What’s The Story Behind The Big D On Grafton Street?


Posted January 1, 2020 in More

The Dublin Brand is now officially a part of the scenery on Grafton Street. A contemporary sculpture titled ‘The Dublin D’, this striking new landmark in the heart of the capital combines the region’s official brand with a carefully crafted design that reflects our , its character, its culture, and us, the people who call it home.

Standing 2.7 metres high, 2.3 metres wide, and 1 metre deep, the elements used in its letters have been carefully chosen. Each reflects a different aspect of our story:

D | Bronze Mesh
The opening letter is crafted from bronze mesh, inspired by the bronze tones found throughout Dublin’s sculptures, architecture, and evening light. It represents warmth, openness and the balance between heritage and modernity.

U | Foliage
Filled with greenery, the letter U reflects nature, growth, and the strong connection between urban areas, surrounding communities and natural landscape.

B | Oak
Made from oak, this element celebrates craftsmanship, tradition, and the materials and architectural details that have shaped Dublin throughout its history.

L | Water
Created using resin, the letter L evokes the River Liffey and the Irish Sea. It captures movement, reflection, and our enduring connection to its coastline.

I | Music
Featuring engraved sheet music from the iconic song Molly Malone, this element pays tribute to local creativity and rich musical heritage.

N | Mirror
The final letter is a reflective surface that mirrors those standing before it. It serves as a reminder that Dublin’s identity is shaped by you – its people, our communities, and the experiences that we share.

Joined as one, these textures tell a single story: of a region shaped by its landscape, rich history, and above all, its people.

What is the Dublin Brand?

The Dublin Brand is the official place brand for the Dublin region.

It was developed to give Dublin a strong and unified identity that can be shared both at home and internationally. The brand helps us to tell one focused story about our strengths and what makes this place unique.

We share our work through the website, Dublin.ie, our social media channels, and in international campaigns that showcase the region to global audiences.

A Shared Effort Across the Region

The brand is a collaborative initiative of four local authorities: Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, and South Dublin County Council.

By speaking with a shared voice, the initiative helps communicate what makes Dublin an attractive place to build a business, pursue an education, grow a career, explore new opportunities, and experience world-class culture.

A New Landmark for All

The unveiling of The Dublin D marks an exciting new chapter.

While the brand previously existed across digital platforms, campaigns, and international promotion, The Dublin D gives residents and visitors a tangible way to engage with the brand while creating a new backdrop for photos, social content, and memorable experiences.

Through its materials, symbolism, and design, the sculpture celebrates a welcoming region defined by creativity, diversity, and love for connection.

As thousands of people pass by it each day, The Dublin D will stand as an expression of our story – and as an invitation for others to become a part of it.

Taking a picture with The Dublin D? We’d love to see! Tag us on Instagram @dublin_ie. Or, connect with us on one of our other social channels to see what we’re up to.

 

TOTALLY DUBLIN

A part of HKM Ireland. Visit our other websites:

THEGOO.IE // HKM.IE