The Millenium Spire.

The city's most visible landmark soars over O'Connell St and is an impressive bit of architectural engineering that was erected in 2001: from a base only 3m in diameter, it soars more than 120m into the sky and tapers into a 15cm-wide beam of light…it's tall and shiny and it does the trick rather nicely.

The brainchild of London-based architect Ian Ritchie, it is apparently the highest sculpture in the world, but much like the Parisian reaction to the construction of the Eiffel Tower, Dubliners are divided as to its aesthetic value and have regularly made fun of it. Among other names, we like ‘the erection in the intersection’, the ‘stiletto in the ghetto’ and the altogether brilliant ‘eyeful tower’.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. James Joyce Statue

0.01 MILES

Looking about with a bemused air from the corner of pedestrianised North Earl St is a small statue of James Joyce sculpted by US sculptor Marjorie…

2. General Post Office

0.02 MILES

It's not just the country's main post office, or an eye-catching neoclassical building: the General Post Office is at the heart of Ireland's struggle for…

3. GPO Witness History

0.05 MILES

Inside the General Post Office is this wonderful museum that also serves as a fitting tribute to the 1916 Easter Rising and its key role in the creation…

4. Jim Larkin Statue

0.08 MILES

The most dynamic statue along O'Connell St is that of trade-union leader Jim Larkin (1876–1947) by Oisin Kelly, just south of the General Post Office…

5. Father Theobald Mathew Statue

0.08 MILES

Father Theobald Mathew (1790–1856) was the 'Apostle of Temperance' – a hopeless role in Ireland. Still, Mary Redmond's 1893 statue isn't the only tribute…

6. St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral

0.09 MILES

Dublin’s most important Catholic church is not quite the showcase you’d expect. It’s in the wrong place for starters. The large neoclassical building,…

8. Daniel O'Connell Statue

0.15 MILES

The big daddy of O'Connell St's collection of statuary is the 'Liberator' himself, Daniel O'Connell (1775–1847), whose massive bronze bulk soars high…