Spire of Dublin

The Spire of Dublin is a slender steel needle rising from O'Connell Street, tapering from a base width of three meters down to a tip measuring fifteen centimeters across. The stainless steel structure is supported by an internal framework and stands perpendicular to the street below.

The needle replaced Nelson's Pillar, a British colonial monument from 1808 that was destroyed in 1966. It opened in January 2003 as part of the redevelopment of O'Connell Street after decades of urban planning debates.

The structure, designed by architect Ian Ritchie, represents Dublin's transformation and modernization at the start of the 21st century.

The needle stands in the middle of O'Connell Street and works as a simple reference point in the city center. The surrounding plaza allows pedestrians to walk completely around its base.

The steel plates were individually shaped and sealed to create the continuous taper across its entire height. Architect Ian Ritchie won the international competition with this design in 1999.

Location: Dublin

Inception: January 21, 2003

Architects: Ian Ritchie

Official opening: January 21, 2003

Height: 121.2 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: 53.34972,-6.26028

Latest update: December 15, 2025 03:59