O'Connell Tower Health & Safety
198 Steps, 1 Incredible View...
8 things to know before you climb the tower
We care about the O’Connell Tower and the safety of everyone who uses it. Please read the following carefully.
1. Your health and safety is important:
There are 198 steps in the Tower and 6 landing platforms. The tour passes through narrow spaces so please be sure to take care and always use the handrails where provided. Please be honest about your health so we can ensure your wellbeing is not at risk. All discussions will be confidential.
2. Please give way to those descending:
There is space on each of the landings and stairway returns where those descending can safely pass by.
3. How should you prepare for your tower climb:
Ensure that you have eaten and you’re well-hydrated - the experience can last up to 1 hour. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes such as running, sport or hiking shoes. Ensure you arrive at our Visitor Centre reception 15 minutes before your scheduled climb time to allow enough time to check in.
4. No bags/backpacks are permitted in the tower:
We provide FREE secure lockers where all personal belongings can be stored.
5. All Minors:
Minors of 12+ years are permitted but must be accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of three children per adult. No children under the age of 12 may undertake the tower climb (except when visiting as part of a family tour, in which case a minimum age of 8 will apply – see below).
6. Family Groups are allowed:
Children between 8 & 12 years of age are permitted but must be accompanied by a responsible adult, 1 adult for each child. Please hold the child’s hand throughout the tour except when ascending or descending steps when the responsible adult must be directly below or above the child so that you can aid the child when necessary. We cannot be held accountable for children while they are on the tour.
7. Smoking is prohibited on the tour and no food or drink is allowed in the tower:
Refreshments can be purchased in the Tower Café located at the Visitor Centre.
8. We operate in (almost) all weather conditions:
In case of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or during times of extremely high wind, tower climbs may be postponed.
Health & Safety Checklist
Health & Safety Essentials
Can you climb?
Anyone who is generally fit and healthy, 12 years and older with a sense of adventure is welcome to challenge themselves. Please read the Health & Safety exceptions to ensure you’re able to climb (opposite).
The tour is physically demanding and requires a reasonable level of health and fitness, and the ability to climb independently. Please ensure that you have read and agreed the Terms and Conditions as part of your Tower climb booking.
The following health considerations may impact your ability to climb safely.
■ heart conditions
■ respiratory conditions
■ current or recent physical injuries, including sprains/strains
■ anyone using crutches
■ balance problems
■ those who are pregnant
■ blood pressure issues
■ limited limb function, limb loss or limb difference
■ surgery, from which you are still recovering
■ epilepsy
■ any other conditions which may put you, or someone else on the tour at risk
Essential medication like inhalers can be taken up on the Tower climb. Please ensure you advise us when you check-in.
Health & Safety Exceptions
We do our best to help everyone climb, however there are some things that may prevent you from participating, including:
■ a fit or seizure in the last six months
■ broken bones
■ if you are more than 24 weeks pregnant
■ under 12 years of age (unless as part of a family group - see FAQs)
If you have any questions, or are concerned about your ability to climb, please check out Frequently Asked Questions.
We care about our Tower climbers; so please be aware that even if you have made a booking we reserve the right to decline participation, rebook or modify your climb to keep you safe.
Health & Safety Essentials & Exceptions are subject to change at our discretion.
There are Emergency call buttons on all landings if you get into difficulty and require assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. To participate, minors must be accompanied by an adult, with a maximum of three children per adult.
Children aged 8 - 12 may undertake the tour when visiting as part of a family group only and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (1 adult per each child).
When considering whether this activity will be right for your child, we would like you to consider the following:
■ Safety is, and always will be, our number one priority for all of our climbers.
■ Climbing the Tower is an all-age experience.
■ Children will be required to climb with and next to their parent/guardian.
■ Parents/guardians must remain with their children throughout the climb experience and must assist staff by managing their behaviour
■ If you have any particular issues of concern with regards to your children, please contact our Visitor Centre at 01 882 6550 or booking@dctrust.ie.
Yes. Anyone who can sustain moderate physical exertion up to 45 minutes should find the experience exhilarating.
Yes. We encourage climbers who wear hearing aids to climb the tower.
We do our best to help everyone climb. To participate you need to have a general level of health and fitness, and the ability to climb steps independently. Please refer to our Health & Safety Checklist.
The climb usually takes 30-45 minutes in total.
Please wear comfortable shoes such as running, sport or hiking shoes. Examples of clothing which is not suitable for the climb are long coats, loose clothing and high heels.
We provide secure lockers for your bags and backpacks.
It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the top landing of the Tower; this includes time to check-in at reception in the Visitor Centre, to validate your ticket and get a safety briefing.
The ascent and descent takes about 45 minutes.
There are 21 flights of steps (minimum of 4 and a maximum of 11 steps in each flight), totalling 198 steps. These are spaced out over 6 main landing platforms with exhibition panels to read and enjoy on each. There are 14 staircase returns. The first 20 steps are spiral, the rest are straight.
Under no circumstances should visitors attempt to open or unlock any windows or doors inside the tower. Please be aware that others will be climbing behind you; please give access to those descending by waiting on one of the platforms until they have safely passed by.
There are no toilets in the O’Connell Tower, toilets are available in the Visitor Centre prior/after your climb.
You need to check in at the Visitor Centre when you arrive. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your climb, you will then be directed to the base of the O’Connell Tower where your tour guide will give you an overview of the monument and facilitate your admission at your designated time.
Please wear comfortable clothing on the day of your climb - you may be waiting outside prior to your admission into the O’Connell Tower. The tower is unheated and outdoor clothing should be worn in cold weather. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to our staff.
Tower tickets are a non-refundable purchase for a specific time and date. Changes can only be made more than seven days in advance of your arrival.
Contact our Visitor Centre
T: +353 (0)1 882 6550
E: booking@dctrust.ie
Head Office
Glasnevin Cemetery
Finglas Road
Glasnevin
Dublin 11