The award of Freedom of the City of Dublin acknowledges the contribution of certain people to the life of our city. It also bestows honour to important visitors to Dublin.
No financial or other benefits are attached to the Freedom of the City. However it does carry significant prestige, as well as some interesting symbolic privileges and duties!
Recipients of this award may are referred to as a ‘Freeman’ or ‘Freewoman’ of Dublin. They are also Honorary Citizens of our city.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin nominates people for the Freedom of the City. Any nominations are then brought before a meeting of the City Council where it must be ratified by a majority vote.
To date, only 82 people have been conferred with the Freedom of the City of Dublin.
The latest recipient of the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin was Jim Gavin who was conferred with the Freedom of the City of Dublin on Saturday 18th January 2020.