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The Archer II Sculpture at Newtownsmith, Dún Laoghaire

Standing proudly against the backdrop of Scotsman's Bay, the Archer II sculpture has become a defining visual landmark of the coastal stretch between Dún Laoghaire and Sandycove.

About the Art and Artist

Archer II was created by the established Irish sculptor Niall O'Neill. Living and working in the nearby dramatic landscapes of County Wicklow, O'Neill has built a formidable reputation for large-scale public art. His works span the country, from Malahide in County Dublin to Ballinaboy in County Mayo.

Carved from solid limestone, Archer II belongs to O'Neill’s celebrated Archer series. The sculpture depicts a highly stylized, monolithic figure aiming toward the sky. Notably, the figure holds an incredibly small, minimalist bow at the peak of its extended arm. This scaling is a deliberate and practical choice dictated by the medium. Because limestone is prone to fracturing under its own weight when carved into long, unsupported shapes, a full-sized stone bow would quickly fall victim to gravity and the relentless Irish coastal elements. By keeping the bow small, O'Neill ensures the sculpture's long-term durability while preserving its evocative silhouette.

The History of Newtownsmith

The sculpture sits in the parkland of Newtownsmith (occasionally styled as Newtown Smith), a historic coastal area framing the sea front. The history of this immediate site is deeply intertwined with the construction of Dún Laoghaire's iconic landscape:

The Namesake: The area owes its name to Samuel Smith, a prominent 19th-century builder who lived at Stoneview House on what was then known as "Sam Smith's Road" (now Lower Glenageary Road). Smith was the primary supplier of granite for the massive undertaking of building Dún Laoghaire Harbour. He was also responsible for building several of the early residential properties in the immediate vicinity. Changing Boundaries: Up until the 1860s, the name Newtownsmith was also officially applied to neighbouring Islington Avenue. Reclaiming the Foreshore: While the terrace of houses at Newtownsmith was fully developed by 1860, early residents looked out directly onto a wild, rocky foreshore. There was no green space, park, or coastal promenade. The sea battered the foundations directly. The Modern Promenade: To combat coastal flooding, a major infrastructure project began in the early 20th century. By 1908, a strip of infill roughly 50 metres wide had been established in front of the terrace. Over the next decade, this reclaimed land was transformed with solid sea walls, an elegant promenade walkway, and the green parkland we enjoy today. The project was officially completed in 1921, an achievement commemorated by a stone monument standing in the park.

Today, Archer II bridges this rich industrial history with modern Irish artistry, aiming its invisible arrow out across the Irish Sea.

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