The short answer

Begin with the GPO, Dublin’s best-known 1916 landmark, then follow the wider story through the city. Moore Street, City Hall, the Four Courts area, St Stephen’s Green and other command positions show that the Rising was spread across the city.

The GPO and O’Connell Street

The General Post Office served as the headquarters of the provisional government. Its location on Sackville Street, now O’Connell Street, made it highly visible, but the garrison eventually evacuated as fire and bombardment made the position untenable.

The Rising began on Easter Monday, 24 April 1916. The National Library of Ireland’s exhibition follows the events day by day, helping distinguish what happened at the headquarters from the fighting elsewhere in Dublin.

Moore Street and the surrender

After leaving the GPO, members of the headquarters garrison moved through nearby buildings towards Moore Street. The area is essential for understanding the final phase and the decision to surrender, and connects the GPO with the wider story.

The headquarters garrison evacuated the burning GPO on Friday, 28 April. The surrender followed on Saturday, 29 April. Keeping those dates in mind makes the movement from O’Connell Street towards Moore Street much easier to follow.

Explore the Easter Rising on our 1916 walking tour

A network of positions

Other garrisons attempted to control approaches and strategic buildings. The fighting affected civilians, commercial streets and residential areas. Exploring each position helps connect the events with the people and neighbourhoods involved.

At St Stephen’s Green, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland building was occupied by the garrison associated with Michael Mallin and Constance Markievicz. RCSI’s heritage collection explains this episode and connects the institution still operating there with the events of Easter Week.

  • Connect the different command positions across the city
  • Remember the large civilian impact
  • Use contemporary witness material where possible
  • Check museum hours before planning interiors

Follow a wider women’s history story on the Women of Ireland walking tour

Historical portrait of Constance Markievicz seated at a table wearing a hat

Plan a focused visit to the Rising sites

Start with the GPO and Moore Street if you want to understand the headquarters and final phase. Add St Stephen’s Green and the RCSI area to examine another garrison. Allow time to enjoy the walk between these connected historical places. For a museum visit, check opening hours and admission details as you plan your day.

The city today includes rebuilding, later memorials and working institutions. Compare the National Library’s contemporary material with the streets today to discover original features, later rebuilding and memorials.

Sources and further checking

Official information can change. Check these sources close to your visit.