An Post, General Post Office — Attraction in Dublin

The General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin is one of the most historically significant and iconic landmarks in Ireland. Located on O’Connell Street, it serves as a reminder of Ireland’s struggle for independence and remains an important symbol of Irish history and culture.

Key Features of the GPO:

Architectural Significance: • Built in 1818, the GPO was designed by Francis Johnston, a prominent Irish architect, in a neoclassical style. • Its facade features six large Ionic columns and a portico, giving it a grand and imposing presence on O’Connell Street. Role in the Easter Rising (1916): • The GPO was the headquarters of the Irish rebels during the Easter Rising, a key event in the fight for Irish independence. • On April 24, 1916, the Proclamation of the Irish Republic was read outside the GPO by Patrick Pearse, declaring Ireland a republic. • During the rebellion, the building was heavily damaged by British artillery fire but was later rebuilt, retaining its symbolic importance. The GPO Witness History Museum: • Located within the GPO, this interactive museum provides a detailed account of the Easter Rising and its aftermath. • It includes artifacts, personal stories, and immersive displays, giving visitors a vivid sense of the events that shaped modern Ireland. Cultural Symbol: • The GPO remains a site of national pride and is often a focal point for commemorations, especially during Easter Rising anniversaries. • It is also an active post office, blending its historical significance with daily life. The Spire and Surroundings: • Directly in front of the GPO stands the Spire of Dublin, a modern monument that contrasts with the historic architecture of the GPO. • O’Connell Street itself is one of Dublin’s most vibrant and historic thoroughfares.

Practical Information:

• Location: O’Connell Street Lower, Dublin 1, easily accessible from most parts of the city. • Opening Hours (Museum): Typically 10 AM to 5 PM, but hours may vary, so it’s best to check ahead. • Nearby Attractions: The James Joyce Statue, O’Connell Bridge, and the historic Liffey River are all within walking distance.

The GPO is a must-visit for anyone interested in Ireland’s history, offering both a poignant reflection on its past and a glimpse into its...

The GPO, General Post Office of Ireland, sits prominently in the centre of O'Connell Street. Dublin’s main thoroughfare. A beautifully appointed Neo Greek styled building, it was, until 2023, the headquarters for A Post, the Irish Postal Service. Designed by Francis Johnston, the foundation stone was laid in 1814 and was completed in 1818. It is renowned as the primary stronghold of the 1916 Rising against British Rule.

Famously raised to the ground, along with most of that area of the city, in a massive display of British over reaction to the uprising, it was meticulously reconstructed through the 1920s allowing that none of its historical significance was lost to history.

The central facade of the building is made with Wicklow granite and the anterior sections are made of Portland stone. It is a deceptively large building that stretches almost one third of Henry Street, incorporating the GPO arcade in the process. Inside looking out the main feature window, there is a marvellous bronze statue of The Death of Cúchulainn, an irish mythological legend, by Oliver Sheppard. It was finished and appointed there in 1935. In the ownership of the Office of Public Works it now also houses a museum. One of the few museums in Dublin to charge, adult price is 15 and children from 7.50. This is a beautiful building steeped in history and culture. Well...

The General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks, steeped in history and culture. Built in 1818, it is renowned for its classical Georgian architecture, featuring a grand portico with Ionic columns. The GPO gained historical significance as the headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, a pivotal moment in Ireland's struggle for independence. Today, it stands as a symbol of Irish resilience and pride, housing a museum dedicated to the events of the Rising.

Inside the GPO, An Post, Ireland's national postal service, operates as a hub of postal and financial services. Beyond traditional mail services, An Post facilitates modern conveniences such as banking, bill payments, and mobile services, making it an essential part of the community.

At night, the GPO transforms into a visual marvel. Dynamic light projections illuminate the building, highlighting its stunning architectural features and creating a vibrant, magical ambiance. During special occasions, such as holidays or national celebrations, themed light displays adorn the structure, further enhancing its beauty and significance. This blend of history, functionality, and visual appeal makes the GPO not only a vital part of Dublin's infrastructure but also a cherished symbol of Ireland’s heritage...