Built in 1814 and sited in the centre of Dublin's main thoroughfare - O'Connell Street, the General Post Office was designed by Richard Johnston. Originally the building was faced by Nelson's Column which was blown up in the 1960s. The building's main feature is the huge hexastyle doric portico over the pavement and which spans the five central bays. The frieze is heavily carved and topped by a huge dentil frieze and balustrade (recently replaced). To each side of the portico are five further bays. Above the portico are three statues by John Smyth - Fidelity, Hibernia (central) and Mercury.