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In an effort to protect Dublin's beloved Molly Malone statue and promote respectful engagement with public art, the city has announced that stewards will be stationed at the statue starting in May 2025. This move comes after growing concerns about inappropriate behavior, particularly the touching and groping of the statue, which is a symbol of Dublin’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The Molly Malone statue, located on Suffolk Street in the heart of Dublin, has long been a popular tourist attraction. Erected in 1988, it commemorates the legendary figure of Molly Malone, the heroine of the famous Dublin song "Molly Malone", who was depicted as a fishmonger selling cockles and mussels in the streets of Dublin. However, over the years, the statue, made of bronze, has faced challenges due to the inappropriate interactions that have occurred with visitors who treat the statue as a photo opportunity, often touching or groping it in ways that diminish its significance.
The decision to introduce stewards to the Molly Malone statue stems from ongoing concerns raised by both the public and cultural organizations. There has been a growing recognition that public art deserves to be treated with respect, not only for its aesthetic value but also for its cultural and historical importance. The statue of Molly Malone is not just a tourist attraction—it is a representation of Irish folklore, and as such, it deserves to be respected as a cultural artifact.
In response to these concerns, the city of Dublin, in collaboration with local authorities and art conservationists, has decided to place trained stewards at the statue to monitor and ensure that visitors engage with the sculpture in a respectful manner. The stewards will be responsible for guiding tourists, answering questions about the statue's significance, and politely intervening if any inappropriate behavior is observed.
The initiative is part of a larger campaign aimed at fostering respectful engagement with public artworks throughout Dublin. Over the years, concerns have emerged about the treatment of various statues and monuments in the city, with some becoming the targets of vandalism, inappropriate touching, or other disrespectful actions. The introduction of stewards is seen as a proactive solution to educate both locals and visitors about the importance of preserving these public treasures for future generations.
The Respect Public Art campaign, spearheaded by Dublin’s Department of Culture, aims to promote awareness about the significance of public art and the need to protect it. The campaign will include educational materials placed around the statue, offering historical context about Molly Malone’s place in Dublin’s folklore, as well as reminding visitors of the importance of interacting with public sculptures with care.
The city is also exploring the use of digital tools, including QR codes placed near statues, to provide additional information and context about the artworks. This approach allows visitors to engage with the artwork in a more meaningful way, learning about its cultural significance and historical background.
Dublin’s tourism industry has been thriving, and with the growing influx of international visitors, the city is focused on maintaining the integrity of its historic sites. The stewards stationed at the Molly Malone statue will serve as a symbol of Dublin’s commitment to cultural preservation and responsible tourism.
The introduction of stewarding is likely to have a positive impact on Dublin’s tourism industry by ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage while respecting the artworks that contribute to the city’s charm. Additionally, by increasing awareness about public art and its significance, Dublin hopes to create a more informed and culturally sensitive tourist experience, which could further boost the city's reputation as a destination for meaningful travel.
Molly Malone is more than just a statue—she is an iconic representation of Dublin’s history and identity. The statue itself is not only a tribute to the fictional character immortalized in song but also a reflection of the role of women in Irish history, particularly in urban life. Molly Malone, a working-class figure, is celebrated in Dublin as a symbol of strength, resilience, and the everyday woman who contributed to the city’s vibrant culture.
Over the years, the song “Molly Malone” has become one of Dublin’s unofficial anthems, sung by locals and tourists alike in pubs, streets, and celebrations. The statue, then, stands as a focal point of the city’s cultural narrative. Ensuring that it is treated with respect reflects a broader effort to honor Dublin’s heritage and its ongoing connection to the past.
The stewarding program at the Molly Malone statue is expected to serve as a pilot project, with the potential for expansion to other iconic public art installations in Dublin. The initiative could eventually be rolled out to other popular attractions in the city, such as The Spire, the Oscar Wilde Memorial, and The Wolfe Tone Memorial, where similar concerns about the treatment of public art have arisen.
Dublin’s approach to managing public art is part of a broader global trend towards greater sensitivity to the preservation of cultural and historical landmarks. As cities around the world continue to grapple with issues related to public art, Dublin’s proactive approach with its stewarding program could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges.
Starting in May 2025, the presence of stewards at the Molly Malone statue will serve as a positive step in preserving the dignity and cultural significance of Dublin’s public art. The move reflects a commitment to maintaining a respectful and educational environment for both visitors and locals, ensuring that Dublin’s rich cultural heritage continues to be celebrated in the right way.
By promoting respectful engagement with public artworks, Dublin is setting a standard for other cities to follow, showing that cultural preservation and tourism can go hand in hand when done thoughtfully. With the new stewarding program, the city hopes to ensure that iconic landmarks like the Molly Malone statue remain an enduring and respectful symbol of Dublin’s past, present, and future.
