National Monument and Grand Parade Street, Cork

The National Monument standing on the Grand Parade Street in Cork is a significant landmark of the city. It was built to commemorate the great Irish patriots and martyrs involved in the revolts of 1798, 1803, 1848, and 1867. The foundation stone was laid by the Mayor of Cork, Patrick Meade, in 1898, but it was not until 1902 that the design of the monument was commissioned to the famous architect, D.J Coakley, and John Francis Davis was asked to sculpt the figurines on the monument.

The monument's design is early Irish Gothic styled, and it stands at the junction of Grand Parade and South Mall, which was previously occupied by the statue of King George II. The monument's construction faced difficulties in fundraising as the locals were regarded as disrespectful and indifferent towards the country’s patriots and independence struggles.

The National Monument is adorned with statues of Wolfe Tone, Michael Dwyers, Davis, and O’Neill Crowley at the four corners of the monument. In the center, under the canopy, is the eight feet high statue of Erin. It bears a stark resemblance to the Holy Trinity Church and is an impressive and awe-inspiring structure to behold.

Grand Parade Street is one of the main streets in Cork city that runs from South Mall in the south to St. Patrick's Street/Daunt Square in the north. The street retains a number of commercial properties, with retail being most common at the northern end of the street and offices more common at the southern end close to the South Mall. The street is also home to Cork's main library, Bishop Lucey Park, and the mid-19th century Berwick Fountain.

The street's Irish name, Sráid an Chapaill Bhuí ("Yellow Horse Street"), originates from a time when a statue of King George II on horse-back was located at the junction with South Mall. The location of this statue is now occupied by the National Monument, a testament to the city's rich history and the struggles of its people for independence. Grand Parade Street is a vibrant and bustling area of Cork, attracting locals and tourists alike.