<P> The foundation - stone of the building, which was designed by Francis Johnston, was laid by the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Charles Whitworth, 1st Earl Whitworth, on 12 August 1814, attended by the Post-Masters - General, Charles O'Neill, 1st Earl O'Neill and Laurence Parsons, 2nd Earl of Rosse . The structure was completed in the short space of approximately three years at a cost (depending on sources) of between £ 50,000 and £ 80,000 . </P> <P> The front, which extends 67.1 metres (220 ft), has an Ionic portico (24.4 metres (80 ft) wide), of six fluted Ionic columns, 137.16 centimetres (54 inches) in diameter . The frieze of the entablature is highly enriched, and in the tympanum of the pediment were the royal arms until removed following restoration in the 1920s . On the acroteria of the pediment are three statues by John Smyth: when facing the building Mercury on the left, with his Caduceus and purse; Fidelity on the right, with a hound at her feet and a key held in her right hand (due to these features it is argued that the statue is in fact of Hecate); and Hibernia in the centre, resting on her spear and holding a harp . The entablature, with the exception of the architrave, is continued along the rest of the front; the frieze, however, is not decorated over the portico . A balustrade surmounts the cornice of the building, which is 15.2 metres (50 ft) from the ground . </P> <P> With the exception of the portico, which is of Portland stone, the main building is of mountain granite . The elevation has three stories, of which the lower or basement is rusticated . The portico occupies the entire height of the structure . </P> <P> The General Post Office in Ireland was first located in High Street in Dublin moving to Fishamble Street in 1689, to Sycamore Alley in 1709 and then in 1755 to Bardin's Chocolate House on the site where the Commercial Buildings used to be (now the Central Bank building) off Dame Street . It was afterwards removed to a larger house opposite the Bank of Ireland building on College Green . On 6 January 1818, the new post-office in Sackville Street (now O'Connell Street) was opened for business . </P>

An post general post office o'connell street lower north city dublin 1