Have you ever heard of the Fusiliers’ Arch? It stands right here, on Grafton Street, marking the entrance to St. Stephen’s Green. The Fusiliers’ Arch is a powerful monument, built in 1907 to commemorate the Irish soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the Second Boer War. The arch is a grand, imposing structure, with ornate columns and a decorative cornice, inspired by the Roman triumphal arches. The names of the battles fought by the Royal Dublin Fusiliers are engraved on its frieze. Look closely and you’ll see over two hundred names inscribed on the underside of the arch, a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by these brave men.
The Fusiliers’ Arch is a controversial landmark. Some view it as a symbol of Irish involvement in British imperialism, while others see it as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Irish soldiers. During the Easter Rising in 1916, the arch was damaged by British forces firing from a nearby hotel. You can still see the bullet marks on the structure today. The Fusiliers’ Arch embodies a complex aspect of Irish history, reflecting the country’s involvement in global conflicts as part of the British Empire.
Saint John the Evangelist
Whispers of history echo from these stones. This is the site of Saint John the Evangelist. Once a vibrant church