O’Connell Street Dublin

Originally developed by the Earls of Drogheda and known as Drogheda Street. The area was bought by the Gardiner Estate and extended to the river. In the 19th Century this was known as Sackville Street after a Lord Lieutenant and after independence was renamed O’Connell Street after the Liberator Daniel O’Connell. At one time it was the widest street in Europe. The street is divided into Upper and Lower which is reflected in the confusing numbering system.

The central mall contains many statues to those who have played a part in Dublin and Ireland’s development including the dominant O’Connell Monument. The others include: Sir John Gray (1816-75) for his efforts in bringing a water supply to Dublin in 1868; Fr Theobold Mathew (1790-1856), founder of the Temperance movement; William Smith O’Brien (1803-64) and James Larkin (1876-1947) labour leader and trade unionists. O’Connell Street is now home to the Dublin Spire built to replace Nelson’s Pillar.

1753 – No.42 Upper O’Connell Street, Dublin

The last remnant of the Georgian era of O’Connell Street, No. 42 is now part of the hotel next door.

1780 – Design for houses on Sackville Street, Dublin

Architect: Thomas Sherrard

Design for a terrace of houses on Sackville Street, now O’Connell Street.

1780s – No.1 O’Connell Street Lower, Dublin

Both ends of Lower O’Connell Street were Georgian houses, similar in design to each other, but converted to commercial use by the late 19th century.

1780s – No.45 Lower O’Connell Street, Dublin

The end of a unified Wide Street Commission terrace at the corner of Abbey Street and O’Connell Street. A fine street facade for a public house was inserted in the later 19th century,

1809 – Nelson’s Pillar, O’Connell St., Dublin

Architect: William Wilkins

Predating London’s Nelson Column by almost 30 years, Nelson’s Pillar was a 36.8m tall column with a 3.9m tall statue by Thomas Kirk in Portland Stone at the top.

1814 – General Post Office, O’Connell Street, Dublin

Architect: Francis Johnston

Built in 1814 and sited in the centre of Dublin’s main thoroughfare – O’Connell Street, the General Post Office was designed by Francis Johnston.

1821 – Royal Triumphal Arch, O’Connell St., Dublin

Architect: Sir Richard Morrison

A temporary triumphal arch created to welcome King George IV into Dublin. Constructed in thirty hours at the top of the what was then known as Sackville Street.

1832 – Gresham Hotel, O’Connell St., Dublin

Architect: George Papworth

In 1817 Thomas Gresham purchased 21-22 Sackville Street and commenced business there as a hotel. After starting life as a foundling child,

1853 – Clery & Co., O’Connell St., Dublin

Architect: William Caldbeck

Opened in May 1853 when McSwiney, Delany and Co. opened ‘The New or Palatial Mart’ opposite the General Post Office.

1853 – Former Bank, O’Connell Street, Dublin

Architect: David Bryce

Built for Standard Life Assurance, the former National Irish branch on O’Connell Street has a striking pediment sculpted by Sir John Steele.