Dublin’s coat-of-arms, from the entrance to City Hall (Thomas Cooley, 1769-79) on Dame Street. The origin of the symbols on the full coat of arms – three burning castles, a sword and scales – is unknown, though there are theories the castles may be Dublin Castle, or outposts, or the city’s gates.  To go with the emblem of three burning castles, Dublin’s city motto is obedientia civium urbis felicitas, “the citizens’ obedience is the city’s happiness.”

Hmm. Have an obedient, happy St. Patrick’s Day.


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