The General Post Office on O'Connell Street was designed by Francis Johnston. It was built in 1818. In 1916 an Irish republic was proclaimed from the General Post Office by Padraig Pearse and James Connolly who were leaders of the Easter Rising. A fire broke out, destroying most of the interior and the General Post Office was closed until it was renovated in 1929. At the front of the building visitors can still see the shell marks of 1916.