A gun and live rounds of ammunition were unexpectedly found by unsuspecting landscape workers for Dublin City Council at a prominent landmark in the north inner city on Wednesday.
The startling discovery was made near the Luke Kelly statue on Guild Street adjacent to Sheriff Street along the Royal Canal Greenway.
Gardaí from Store Street were alerted to the find and have since begun an investigation.
Several live rounds of ammunition was also discovered. Gardaí believe both the gun and ammunition were in situ for some time.
The scene was preserved for the completion of a technical examination.