With increasing complaints about visitors touching the Molly Malone statue for luck, Dublin City Council plans to station stewards and repair its damaged bust, marking a new chapter in the statue's storied history.
Dublin Takes Action to Protect Iconic Molly Malone Statue
Dublin Takes Action to Protect Iconic Molly Malone Statue
City Council introduces stewards and repairs to prevent damage from tourist interactions with the beloved statue.
In the heart of Dublin, the beloved statue of Molly Malone, a figure immortalized in the famous folk song "Molly Malone" or "Cockles and Mussels," is set to receive heightened protection from the Dublin City Council. The 18th-century bronze statue, representing a young fishmonger with her cart of cockles and mussels, has become synonymous with Irish culture, yet has suffered from frequent tourist interactions that have left its bust discolored.
To address this, the council will deploy stewards next to the statue for one week in May, aiming not only to protect the statue but also to educate visitors about its significance. This initiative comes as part of a responsive measure to complaints regarding tourists, predominantly targeting the statue's breasts for good luck, leading to its deterioration.
In addition to the stewards, the City Council has committed to restoring the statue's damage, a task they have previously undertaken multiple times, reflecting ongoing concerns about its preservation. This push for preservation is also fueled by a "Leave Molly mAlone" campaign led by local Trinity College student Tilly Cripwell, who advocates for the statue's dignity amidst rising tourism.
As Dublin prepares for St. Patrick’s Day festivities—where singing about Molly Malone is a cherished tradition—the city emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural icons while still celebrating their legacy. The upcoming measures serve both to safeguard the statue and reinforce its role as a cherished symbol of the city.
To address this, the council will deploy stewards next to the statue for one week in May, aiming not only to protect the statue but also to educate visitors about its significance. This initiative comes as part of a responsive measure to complaints regarding tourists, predominantly targeting the statue's breasts for good luck, leading to its deterioration.
In addition to the stewards, the City Council has committed to restoring the statue's damage, a task they have previously undertaken multiple times, reflecting ongoing concerns about its preservation. This push for preservation is also fueled by a "Leave Molly mAlone" campaign led by local Trinity College student Tilly Cripwell, who advocates for the statue's dignity amidst rising tourism.
As Dublin prepares for St. Patrick’s Day festivities—where singing about Molly Malone is a cherished tradition—the city emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural icons while still celebrating their legacy. The upcoming measures serve both to safeguard the statue and reinforce its role as a cherished symbol of the city.
