William Smith O'Brien: A Nationalist Figure in Stone

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A tribute to William Smith O'Brien, a 19th-century Irish nationalist leader, located on Dublin's O'Connell Street.

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William Smith O'Brien Statue

The William Smith O'Brien Statue stands on O'Connell Street in Dublin, commemorating a leader of the Young Ireland movement. Sculpted from Portland limestone in 1870 by Thomas Farrell, it honors O'Brien's commitment to Irish interests and his role in the 1848 Rebellion.

A brief summary to William Smith O'Brien Statue

O'Connell Street Upper, Dublin, North City, IE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring William Smith O'Brien Statue.

Take a moment to appreciate the statue's artistic details and its historical context within Irish nationalism.
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions on O'Connell Street, such as the General Post Office (GPO) and the Spire.
Consider visiting during a weekday to avoid larger crowds and have a more intimate experience with the monument.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Spire on O'Connell Street, walk north. The statue is a short walk from the Spire, located on the same street. Look for the statue on the median of O'Connell Street Upper.
Public Transport

Take any bus, tram (Luas), or train (DART) to O'Connell Street. Numerous bus routes serve O'Connell Street Upper. The Luas Red Line has a stop at O'Connell/Abbey Street. From the bus or Luas stop, the statue is a short walk. Public transport in Dublin operates on a zone system; a single adult fare within Zone 1 is approximately €2.00 when using a Leap Card. A 90-minute fare, allowing transfers between Dublin Bus, Luas, DART, and commuter rail, is also available for €2.00 with a Leap Card. Leap Visitor Cards, offering unlimited travel for 24 hours (€8.00), 72 hours (€16.00), or 7 days (€32.00), are available.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Dublin. A short taxi ride within the city center to O'Connell Street will typically cost between €8 and €15, subject to traffic and time of day. Taxi fares are metered, with a minimum fare of €5.40. Standard rates apply Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm (€1.32/km), with premium rates at other times (€1.81-2.20/km). For example, a taxi from Dublin Airport to O'Connell Street could cost between €25-€45. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt also operate in Dublin.
Car

If driving, head towards O'Connell Street Upper in North City, Dublin. Parking in the immediate vicinity may be limited. Public parking garages are available nearby, such as Park Rite on Parnell Street. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay approximately €3.50 per hour.

Discover more about William Smith O'Brien Statue

The William Smith O'Brien Statue, located on O'Connell Street Upper in Dublin, is a monument dedicated to William Smith O'Brien (1803–1864), a prominent figure in 19th-century Irish nationalism. O'Brien, a leader within the Young Ireland movement, advocated for Irish rights and, in 1848, led a rebellion. The statue, sculpted by Thomas Farrell, was erected in 1870. Originally placed on D'Olier Street, it was moved to its current, more prominent location on O'Connell Street in 1929. The statue depicts O'Brien in a resolute pose, arms folded, symbolizing his leadership and defiance. The monument is made of Portland limestone and set on a granite pedestal. O'Brien's life was marked by his efforts to advance Irish interests in the British House of Commons, where he served for seventeen years. Although he was a celebrated figure, his English accent and aloof manner prevented him from gaining the same level of popular adoration as Daniel O'Connell. He is remembered for his role in the Young Ireland movement and his commitment to Irish self-governance.