Molly Malone, the most famous statue in Dublin

When you visit Dublin, you will surely hear someone singing the chorus “Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh.” And how could you not?

It’s a famous Irish song, written in the late 19th century, that tells the story of Molly Malone, one of the must-see statues in Dublin, and we’re going to tell you much more about her.

 

Who was Molly Malone?

It is said that Molly Malone was a woman who lived in Dublin in the 17th century. She was known for her youth, great beauty, and for walking the streets of the city during the day selling seafood from her cart. They also say that at night she worked as a prostitute, which is why so many men courted her around Trinity College, where she supposedly used to hang out.

The story suggests that Molly Malone’s life was short and tragic, as she died of typhoid fever at a very young age, and they say she was buried in St. John’s cemetery. True or not, she continues to spark much conversation!

The legend of Molly Malone

 

The legend of Molly Malone is one of the most well-known in Dublin. It has been passed down from generation to generation and appears in many books and songs since word began to spread, several centuries ago, that she was a kind and friendly woman living a double life.

It is not known if Molly Malone actually existed, but there is a theory: a birth certificate was supposedly found for a woman named Mary Malone, who passed away on June 13, 1699.

This fact was more than enough to perpetuate the legend. Every June 13, Molly Malone is honored throughout Ireland, and her song can be heard in the pubs as people raise their beer mugs to celebrate her story.

You can learn about this and more on the Free Tour Mysteries and Legends of Dublin.

More about the song of Molly Malone

The Irish song “Molly Malone” was written by Scottish composer James Yorkston in 1884. It tells the story of a fishmonger who rolled her barrow through the wide and narrow streets of the city, selling live cockles and mussels.

This is the most well-known verse:

“In Dublin's fair city
Where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone
As she wheeled her wheelbarrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!"

Many versions of this song have been made. Even the late Dublin singer Sidney O’Connor recorded the song to continue spreading the legend. However, the most famous version is by the group The Dubliners, which has become an important reference in Irish folk music.

The song has come to be considered an anthem of Ireland, and it is often sung by fishermen in Dublin during their daily work. That’s how significant the legend of Molly Malone is!

Where is the Molly Malone statue?

 

The Molly Malone statue was sculpted in bronze by artist Jeanne Rynhart in 1988 to celebrate the centenary of the song about the famous young fishmonger. The sculpture depicts a woman in period dress, with a low neckline, pushing a wheelbarrow.

What’s more! They say that if you take a photo with her while touching her breasts, you will return to visit the city. And it seems to work, as it is one of the most sought-after and photographed monuments in Dublin.

Currently, the Molly Malone statue is located on Suffolk Street, next to St. Andrew’s Church and very close to the Trinity College campus. You can’t leave Dublin without taking a photo with her!

What to see and do near the Molly Malone statue

 

If you want to eat nearby, we recommend the traditional O’Neills Pub & Kitchen, a famous and lively establishment with views of the Molly Malone statue, known for its beef stew with Guinness beer.

Another highly recommended option is to take a stroll through the Temple Bar neighborhood, located literally one street away from the statue. This area of Dublin is home to the legendary Temple Bar pub and is one of the liveliest and most iconic places in the Irish capital.

You can discover it in more depth on the Temple Bar tour: a journey through the history of Irish pubs.