Nelson's Pillar

Nelson's Pillar was a granite memorial column on O'Connell Street, Dublin, measuring 40.8 meters tall with a 4-meter base that tapered to 3 meters at its top. A statue of Nelson crowned the structure, making it a prominent landmark in the city's streetscape.

Dublin Corporation commissioned the monument in 1805 following Nelson's naval triumph at Trafalgar, with architect Francis Johnston completing the structure in 1809. The column remained a fixed landmark on the city's main street for more than a century afterward.

The memorial served as a gathering spot where Dubliners would meet and locals used the area as a major transport hub where trams and buses ended their daily routes. The space around it became central to the city's social rhythm and daily movement.

Visitors could climb an internal spiral staircase to reach a viewing platform beneath the statue and enjoy panoramic views across Dublin. The monument was easily accessible on foot from the central location on O'Connell Street.

The Irish Republican Army destroyed the pillar with explosives in 1966, marking a symbolic moment in the struggle for Irish independence. After its destruction, students famously took Nelson's head during a subsequent fundraising event.

Location: Dublin

Inception: 1808

Architects: Francis Johnston, William Wilkins

Official opening: October 21, 1809

Height: 40.8 m

GPS coordinates: 53.34981,-6.26025

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:41