The Spire (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is The Spire?
A dramatic 120-m landmark gives memorable shared photos and starts a pleasant city stroll, yet no seating, shade, or on-site café means romance lasts minutes, not hours.
Positives:
- Central location: Located on O’Connell Street, easy to combine with other landmarks.
- Free access: No admission fee or tickets required at any time.
Challenges:
- Peak crowds: Midday and weekends can get busy with tourists and shoppers.
- Weather exposure: No shelter at the base—dress for rain and wind.
What is The Spire?
- A 120-meter stainless steel monument on Dublin’s O’Connell Street
- Designed by architect Ian Ritchie and inaugurated in 2003 to replace the bombed Nelson’s Column, symbolizing the street’s rebirth
- The world’s tallest outdoor sculpture, its polished surface reflects light and shadow across the city
What is so special about The Spire for couple trip?
- Iconic 120 m stainless-steel monument symbolizing Dublin’s rebirth
- Free landmark in a central, walkable location on O’Connell Street
- Romantic sunset and night-light photography opportunities
- Flat self-guided stroll linking key nearby sites with live street music
- Option for interactive scavenger hunt or app-based audio walking tour
Recommended visit duration: 30-45 minutes
Why 30-45 minutes visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to admire the spire, take photos, and stroll to nearby landmarks without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in The Spire
Sunset & Night Photography:
Photograph the spire as stainless steel reflects sunset hues; return after dark to capture its internal lighting glimmer.
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset and use a small tripod for stable low-light shots.
Self-Guided Love Trail:
Walk south on O’Connell Street to the GPO, cross to the Daniel O’Connell Monument and loop back past the Ha’penny Bridge.
Tip: Pack coffee or a picnic and pause on benches where street musicians perform.
myCityHunt Dublin Scavenger Hunt:
Solve photo challenges and trivia on a ~2 km loop starting and ending at the spire.
Tip: Book online in advance for €12.99 per person and plan for a 1.5–2 hour completion time.
World City Trail Walking Tour:
Follow an app-based audio tour from the spire through hidden city gems.
Tip: Download the app and purchase tickets (€15–€20 per person) to unlock mini-games and local history clips.
When is the best time to visit The Spire (Dublin, Ireland)?
In summer arrive late for long golden hours. In winter visit before dusk to see the spire lit early. After rain wet streets add reflective drama. December evenings bring festive lights on O’Connell Street.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of The Spire (Dublin)
Shelley C
I was not sure what to expect of this. I mean, a 390ft pin cannot be that interesting. However, I was wrong, and it actually is worth seeing. It is well placed on O'Donnell Street as a backdrop to the other sculptures lining the street. It is not until you reach the base that you can truly appreciate the size of the monument. It is also a really good feature to use if you get lost in the city. T...
Malik SA
One of the must visit places in dublin. Its surface reflects Dublin’s ever-changing skies and cityscape—raw stainless steel on top, partially polished with a custom pattern on the lower 10 m derived from geological core samples and the DNA double helix  • Dramatic night illumination: the lower portion is softly lit from below, while nearly 12,000 perforations near the apex allow LED lighting to ...
Jobin George
Thought of taking a better pic from a closer angle.. but as we move closer it gets really hard to fit in the frame.... Really a huge structure in the middle of Dublin city .. .. really amazing 🤩
Valérie
This stainless steel object is so disproportionately tall that you will find it challenging to take a good picture of it. It truly is a piece of art beyond any measure that one is familiar with. However, as with any other metal sculpture, placing your ear on it will give you another perception of the object and the space that it occupies. Trust me in this. And if you want to take a good photo of...
Vinod Rotti
The Spire is good place to visit, it’s a monument in centre of Dublin. There is New-York Dublin portal on walking distance from the Spire. Many shops to buy souvenirs and great place to visit in Christmas. One may need to walk a lot here, one will naturally be photogenic on this streets. The only issue is it’s busy street and one will spend very little time at Spire.
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Monument visit | EUR 0 |
| Coffee & pastry for two | EUR 10 |
| myCityHunt scavenger hunt for two | EUR 26 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 36 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to The Spire
- Visit at sunset: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for dramatic light reflections.
- Use a compact tripod: Ensure steady shots during low-light and night photography.
- Link nearby sites: Combine your visit with a walk to the GPO and Ha’penny Bridge for more photo ops.
Map of The Spire
Address: O'Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin, Ireland
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About The Spire
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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