The structure is designed to sway up to 1.5 meters in high wind conditions.
The steel surface is shot-peened, which gives it its specific reflective, matte-like finish.
The foundation consists of a concrete pile 2 meters in diameter that reaches 27 meters into the ground.
The interior is hollow and contains structural dampening systems to minimize movement.
It was nicknamed 'The Stiletto in the Ghetto' by locals during its construction phase.
The Spire, officially titled the Monument of Light, is a 120-meter tall, stainless steel pin-like structure located on O'Connell Street in Dublin. It stands on the site of the former Nelson's Pillar, which was destroyed in 1966. The monument was designed by Ian Ritchie Architects and completed in 2003 as part of a city-center revitalization project. Its diameter tapers from three meters at the base to 15 centimeters at the apex. The surface is polished to reflect the surrounding cityscape and changing sky conditions. At night, the base is illuminated and the tip features a light beacon. It is the tallest sculpture in Ireland.
From the southern end of O'Connell Street looking north to capture the full scale of the monument against the skyline.
Visit on a clear day to see how the stainless steel reflects the blue sky.
View the base at night to see the integrated lighting effects.
Combine your visit with a walk down O'Connell Street to view the nearby General Post Office.
Do not expect to enter the structure; it is an outdoor monument with no interior access for the public.
