O'Connell Street

THE STATUE ITSELF HAS ATTRACTED A SOMEWHAT RUDE NICKNAME

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I am not sure if I have published photographs before.

The James Joyce Statue, erected in 1990, is a bronze depiction of Ireland’s most famous author. Located on Dublin’s North Earl Street, near the O’Connell Street GPO, it portrays Joyce in a contemplative mood, gazing out at his beloved city.

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While a tribute to his literary genius, the statue has a rather unflattering nickname amongst Dubliners – “The Prick With The Stick.” This moniker likely stems from a combination of factors:

Joyce’s character: Some find the statue’s pose, with chin held high and cane in hand, to be a bit arrogant, reflecting a perceived aloofness in Joyce’s writing.
Playful Dublin wit: Dubliners are known for their humour, and the nickname is a lighthearted, if irreverent, way to interact with the statue.
This nickname doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of popularity for Joyce. His works, particularly “Dubliners” and “Ulysses,” are deeply rooted in the city’s fabric. The statue’s location itself highlights this connection.

The sculptor, Marjorie Fitzgibbon, was chosen for the project due to her experience with literary figures. Her prior works included busts of W. B. Yeats and Sean O’Casey. Fitzgibbon’s depiction of Joyce, while perhaps open to playful interpretation, has become a landmark for literary buffs and Dubliners alike.

North Earl Street: A Stroll Through History

North Earl Street is a short but vibrant street nestled in the heart of Dublin’s north city centre. It connects the iconic O’Connell Street with Marlborough Street and Talbot Street.

The Earl’s Identity: The street gets its name from the title “Earl of Charlemont.” Unfortunately, there’s no single definitive answer about which Earl inspired the name. It could refer to James Caulfeild, the 1st Earl of Charlemont, who was a significant figure in 18th-century Dublin, involved in politics and the arts. Another possibility is a later Earl of Charlemont with connections to the street’s development.

Development and Commerce: North Earl Street emerged in the late 18th century, a period of expansion for Dublin. It became a major centre of commerce, with shops and businesses lining the way.

1916 Easter Rising: Like many areas of central Dublin, North Earl Street suffered damages during the Easter Rising of 1916. Some buildings were lost, while others survived and were later restored.

Pedestrianisation: A significant change in the 1980s was the street’s pedestrianisation, creating a welcoming space for shoppers and strollers. It remains a pedestrian-friendly area to this day.

While the exact “Earl” might be a bit elusive, North Earl Street has its own unique place in Dublin’s history, with a blend of Georgian architecture, echoes of the 1916 Rising, and the continued energy of a modern shopping district.

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