The Spire

Now that the fuss has died down somewhat over the construction of the Spire, the world's largest sculpture, it might interest readers to know that the famous resident who previously lived on the same site. Admiral Nelson, is still here in Dublin. Well, part of him is anyway. His head. That is, his stone head, the head that was attached to the rest of his 13 feet tall sculpted image perched atop the pillar. Those interested can see what remains of the famous head - damaged in an IRA explosion - as part of an exhibition of pictures and text at the Dublin Civic Museum, 58 South William Street. It is a free exhibition and well worth a visit. Nelson's Pillar was indeed a long-time fixture in Dublin, and if the Spire eventually commands such affection it will have been deemed a huge success. Many capital dwellers in the over 50's bracket will still talk fondly of the pillar, which was 134 feet 3 inches tall, a structure that towered over the nearby General Post Office.