Originally developed by the Moores, Earls of Drogheda and known as Drogheda Street, and later as Sackville Street. After independence was renamed O'Connell Street after the Liberator Daniel O'Connell (1775-1847).

The central mall contains many statues to those who have played a part in Dublin and Ireland's development including the dominant O'Connell Monument. The others include: Sir John Gray (1816-75) for his efforts in bringing a water supply to Dublin in 1868; Fr Theobold Mathew (1790-1856), founder of the Temperance movement; William Smith O'Brien (1803-64) and James Larkin (1876-1947) labour leader and trade unionists. O'Connell Street is now home to the Dublin Spire built to replace Nelson's Pillar.