Guesses?

You see a lot of these around Europe. They look a lot different in Rome and Switzerland, though, where they’re still in use. Any guesses what they’r for?

This one is located near the Marsh Library in Dublin 2. It looks so sad and unappreciated. I saw another one in a similar state the other day (in Kilkenny, I think).

I’m going to bed now (it’s 12:33 AM), but I’ll send you a gold-star cookie if you guess right while I’m asleep!