Dublin Tourism Part 3: 1916 Rising Commemorations Preparations

The Spire of Dublin was erected in 2002 and is made of stainless steel. It is pin shaped and stands at 121.2 metres tall. It is situated right in the middle of Dublin City Centre on O'Connell street and is one of the most popular meeting spots for the people of Dublin for a day out in town.

Dublin Spire, O'Connell St

It was designed by Ian Ritchie Architects and it was manufactured in Dungarvan, Co Waterford. It cost €4 million to erect. However none of this seems to have been taken into account with the planning around the 1916 Easter Rising Commemorations. A number of parades and other events are planned to take place outside the GPO which is right beside the Spire and event co-ordinators want to have the Spire removed for the two week long commemorations. 

Dublin Spire.

The monument which can be seen from most parts of Dublin is a set landmark in the city centre and is now even a tour destination. At night there is a light on the top part of the Spire to brighten it up and ensure it can be seen by both people on the street below and air planes. 

The event co-ordinators want to re-create the landscape of O'Connell Street from 100 years ago and that's why they want to remove the Spire for the two weeks. The cost of removing the Spire is set at around €500,000. 

1916 Tour Bus, O'Connell St. 

The Spire is going to be removed in sections which are hopefully going to be stored in a hanger in Dublin Airport for the two weeks. 

I have always known the Spire to be there from the time I was old enough to go into the City with my friends. It is going to be weird to walk down O'Connell St without the Spire there.