Here Are 10 Famous Statues in Dublin With Humorous Nicknames

Famous Statues in Dublin – A Humorous Stroll Through Nicknamed Landmarks 

The Irish have a knack for humour, and nowhere is it more evident than in Dublin’s statues and monuments. These landmarks are infused with Irish wit and charm, often boasting nicknames that locals hold dear. So, get ready to join us for a lighthearted tour of some of famous statues in Dublin that are humorously titled.

(Also read 10 Best Seaweed Baths in Ireland You Must Try Once in Your Lifetime.)

10 Famous Statues in Dublin With Humorous Nicknames

1. Molly Malone Statue 

Let’s start with Molly Malone, the iconic figure immortalised in bronze. Depicting a fishmonger by day and purported prostitute by night, Molly Malone is the unofficial anthem of Dublin. But what’s in a name? Well, a lot, since Molly goes by several lovable nicknames, including The Tart with the Cart, The Dish with the Fish, and a host of other playful names. You’ll find her at the corner of Grafton and Suffolk Streets, always ready to greet visitors with a smile… or a smirk. 

2. Oscar Wilde Statue 

Next up, we encounter the legendary Oscar Wilde lounging in Merrion Square Park. With a playful hint to his sexuality, this well-known author is affectionately known as The Quare in the Square, The Queer with the Leer, and The Fag on the Crag. Wilde’s statue serves as a reminder of his wit and charm.

3. James Joyce Statue 

Moving along, we encounter James Joyce, the literary giant whose contributions to literature are immortalised. However, Dubliners have affectionately dubbed him The Prick with the Stick, adding a touch of disdain to his solemn stance. You’ll find Joyce’s statue off O’Connell Street, a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. 

4. Phil Lynott Statue 

Our tour wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to Phil Lynott, the charismatic frontman of Thin Lizzy. Known as The Ace with the Bass, Lynott’s statue stands as a testament to his influence on Irish music. Despite his untimely demise, his spirit lives on in the hearts of Dubliners and visitors alike, tucked away on Harry Street. 

5. The Hags with the Bags 

Venturing over the Ha’penny Bridge, we encounter The Hags with the Bags, a whimsical tribute to ordinary women. Dublin’s energy is depicted by these two ladies conversing while holding shopping bags at their feet. Erected as part of a millennium project, this statue serves as a reminder of the city’s vibrant culture, located on Lower Liffey Street. 

6. The Dublin Spire 

No tour of Dublin’s statues would be complete without mentioning The Dublin Spire, a towering symbol of the city’s resilience and modernity. Rising majestically in O’Connell Street, this sleek monument has earned several playful nicknames, including The Stiletto in the Ghetto and The Syringe in the Binge. The Spire is unquestionably Dublin, like it or not.

7. Anna Livia Statue 

Next, we come to Anna Livia, the embodiment of the River Liffey herself. Once positioned on O’Connell Street, she now reclines in a small park fountain, affectionately known as The Floozie in the Jacuzzi. Despite her relocation, Anna Livia remains a beloved figure in Dublin’s landscape, even if some playfully dub her The Whore in the Sewer. 

8. Sphere inside of Sphere 

A contemporary statue at Trinity College called Sphere inside Sphere has a similar streamlined design to the spire. Another name for it is “The Death Star with the half-eaten Malteser.” This contemporary addition to Dublin’s streets offers a playful contrast to its surroundings, inviting visitors to ponder its meaning while chuckling at its whimsical nicknames. 

9. Statue of Patrick Kavanagh 

Patrick Kavanagh, another Irish writer, resides on the Grand Canal. His statue, affectionately referred to as ‘The crank on the bank’ or ‘Banal at the canal’, offers a more critical commentary on his persona and work. Regardless, Kavanagh’s presence along the Grand Canal serves as a poignant reminder of Dublin’s literary heritage, even if some prefer to poke fun at his expense.

10. The Millennium Clock 

It is impossible to ignore the odd situation of the Millennium Clock, which is submerged in the River Liffey next to O’Connell Bridge. Created to commemorate the dawn of the new millennium, this submerged timepiece has earned its own set of whimsical nicknames: The Time in the Slime and The Chime in the Slime. While it may be out of sight beneath the murky waters, its legacy continues to amuse and intrigue us.

And there you have it, 10 famous statues in Dublin that are reminding us of the passage of time, and the ever-present humour of Dubliners.