Sometimes culture hangs in the air when walking about a foreign city. But in Dublin, you might find it’s firmly stuck in the ground. That’s thanks to the stories surrounding every statue strewn about Ireland’s capital—starting with well-known ones springing from the likenesses of literary legends. For example, on North Earl Street, you’ll encounter a very life-like James Joyce, author of Ulysses and the short story collection Dubliners. And in Merrion Park, just a hop, skip and a jump from Dublin’s famed Trinity College, you’ll discover a rather eye-catching statue of the controversial Oscar Wilde. The writer’s unique sculpture sprawls lazily across a rock, decked out in a bright green jacket with hot pink lapels! (Photo opp, anyone?)
Next up, you’ll be tipping your hat to history. As you continue down Dublin’s main thoroughfare, you’ll greet a fare share of Ireland’s political icons such as Daniel O’Connell, for whom the main street was christened. Known as The Liberator for the central role he played in battling for Catholic rights in the 19th century, O’Connell’s statue is surrounded by angels hovering proud atop his towering namesake monument.
You’ll take in the historical…and the contemporary too. See the Spire of Dublin that strikes a very modern pose. Looming some 400-feet tall, this tapering, stainless steel cylinder stands tall in the midst of a bustling traffic center. One look and you’ll understand why the locals call it The Stiletto in the Ghetto. (You knew you couldn’t wander far in Ireland without bumping into a rhyme or two.) In fact, many of the statues have affectionate (and quirky) rhyming nicknames. Try and spot The Crank on the Bank, The Hags with the Bags and the Ace with the Bass. If you succeed, you’ll surely share some laughs with the locals.