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O'Connell Street Upper: Dublin's Historic Thoroughfare

Explore Dublin's O'Connell Street Upper: a historic boulevard with iconic monuments, vibrant shops, and a rich cultural heritage.

O'Connell Street Upper, the northern section of Dublin's main street, boasts a rich history, grand architecture, and significant monuments. From its origins as a residential street to its pivotal role in Irish history, it remains a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to O'Connell Street Upper

  • Dublin, IE

Local tips

  • Visit the GPO to learn about the 1916 Easter Rising and its significance in Irish history.
  • Take a stroll along the street to admire the statues and monuments of prominent Irish figures.
  • Explore the shops, restaurants, and cafes that line the street.
  • Look for the Dublin Tourist Information Centre on Upper O'Connell Street for assistance with your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    O'Connell Street Upper is easily walkable, located in the heart of Dublin city center. From O'Connell Bridge, simply walk north, passing the O'Connell Monument on your right. The street extends to Parnell Street, with key landmarks like the GPO and the Spire along the way.

  • Public Transport

    O'Connell Street Upper is well-served by Dublin Bus and the Luas tram. Many bus routes stop along the street. The Luas Green Line has stops at O'Connell Upper and O'Connell GPO. A single adult TFI 90-Minute fare is €2 when using a Leap Card. Exact change is required if paying cash on the bus, with fares starting at €2.60.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Dublin. A short taxi ride within the city center to O'Connell Street Upper typically costs between €8 and €15, depending on the distance and time of day. Taxi fares have an initial charge of €4.80, with a rate of €1.71 per km. Expect higher fares during nights, Sundays, and public holidays.

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Discover more about O'Connell Street Upper

O'Connell Street Upper, steeped in history and brimming with Dublin character, serves as the northern gateway to the city's most famous thoroughfare. Originally part of Drogheda Street in the 17th century, it was transformed in the 18th century by Luke Gardiner, who envisioned a grand residential and commercial space. Renamed Sackville Street, it became a fashionable address, attracting wealthy citizens and shaping Dublin's Georgian elegance. Over the centuries, O'Connell Street Upper has witnessed pivotal moments in Irish history. The General Post Office (GPO), located on the street, served as the headquarters for the 1916 Easter Rising, a defining event in the struggle for Irish independence. Today, the GPO stands as a powerful symbol of Irish nationalism, its facade bearing the scars of battle. O'Connell Street Upper is also home to an array of impressive monuments and statues. Daniel O'Connell, the 19th-century nationalist leader, stands proudly at the street's southern end, while statues of James Larkin and other prominent figures commemorate their contributions to Irish society. The Spire of Dublin, a towering needle-like monument, marks the center of O'Connell Street, replacing Nelson's Pillar and offering a modern counterpoint to the street's historic architecture. Today, O'Connell Street Upper is a bustling commercial and cultural hub. Its wide pavements are lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, attracting locals and tourists alike. The street also serves as a major transportation artery, with numerous bus routes and the Luas tram system providing easy access to other parts of the city.

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