O'Connell Street Tours and Activities

O'Connell Street
O'Connell Street
O\'Connell Street featuring heritage architecture, an administrative building and heritage elements
O\'Connell Street showing an administrative building, heritage elements and a square or plaza
O'Connell Street


Marvel at one of the world’s tallest public works of art as you stroll down this boulevard of shops and historic buildings.

O’Connell Street is among Dublin’s busiest and recognizable parts. It consists of a wide boulevard divided by spaces for trees and works of art. Admire the many historic buildings and peruse the upscale boutiques that line this busy street.

Among the most interesting structures is the General Post Office. Note its Greek-revival design with imposing columns and a large pediment. Hear how the building was home to leaders of the Easter Rising in the early 1900s, before most of it burned down.

In the center of the boulevard is the Spire of Dublin, which many claim is the world’s tallest public sculpture. Look at your distorted reflection in the wide stainless steel base. Gaze up at the tip of the spike, which reaches a height of 400 feet (120 meters). See the artwork at night, when its base and tip are illuminated. From the spire, spot the James Joyce Statue, which depicts the Irish writer with one hand in a pocket and the other leaning on a cane.

Find out about the origins of the boulevard, which was known as Drogheda Street in the 17th century. It later played a major role in momentous occasions, such as the Dublin Lockout, the Irish Civil War and the destruction of the Nelson’s Pillar by the Irish Republican Army.

The street, which has several car lanes and large sidewalks, is more than 150 feet (45 meters) across. Reach the O’Connell Bridge at the southern end of the street. Learn about its rich past, dating back to 1794. Its three semi-elliptical arches glow green at night. Discover the hoax tribute to Father Pat Noise that was attached to the stonework by pranksters.

Admire the O’Connell Monument to 19th-century nationalist leader Daniel O’Connell, after whom the bridge and street were named. He campaigned for Catholic rights.

O’Connell Street leads north from the north bank of the River Liffey. It lies in the heart of the city and is considered the most central point. Ride a bus to one of the many stops along the street, which leads to the Gate Theatre and Ambassador Theatre.

Plan a trip to see O'Connell Street

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The Morgan Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Eden Quay Lodge

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Best Lodging Options Near O'Connell Street

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

4 out of 5
23 Upper O Connell Street, Dublin, Dublin
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
Clink i Lár

Clink i Lár

2 out of 5
35-36 Abbey Street Upper. Dublin1, Dublin
Clink i Lár
Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street

Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street

3.5 out of 5
17 - 19 Moore Lane, Dublin 1, Dublin
Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street
Academy Plaza Hotel

Academy Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
10-14 Findlater Place, off Upper O'Connell St, Dublin, Dublin
Academy Plaza Hotel
Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre

Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre

4 out of 5
Mary Street Little, Dublin
Staycity Aparthotels, Dublin, City Centre
Yugo Kavanagh Court

Yugo Kavanagh Court

3 out of 5
Gardiner Street Lower, Dublin
Yugo Kavanagh Court
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street

Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street

4 out of 5
Moore Street Plaza, Parnell Street, Dublin, Dublin
Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near O'Connell Street

O'Connell Street offers a vibrant array of activities for visitors, including shopping at local boutiques, exploring historical landmarks through guided tours, and enjoying leisurely walks along this iconic thoroughfare. With its lively atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to soak in Dublin's culture and charm while discovering unique shops and attractions.

Shopping

If you're looking for shopping options close to O'Connell Street, visit Jervis Shopping Centre (483m) for family-friendly vibes, or head to the Brown Thomas Flagship Store (966m) for luxury items. Powerscourt Townhouse (966m) also offers a unique shopping experience with entertainment options.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Aviva Stadium, just 3.2km from O'Connell Street, where you can catch a thrilling sporting event. For entertainment, head to 3Arena, 1.6km away, to enjoy live music performances. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Royal Dublin Golf Club, located 6.4km away, offers a scenic golfing experience.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking Wicklow Way hiking trail, located 37.0km from O'Connell Street, offering stunning outdoor scenery. For thrills, visit Clara Lara Fun Park, a zipline ropes course only 805m away, or challenge yourself at Awesome Walls Climbing Centre, 6.4km away, perfect for adventure enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife on O'Connell Street with a visit to the Gate Theatre for captivating performances or the Abbey Theatre for a cultural evening. For a thrill, try your luck at Morris 21 Casino, where romance and excitement intertwine in the heart of the city.

Find the best attractions near O'Connell Street

O'Connell Street in Dublin offers a vibrant mix of attractions that cater to all types of travelers, from culture seekers to families. Visitors can explore historic civic buildings, iconic statues, and bustling streets, making it a perfect spot for an enriching experience. Whether you're strolling along the street or delving into Dublin's rich history, O'Connell Street is a must-visit destination in Dublin City.

  • Trinity College: Experience the rich history and academic atmosphere of Ireland's oldest university, known for its stunning architecture and the famous Book of Kells. Just a short stroll from O'Connell Street, Trinity College offers a cultural vibe that reflects Ireland's literary heritage.
  • Dublin Castle: Discover the charm and romance of Dublin Castle, a historic site that has played a pivotal role in Ireland's history. Located a leisurely walk away, it features beautiful gardens and impressive architecture, offering a glimpse into the country's past and culture.
  • Grafton Street: Immerse yourself in the vibrant city vibes of Grafton Street, Dublin's premier shopping destination. This bustling thoroughfare is lined with shops, cafes, and street performers, making it a lively spot to experience the city's energy and local culture.

Best time to go to O'Connell Street

Visitor numbers around O'Connell Street is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit O'Connell Street can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around O'Connell Street falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around O'Connell Street falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for O'Connell Street

To save money on your visit to O'Connell Street, consider travelling during the off-peak season from December to February when prices are lower. Look for free activities like Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green nearby. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals, and check for last-minute offers on Expedia. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Additionally, combining your hotel with flights and activities can lead to further savings. Always sort prices from lowest to highest to find the best offers.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around O'Connell Street are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around O'Connell Street is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around O'Connell Street is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around O'Connell Street is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your hotel stay on O'Connell Street with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.