There are several cultural sites worth exploring, from the Nelson’s column, famously blown up by the IRA, to the General Post Office (GPO) that was opened in 1818 and almost destroyed in 1916 during the Easter Rising. These days O’Connell lined with shops and businesses many of which still bear the scars of the skirmishes of old. Taking pride of place is a piece of public sculpture known as the Spire, or the Monument of Light, a 120metre illuminated stainless steel spike said to represent the city’s hope for the new millennium. More reason to come west, if you ask us!