Dublin studies raising Molly Malone’s statue to prevent tourists from touching her breasts

Dublin authorities are considering raise the statue of Molly Malone to prevent tourists from touching it inappropriately. Since its installation in 1988, the figure of the iconic seller has been the subject of a controversial tradition: thousands of visitors have rubbed their breasts, which has generated criticism and has worn out the sculpture.

The debate has recently resurfaced, especially after the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, when thousands of tourists and premises visited the statue and many perpetuated the habit of touching it. This increase in visits has put the need to protect the monument again.

The discussion has gained even more relevance thanks to the campaign promoted by street artist Tilly Cripwell, who has denounced the disrespectful behavior of tourists and has promoted awareness through the #Leavemollymalone campaign.

The statue, the work of the sculptor Jeanne Rynhart, represents Molly Malone, protagonist of a Popular Irish song and Dublin symbol. The figure shows a young seafood vendor with a pronounced neckline dress, pushing a wheelbarrow. Although there is no historical evidence of its existence, Molly Malone has become an icon of the city.

However, the constant contact has caused visible wear and tear, which led the authorities to evaluate its relocation or elevation. According to the BBC, the City Council of Dublin has affirmed that it is considering the activist’s request to repair the discolored statue and place it on a higher pedestal and that it is in the process of asking tourism companies to deter their clients from touching the statue.

It is not the only sculpture that represents a female figure that faces this problem. Last year, the Italian newspaper ‘L’Arena’ denounced that the statue of Julieta de Verona that the caresses of the thousands of tourists had pierced their right chest. The damage would be caused by the Sweat acidity of the hands Of the thousands of people who touch that part of the body of the bronze representation of the famous character of Shakespeare.