Apr 29, 2025

Apples and Atoms Dublin

Or silver balls

""Apples and Atoms" -or 'silver balls!- in Dublin is a sculpture in Trinity College that very few people, even knowledgeable locals, know the story behind."

Probably everyone who was looking at the Dublin city centre map has seen quite a big territory of the Trinity College, one of the most prestigious high education institutions in Europe, and many have already experienced the legendary Book of Kells and the old Library right in the heart of Trinity. But I am pretty sure that not many Dublin visitors managed to discover all the secrets of this traditional university.

Wandering through the territory one day I was the lucky one to discover the sculpture "Apples and Atoms" almost at the east end, close to the Science Gallery. This is an amazing piece of art that caught my attention and I stopped there for a few minutes to read the description and to learn more about the history of science in Ireland. I have realised that veterans of college call this little monument "Silver balls" not even knowing what is behind it.

The information card next to the sculpture told me that this sculpture, created in 2013, was a celebration of life and work of the only scientific Irish Nobel Laureate Ernest Walter (physics).

Why apples and atoms? If you have spare time while strolling through Trinity College territory, I recommend you discover this sculpture yourself and find out what this name actually means!

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

College Green

free

Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Dublin guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Dublin

Killiney Hill Park

A park walk with views

"Killiney Hill Park" is one of the best destinations you could pick when looking for a not-so-tiring hike in Dublin, just 20 minutes outside the city!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jun 16, 2025

Memorial to Human Rights Defenders

The silenced

"Memorial to Human Rights Defenders" by studio Grafton Architects is a hidden gem of an art piece in Dublin, a true must-see for art lovers...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jun 15, 2025

Kalabasa Market

Multi-cultural food experience

"Kalabasa Market" in Dublin just has it all: it's a restaurant, a market for exotic stuff, a cocktail bar... it even offers live music experiences!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jun 15, 2025

Knead Pizza & Bottle Shop

Craft beer & #zass

"Knead Pizza & Bottle Shop" in Dublin is a super cool pizza/beer place. Delicious pizza, effortless & cozy vibe, a wide selection of craft beers...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Jun 13, 2025

Mish Mash

Cozy cafe to feel at home

"Mish Mash" is a tiny cafe in Dublin that feels like a piece of home. I love their selection of soups, the fantastic coffee, and the heavenly cakes...

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Jun 11, 2025

Dash Burger

Best burger in town

You might've heard exaggerations like 'this is the best burger in town.' But "Dash Burger" is different. I wouldn't mind not eating anything else ever again.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Jun 11, 2025

Pipers Corner

Old-school Irish music

"Pipers Corner" in Dublin was opened because the owner, Seán Potts, an uilleann piper, was tired of how commercial the Temple Bar area had become...

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Jun 9, 2025

MediKate Garden

Place for meditation

"MediKate Garden" in Dublin is a neighborhood garden that fulfills the locals' need for organic food & a place of tranquility.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Jun 9, 2025

The Icon Walk

On Temple Bar

Artists from The Icon Factory have made "The Icon Walk" in Dublin's Temple Bar - it will give you an idea about why Irish are Irish!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Jun 9, 2025

Sandymount Beach

The Irish Venice Beach

"Sandymount Beach" in Dublin is quite long - here you can enjoy the unique view & the general good vibe of an active beach - also, fire dancing!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Jun 7, 2025

Merrion Square Park

Outdoors for creatives

"Merrion Square Park" is my absolute favorite park in Dublin! It's not just that it's big - it's simply charming and has plenty of things to do!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Jun 7, 2025

Moore Street

Way Moore than meets the eye

"Moore Street" in Dublin is home to one of the city's oldest street markets. Come here and take in a very honest representation of today's Irish society...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Jun 7, 2025

Heading to Dublin?

112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Dublin?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

112 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Dublin

Get to know our other Spotters from Dublin

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
43
Filters