The March 8th 1966 explosion which brought Nelson's column crashing to the ground was carried out under cover of darkness by a rogue Republican element with demolitions expertise. Timed explosive devices were planted within Nelson's pillar and the 13ft high statue of Horatio Nelson which gazed over Dublin's main thoroughfare since 1808 was blown clear of the column. Other than the damage to the pillar & Lord Nelson, no injuries were reported. During the subsequent clean-up operations the Irish Army dynamited the remaining column to demolish it. The area was subsequently a parking area for CIE Dublin buses & colloquially known as Nelsons patch. |
![]() Nelson's pillar, Dublin city. |
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View of Nelson's column with scaffolding while pillar being contructed in 1808. Print by G.N Wright. |
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Dublin Corporation workmen removing debris at base of Nelson's Pillar after an explosion dislodged the statue from its central position on O'Connell Street Dublin, in the early hours of March 8th 1966.
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8mm movie clip of O'Connell Street & Nelson's Pillar debris after Dublin 1966 bomb blast. |
Video of the Irish army blowing up column remainder of Nelson's pillar. |
![]() Flowersellers at base of Nelsons column, Dublin 1900.
During excavations in preparation for the construction of the Millennium Spire - which was constructed on the old Pillar site, a sealed time-capsule box was discovered at the Pillar's foundation stone. Archaeological research had suggested that the foundation stone was associated with a time capsule prepared in 1808 containing coins and newspapers. Unfortunately upon opening the capsule at the National Museum's conservation laboratories it was found to be empty, except for a list of the contents that should have been contained within. |
![]() 1931 view from Nelsons Pillar, O'Connell Street looking towards Dublin south city.
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![]() Antique Dublin print Late 19th century central Dublin street scene with horse drawn carts & electric tram.
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