On O’Connell Street Lower in central Dublin, the Jim Larkin Statue honours the trade union leader and socialist who campaigned for workers’ rights. Larkin stands on a plinth with his arms raised and palms open, a gesture of solidarity associated with his activism and the 1913 Dublin Lockout. Scan the QR code at the monument to hear one of his speeches. It is an easy stop while walking along the street, opposite the site of Clery’s, once owned by Larkin’s adversary.
A monument to labour activism
The statue on O’Connell Street Lower commemorates James Larkin, the Irish trade union leader and socialist activist known as Big Jim. His work for workers’ rights connects the monument to the country’s labour history, including the 1913 Dublin Lockout.
Larkin was a founding member of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union. The statue gives visitors a direct way to encounter his public legacy while walking through the city centre.
The pose and its setting
Larkin is shown standing on a plinth, arms extended and palms turned upwards. The gesture conveys an appeal for workers to stand together. The monument faces the site of Clery’s, which was once owned by one of Larkin’s adversaries, adding a striking detail to its location on O’Connell Street.
A QR code on the statue links to a recording of one of Larkin’s speeches. Bring a phone if you want to listen during your visit. The monument is accessible to wheelchair users, though its raised plinth cannot be touched by visitors with sight impairments.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Jim Larkin Statue?
It is at 1 O’Connell Street Lower in Dublin 1, opposite the former Clery’s site.
Can you hear one of Jim Larkin’s speeches at the statue?
Yes. Scan the QR code on the monument to play a speech.
Is the Jim Larkin Statue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the statue is wheelchair accessible. Its plinth is not tactile accessible for visitors with sight impairments.
