general post office

The portico of the General Post Office (GPO), built by Francis Johnston in 1815-1818, dominates the profile of O’Connell Street. The three stone figures by Edward Smyth above the pediment represent Mercury, Hibernia and Fidelity.
This was the main stronghold of the Irish Volunteers in 1916 Easter Rising. During the battle the building was set alight and was then abandoned after the surrender by the rebellion leaders, who were then executed in Kilmainham Gaol. The bullet marks from this battle can still be seen in the front pillars today.
The Post Office was reopened in 1929. In 2003 the GPO was joined by the Spire which was placed on the spot that Nelsons Column had occupied. Nowadays the General Post Office offers a wide range of services.