City Hall, Dublin

Right across from Dublin Castle stands the gloriously restored rotunda of City Hall, flaunting its creamy Portland-stone columns and a statues of prominent figures like Daniel O'Connell, the city's first Catholic Lord Mayor. Bathed in natural light from the dome above, this grand Neoclassical structure was originally built between 1769 and 1779 as the Royal Exchange, serving as a hub for local and foreign merchants; however, it fell into disuse following the Act of Union of 1801, which transferred governance of Ireland back to London. In 1851, Dublin Corporation purchased the building, which still serves as the venue for city council meetings today.

Beneath the dome, intricate arts and crafts murals depict Dublin's rich history, while a vibrant floor mosaic displays the civic coat of arms—a trio of castles topped with flames symbolizing the citizens' fervor to defend the city—emphasized by the motto "Obedientia Civium Urbis Felicitas" ("Happy the City whose Citizens Obey"). For those interested in delving deeper into Dublin's past, there's an exhibition available in the downstairs vaults.