Spire of Dublin, Dublin

At the corner where Earl Street North intersects, you'll encounter a landmark that truly commands attention – a spot once occupied by Nelson's Pillar until it met its explosive demise at the hands of Republicans in 1966. In its place now stands the awe-inspiring Spire of Dublin, officially dubbed the "Monument of Light" but more colloquially known as the "Spike". Designed by the minds at Ian Ritchie Architects, who sought an "elegant and dynamic simplicity bridging art and technology", this towering stainless-steel needle reaches a height of 120 meters, making it the undisputed titan of the city center.

Constructed from eight hollow tubes of stainless steel, the Spire has a base width of three meters, tapering down to a mere 15 centimeters at its summit. During the early morning or at dusk, its surface adopts an ethereal blue hue, while by nightfall, it casts a looming, almost ominous shadow over the cityscape. One can only wonder what the legendary James Joyce, whose somewhat rakish statue stands nearby on Earl Street North, would have to say about this modern marvel.