Dun Laoghaire

FIRST SELECTION OF RANDOM IMAGES – ANSEO STREET ART PROJECT

October 11, 2023 by infomatique

MURALS IN DUN LAOGHAIRE

Between 2021 and 2022 Dún Laoghaire Town has seen 23 stunning artworks installed throughout the town as part of the Dún Laoghaire Anseo street art project.

My visit to Dun Laoghaire today was unexpected and unplanned but I had my iPhone 12 Pro Max with me so I took the opportunity to photograph some of the murals on view. The good news is Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is expanding its gallery and it is my intention to identify and photograph all street art in the town.

THE SECTION OF THE MARINA NEAR THE WESTERN BREAKWATER

October 2, 2023 by infomatique

DUN LAOGHAIRE HARBOUR

I am not certain if the is only one marina or multiple marinas in Dun Laoghaire.

I had some difficulty capturing worthwhile images as I was shooting into intense sunlight, not recommended, and I was also shooting handheld.

The harbour is divided into four major inner harbours by various piers and breakwaters. In the south west corner the Old Harbour (sometimes termed the inner Coal Harbour) is enclosed by the Old Pier constructed in 1767. The Old Harbour incorporates tidal public slipway. The exit from the Old Harbour leads to the Coal Harbour, bounded by the Traders Wharf which possesses a non-tidal public slipway. The Coal Harbour leads past the Marina Harbour which was created around 2001 together with the Western Breakwater and Eastern Breakwater to protect smaller boats. The Main Harbour covers the sweep from the Northern and Eastern breakwaters which mark a broadly North north east direction road past the harbour entrance and including all of the eastern part of the Harbour including St. Michael’s Pier and Carlisle Pier and the five ship berths.

FOLLOW THE LEADER IN DUN LAOGHAIRE HARBOUR

October 2, 2023 by infomatique

LEARNING TO SAIL

The Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin has an excellent reputation for providing safety, fun and a very high standard of course content. Their location at Dun Laoghaire harbour is an excellent scenic venue with many amenities close by. From beginner to experienced sailors, the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School caters for all.

ACTUALLY IT IS A CANNON FROM THE 1853-56 CRIMEA WAR

August 18, 2023 by infomatique

OUR PATRIOT AIR DEFENCE SYSTEM

The inventor of the first cannon made of cast steel, is reputed to have remarked that cannon guns were not manufactured for future generations of children to play upon in town squares.

About twenty guns captured after the siege of Sevastapol (formerly Sebastopol) in September 1855 are now on display in towns throughout Ireland and there is one at the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire and it does attract many children however when I visited a few days ago it was attracting many starlings (there were many at rest along the pier). Unfortunately they they refused to pose for me when I tried to photograph them.

The Crimean War was fought from October 1853 to February 1856 between Russia and an ultimately victorious alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, the United Kingdom and Sardinia-Piedmont.

The common starling is stocky and dark overall. Short tail, triangular wings, and long, pointed bill. Close look reveals beautiful plumage. In breeding season, shows purple and green iridescence on body with yellow bill. In winter, bold white spots cover the entire body. Native to Eurasia; introduced in many regions worldwide, where it is now abundant. Often in large flocks. Makes variety of squeaky vocalisations, including proficient mimicry of other species. Inhabits a wide range of open habitats, often in very close proximity to people. Visits feeders, and is often aggressive.

DUN LAOGHAIRE BATHS AND THE ROGER CASEMENT STATUE

August 17, 2023 by infomatique

AFTER TWELVE YEARS OF WORK ON SITE

I am a bit disappointed with the photographs and I cannot determine what caused the lens not to focus correctly.

In December 2022 the people of Dun Laoghaire witnessed the re-opening of the Dún Laoghaire Baths and it was a significant milestone for the Council and the people of the town. This well-known landmark has been an important part of the history and heritage of families all over the County.

The works included the refurbishment of the baths pavilion, the construction of a new 35m jetty with built in seating, the installation of the Roger Casement statue, a simple changing shelter, the refurbished Edwardian gazebo in the beach garden and a new walkway from Newtownsmith.

The former pavilion building has also been substantially refurbished to provide studio space for artists, as well as a gallery and a café with a spectacular view of Scotsman’s Bay. The café will have a terrace outside which will link across to the People’s Park as well as down to the sea. The pavilion building and café is now operational. There are also toilet facilities, including a “changing places” bathroom, which is for people with additional needs.

The finished results are the culmination of 12 years work at the site. The work has encompassed different phases – the design phase, the preparation of tender drawings and construction phase, which took five years to complete. Significant structural work was required to underpin and stabilise the main building when extensions were removed and to restore walls along the embankment at Queens Road. Additional challenges included the rocky coastline and proximity to the sea.

There are plans for a new walkway between Dún Laoghaire’s East Pier and the Dún Laoghaire Baths in 2023. The original plans did not include a swimming pool, but a future phase of development on the site can include an open seawater pool, subject to approval. During the construction, a rectangular concrete void was left below the surface of the amphitheatre area, with a concrete “lid” covering it, allowing for the inclusion of a tidal pool.

The project was mainly funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council with a contribution by the European Regional Development Fund. Final costs are estimated to be in the region of €18 million. There was an increase in the cost due to the significant structural work required to underpin and stabilise the main building and to restore walls along the embankment at Queens Road as well as the construction of the jetty.