966 following an I.R.A bombing. And so in the wake of this desolation surfaces what I earnestly deem to be something of great magnitude in both stature and connotation. Ok so without any functional significance it will never be Dublin's Golden Gate Bridge or Big Ben but on account of how much it seizes your attention and the latent symbolism it holds in light of the site it is erected on it shouldn't be dismissed so quickly as a landmark that lacks in any worth. I believe it's post-modern style works nicely in contrast to the otherwise archetypal Georgian structural design of Dublin, providing something distinctive against an otherwise conservative backdrop. During the day it maintains its steel look, but at dusk the monument appears to merge into the sky. The base is lit and the top is illuminated to provide a beacon in the night sky across the city. Even when I look up at it now for the 1,000th time I remain as enamored as I ever was by its colossal height and mind-boggling engineering. read more

Kerry-born Daniel O'Connell is one of Ireland's most venerated statesmen - he has this statue, the main street of the capital, O'Connell bridge and many more landmarks to his name. He fought for Catholic emancipation and the repeal of the Act of Union, with hundreds of thousands of people coming out to hear him speak at "monster meetings". This statue doesn't pull quite the crowds that the man himself used to, but it is a popular spot for tourists. They can be seen sitting on the steps beneath his feet, looking a little bewildered as they are surrounded by drunks and catcallers, who also use his plinth as a base for their operations. read more

Reading the reviews on the spire, things seem to be very spread out between people loving it, thinking it is okay or hating it. I personally like the spire. While I don't think I have ever actually been at the base itself, I have admired the spire quite often from afar. Whether this is looking out of my office window above the Liffey, walking to and from work or leaving a pub at night. The spire was made to reflect the surroundings (clouds, sky) during the day and light up at the base and high at the tip at night. The top is lit up with led lights at the very top and it is actually quite stunning on a foggy morning/evening. It is the world's highest sculpture as well, which is an interesting title for central Dublin to hold. read more

Dublin icon. Hard to imagine O'Connell Street without it. Good for orienting yourself if you're unfamiliar with the city (ie a tourist). Can get some really impressive photos if you catch the Sun setting in just the right time so it's reflecting of the Spire down Talbot or Henry Street. Otherwise, not much more to it. Grab a selfie and move on. read more

"Take your pick of nicknames; the stilletto in the ghetto, the poker next to Croker, the stiffy in the Liffey etc." I had to laugh at the names. I've asked people what it stood for and nobody know and from what I gathered, nobody liked it. Personally, I found it cool enought to snap alot of shots. its impressively high for a "needle".. read more

The Spire is one of those mysteries to humankind that make us foreigners so fond of the Irish and their funny old ways. Does anyone actually know what the Spire is supposed to symbolise? I've asked numerous Irish people and no one can give me a straight answer. I mean, who would erect a massive sculpture smack bang in the middle of Dublin's main street if it wasn't of some kind of symbolic importance to Irish people? Ah, the Irish would. Who would build a structure that costs millions of euros to clean every year (I have this from a reliable source!) when the rest of the country is in recession? And who would plan to have something built by the year 2000 but only see it completed in 2003? Ah, we love you guys! read more

Not much to say about the spire. It's a giant spire in the middle of the city. I kind of like it because its unique and cool looking. But then again, all you really do it just walk up to it, take like 3 pictures, and then move on to the next thing. So there you go. read more

The Spire - Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

So everyone wants to know what the spire is all about? i dont know myself but i do know it was chosen because it was apolitical. Ireland is steeped in history and alot of the history is surrounding confilict, mainly with the english i suppose. when they were choosing the design for the monument that would adorn the middle of O'connell street they wanted something that would have no political connections in anyway, it wasnt going to stand for any side, it is what it is. maybe it unites people in wondering at its meaning? read more

The Spire - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dublin, D

The Dublin Spire was winning entry in a competition which was to replace Nelsons Pillar, whcih was blown up in the year 1966. The Dublin Spire is one hundred and twenty metres high and that makes it the tallest structure to be made so far in Dublin, and its also three metres wide. The spire was Designed by Ian Ritchie. During the day the Spire stays as a steel look, and by night the illuminated tip is lit to beacon in the night accross Dublin City read more