Created by Jeanne Rynhart in tribute to the famous song of the fictional fishmonger, Molly Malone who plied her trade on the streets of Dublin, the statue was unveiled in Grafton Street during the Dublin Millennium celebrations by the 1988 Lord Mayor of Dublin Ben Briscoe. She now resides in Suffolk Street in front of the Tourist Information Office.

As well as being known and sung internationally, the popular song ‘Cockles and Mussels’ has become a sort of unofficial anthem of Dublin city. The song’s tragic heroine Molly Malone and her barrow have come to stand as one of the most familiar symbols of the capital.

The 13th of June is regarded as Molly Malone Day. The best-known version of the song is sung by the Dubliners.