Flower beds to be installed around Molly Malone statue to prevent touching

Sunday World

22-07-2025

The move comes after a recent trial of stewards stationed by the statue for one week in May, whose role was to discourage tourists and locals from rubbing the sculpture
The Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street in Dublin. Pic: David Conachy
Dublin City Council plans to install flower beds around the base of the iconic Molly Malone statue in a bid to protect it from persistent touching and damage by visitors.
The move comes after a recent trial of stewards stationed by the statue for one week in May, whose role was to discourage tourists and locals from rubbing the sculpture.
According to the council, when approached by the stewards and asked not to touch Molly Malone, most people were cooperative.
Tour guides also played a positive role by asking their groups to respect the statue and avoid contact.
However, the council acknowledges that without stewards present, the problematic behaviour quickly returns and has become 'ingrained, apparently as part of your visit to Dublin'.
This long-standing issue has made it difficult to change visitor habits, prompting the council to explore alternative protective measures such as using flower beds to create a physical barrier around the base of the statue.
'It is difficult to change this behaviour, so we are exploring other avenues of protection for the sculpture, including installing flower beds around the base,' a spokesperson for Dublin City Council said.
The Molly Malone statue, which depicts the legendary fishmonger and singer immortalised in Dublin's folklore, has become a popular tourist attraction since its unveiling in 1988.
Over the years, the statue's bronze surface has suffered damage caused by repeated touching and groping, especially of the statue's breasts.
This practice arose as part of a misguided tradition believed by some visitors to bring good luck.
A recent conservator's review found that the statue's patination – the protective coating on the bronze – has been worn and damaged by repeated touching and rubbing.
The patination is damaged, and the council are currently organising its restoration to repair the sculpture and preserve it for future generations.
The council's Arts Officer, Ray Yeates, previously said the treatment of the statue had caused 'disquiet and upset'.
The decision to trial stewards and now install flower beds, follows a campaign led by singer-songwriter Tilly Cripwell called Leave Molly mAlone, which sought to highlight the need for greater respect and care for the statue.
The campaign drew attention to how the statue has been subjected to inappropriate behaviour, urging Dubliners and visitors alike to treat the landmark with dignity.
'This is a wonderful victory for Dublin's heritage,' Ms Cripwell said.
'Molly Malone deserves to be admired and respected. I'm thrilled that Dublin City Council has taken action.
'I hope visitors will continue to appreciate her in a way that preserves her legacy and sets good social examples for future generations.'
The statue originally stood on Grafton Street before being moved to Suffolk Street in 2014 during Luas construction works.
The Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street in Dublin. Pic: David Conachy
News in 90 Seconds - July 22nd