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History - Memorials & Monuments

In Honour & Memory

King George IV Memorial

Logo: Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
Christ The King Commemoration, Haigh Terrace
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KING GEORGE IV

One of the largest memorials in the county is to King George IV who visited the harbour at Dun Laoghaire in 1821. In 1874 William Thackcray described it, unkindly perhaps, as 'a hideous Obelisk, stuck on four fat balls and surmounted with a crown on a cushion'. King George IV's visit took place shortly after he ascended to the throne - he was prince regent between 1811 and 1820 - and was notable for being the first occasion a British monarch had visited Ireland since the reign of Richard II. While the local dignitaries of Dun Laoghaire had prepared to welcome him on his arrival to Ireland the Royal ship passed by and landed at Howth leaving the elaborate decorations redundant. However, one month later he left Ireland through Dun Laoghaire. In his honour the name of the town was changed to Kingstown and the main street was named George's Street.

King George IV Monument

All images and descriptive text used with permission Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council

Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council Logo

Now published and available to purchase for €10 in all good book shops, or order via email tcarey@dlrcoco.ie, and to order via telephone ring +353 1 205 4868. Please visit the Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council web site http://www.dlrcoco.ie

 

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