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General Post Office

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General Post Office (Ireland)

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Highlights of 2026

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The General Post Office (GPO) on O'Connell Street in Dublin is one of Ireland's most significant historical landmarks. Completed in 1818 to the neoclassical designs of architect Francis Johnston, the building is characterized by its grand portico supported by six massive Ionic columns. The GPO earned its place in world history as the headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule. During the conflict, the building was severely damaged by artillery fire and fire, leaving only the original granite facade standing. After the establishment of the Irish Free State, it was meticulously restored and officially reopened in 1929 by W.T. Cosgrave. Today, it serves as the headquarters of An Post, Ireland's national postal service, and houses an interactive museum dedicated to the events of the revolution. The building stands as a powerful symbol of Irish independence, with bullet marks from 1916 still visible on its pillars.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C666811141515141187
Rain mm86707061677680917610210697

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The General Post Office is an active post office and houses a small museum about the history of the Easter Rising. Access to the museum is ticketed, the post office itself is free to enter.
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Typical hours
The post office is typically open Monday to Saturday 8:30-18:00. The museum is open daily 10:00-17:00; Sundays limited hours.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in the post office, but flash is prohibited in the museum. The neoclassical façade and statues are popular photo subjects from outside.
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Time needed
For the museum visit, allow about 30-45 minutes. If you want to buy stamps or souvenirs, add 15 minutes.
Combine with
The GPO is on O'Connell Street, minutes from the Spire and Dublin Writers Museum. Moore Street and the Rising memorial are also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The GPO is best reached by bus, Luas (stop O'Connell Street GPO) or DART. Parking is scarce in the area; public transport is recommended.
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Insider tip
Check out the museum's commemorative exhibition on the Easter Rising. The entry fee is low and the exhibition is very informative. Ask at the desk for a free brochure.

Geography

Coordinates
53.34910, -6.26030

Facts

  • Construction began in 1814 and the post office opened on January 6, 1818.
  • Patrick Pearse read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic here in 1916.
  • The building was the last major Georgian public building erected in Dublin.
  • It was almost entirely destroyed in 1916, with only the facade surviving.
  • The GPO was officially reopened in its restored form in 1929.
  • The bullet holes from the 1916 Rising are still visible in the Ionic columns.

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Sights in the town General Post Office (10)

Cúchulainn

Monument in Dublin, Ireland.

GPO Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Dublin, Ireland.

🕒 Mo-Sa 10:00-17:00💶

Sir John Gray Knt MD JP

Monument in County Dublin, Ireland.

Spire of Dublin

Monument in Dublin, Ireland.

William Smith O'Brien Monument

Monument in County Dublin, Ireland.

Abbey Street Methodist Church

Methodist church in Dublin, Ireland.

The Academy

Theatre in Dublin, Ireland.

Laughter Lounge

Theatre in Dublin, Ireland.

Immanuel Church Dublin

Church in Dublin, Ireland.

Saint Mary's Cathedral

Church in Dublin, Ireland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the GPO in Dublin?
The General Post Office is Dublin's main post office and a symbol of the Irish struggle for independence.
What role did the GPO play in 1916?
It served as the headquarters for the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.
Can you visit the GPO?
You can enter the main hall for postal services or visit the award-winning GPO Witness History museum.
Where are the bullet holes located?
Bullet holes from 1916 can still be seen on the massive Ionic columns of the exterior facade.
Is the GPO open on Sundays?
The post office is closed on Sundays, but the museum is often open with limited hours.
General Post Office: where is it located?
General Post Office is located in Ireland.
General Post Office: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cúchulainn, GPO Museum, Sir John Gray Knt MD JP.
General Post Office: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
General Post Office: why is it worth visiting?
The General Post Office (GPO) on O'Connell Street in Dublin is one of Ireland's most significant historical landmarks.
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