The Happy Ring House - O'Connell Street

The Happy Ring House (or McDowell's Jewellers to give it its proper title) is located at No. 3 Upper O'Connell Street. Built in 1917, it reputedly houses girders which were salvaged from the GPO after its destruction the previous year. McDowell's had been established in 1870, and the fourth generation of jewellers still operate from this building.

Naturally the most notable feature of the building is the huge neon sign on the frontage. It dates from 1952 and is one of the few surviving such signs from that era. The building (including the sign) is now a protected structure.

Many regard the neon as tacky, and they're absolutely right - but I love it regardless. It evokes an image of a busy O'Connell Street in its mid-twentieth century prime, with trams gliding by, bells ringing, and throngs of snazzily-dressed people visiting the street's cinemas and restaurants. As well as that, like many Dubliners, my parents bought their engagement and wedding rings here!

I really recommend the blog Project Neon! for anyone interested in this type of classic neon signage. 

Open House Dublin: 7-9 October 2011

An amazing opportunity to have a closer look at some of Dublin's most interesting buildings is coming up next weekend. The Irish Architecture Foundation's Open House Dublin is a series of tours in various types of building (including residential, cultural and public), each led by either the architect of the building in question or by an architect or someone very familiar with the building.

Some of the tours on offer include the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the Provost's House at Trinity, Dublin City Hall, and the Tailors Hall. Fans of modern architecture are catered for with tours of the Criminal Courts of Justice, Busaras, and the old terminal building at Dublin Airport.

Some of the tours require pre-booking, but all are completely free. Find out more here, and please support this fantastic project!