One of the widest streets in Europe, O’Connell Street is Dublin’s main street. Witness to such historic events as the Easter Rising of 1816—when Irish republicans seized the General Post Office (GPO) and proclaimed the Irish Republic, leading to the street’s bombardment by the Royal Navy—it’s now lined with monuments to some of Ireland’s champions of independence set among traffic lanes and wide pedestrian footpaths. Along the way, you’ll pass shops, pubs, government buildings, hotels and other venues bustling with activity, providing great opportunities for people-watching. Among the best landmarks to find is the GPO, a statue of famous writer James Joyce (at the corner of Earl and O'Connell Streets) and the Dublin Spire, the world’s tallest piece of sculpture.