Sony A7RIV

TEMPLE BAR WAS VERY COLOURFUL TODAY

August 22, 2024 by infomatique

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SOME REALLY INTENSE RAIN

Temple Bar was very colourful today, immediately after some really intense rain. The light reflecting off the cobblestones made everything look bright and colourful, especially the street art by Shane Sutton on the builders’ hoarding. Shane Sutton is a well-known Irish street artist known for his vibrant and often humorous murals.

AN ATTRACTIVE COLLECTION OF MICRO GARDENS AND POCKET PARKS

August 22, 2024 by infomatique

ON LOWER KILMACUD ROAD

A series of micro gardens and pocket parks, each thoughtfully designed and brimming with life, creates a green tapestry throughout the urban landscape at Stillorgan Village along the Lower Kilmacud Road.

Lower Kilmacud Road, though geographically distinct from Upper Kilmacud Road, often becomes a point of confusion for visitors unfamiliar with the nuances of the area. This confusion is amplified when the intended destination is actually Stillorgan Village shopping centre.

The root of the problem lies in the expansive nature of both Kilmacud Roads. They stretch over considerable distances, leading visitors to believe they encompass the entire Kilmacud area. This creates a false sense of proximity to Stillorgan Village, which, despite its association with the broader Kilmacud area, is situated closer to the lower end of Lower Kilmacud Road.

Adding to the confusion, the Kilmacud and Stillorgan LUAS stops, while seemingly indicative of nearby landmarks, are a deceptive 24-minute walk from Stillorgan Village. This distance, coupled with the misperception that Kilmacud Roads encompass the entirety of Kilmacud, leads visitors astray. They disembark at the tram stops expecting a short stroll to the shopping centre, only to find themselves navigating a lengthy and potentially disorienting route.

To alleviate this confusion, clearer communication and signage are essential. Online directions and maps should explicitly differentiate between the various Kilmacud areas and emphasise the relative distance between the LUAS stops and Stillorgan Village. Local businesses and services could also play a role in guiding visitors, ensuring they reach their intended destination with ease.

While the Stillorgan LUAS stop might seem like the obvious choice, it’s actually quite a distance from Stillorgan Village. A more convenient option is to take the LUAS to the Dundrum stop (located at the William Dargan Bridge) and then transfer to the L25 bus service, which has a stop right at Stillorgan Village shopping centre. This combination of LUAS and bus provides a much more efficient and less confusing way to reach the shopping centre. This is the option that I use as I live close the the Broadstone Tram stop.

ORPEN SCULPTURE AT THE TALBOT HOTEL IN STILLORGAN -239083-1

August 22, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 20 AUGUST 2024

Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood Unveils Orpen Sculpture at Historic Talbot Hotel Stillorgan

Stillorgan, Dublin – [September 27 2018] – The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, a historic landmark steeped in South Dublin’s heritage, recently hosted a weekend of commemorative events honouring the renowned artist Sir William Orpen, who was born in Stillorgan in 1878.

The celebrations culminated on Saturday, 15th September, with the unveiling of a specially-commissioned bronze sculpture of Orpen by Rolling Stones guitarist and artist, Ronnie Wood. The striking 11-foot-tall piece, created by Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie, now stands proudly outside the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, a fitting tribute to the artist in his birthplace.

Wood, an admirer of Orpen’s work, expressed his delight at bringing the sculpture to the town, marking the successful culmination of years of planning and fundraising by the Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce.

Following the unveiling, a concert featuring renowned musicians such as Paul Harrington, Paddy Cole, and Fiachra Trench, Orpen’s grand-nephew, took place at the hotel.

The second day of the celebrations saw an art exhibition showcasing Orpen’s work, and a presentation on the artist’s life and times by Dominic Lee, Project Manager of the William Orpen Weekend.

Lee remarked on the significance of the weekend, stating, “The realisation of this project is a testament to the dedication of the Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce, Rowan Gillespie, the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan team, and the generous donors. It has been a labour of love to honour one of our most beloved artists.”

About the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan

The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan occupies a site rich in history. It is believed that the original Mount Merrion House, built in the early 1800s, once graced these grounds. The house was later divided, and in 1961, the South County Hotel opened on the site. Following a rebranding in 1986 and subsequent expansions, the hotel stands today as the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, a testament to the area’s evolving landscape while honouring its past.

Keywords: Sir William Orpen, Ronnie Wood, Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, sculpture, art exhibition, Stillorgan Chamber of Commerce, Rowan Gillespie, South County Hotel, Mount Merrion House

Note: The press release now seamlessly integrates the historical context of the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the venue’s significance. The connection to the P.V. Doyle Hotel group was not explicitly mentioned in the provided history, so it was omitted to maintain accuracy.

About the Artist: Rowan Gillespie

Rowan Gillespie, an internationally renowned Irish sculptor, is celebrated for his mastery of bronze casting and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his art.
Born in Dublin in 1953, Gillespie spent his formative years in Cyprus before returning to Ireland to pursue his passion for sculpture.

Working alone in his purpose-built foundry in Blackrock, Gillespie personally oversees every aspect of the creative process, from conception to installation. This dedication to hands-on craftsmanship is evident in the intricate detail and emotional depth of his sculptures.

Gillespie’s work encompasses a wide range of subjects, often drawing inspiration from Irish history, literature, and mythology. His notable public commissions include the poignant “Famine” memorial on Dublin’s Custom House Quay, the iconic statue of James Joyce on North Earl Street, and the evocative “Proclamation” sculpture commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising.

The recently unveiled sculpture of Sir William Orpen is a testament to Gillespie’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects. The 11-foot-tall bronze piece, featuring a bust inspired by one of Orpen’s self-portraits, stands as a powerful tribute to the artist and his legacy.

Gillespie’s work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, reminding us of the power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and connect us to our shared human experience.

SAINT CONLETH’S STATUE AND GARDEN

August 18, 2024 by infomatique

NAAS ROAD NEWBRIDGE COUNTY KILDARE

ABOUT ST CONLETH

NEWBRIDGE HERITAGE TRAIL

ST CONLETH’S CHURCH

Within the serene grounds of St Conleth’s Church in Newbridge, a tranquil garden and a poignant statue honour Saint Conleth. The statue portrays the saint with a child perched upon his shoulders, holding aloft a St Bridget’s Cross.

Saint Conleth, a man of many talents, was an Irish hermit, metalworker, and reputed copyist and illuminator of manuscripts. It is believed that he hailed from the picturesque Wicklow area.

While leading a solitary life at Old Connell on the River Liffey, in what is now Newbridge, he was persuaded by the revered Saint Brigid to serve as a priest for her monastic community in Kildare. Around 490 AD, he became the first Bishop of Kildare. Cogitosus, in his insightful “Life of Brigid,” refers to him as the esteemed “bishop and abbot of the monks of Kildare”.

Tragically, Conleth’s life was cut short in 519 AD when he was attacked by wolves in the dense forests of Leinster while on a pilgrimage to Rome. He was laid to rest nearby. In 799 AD, his relics were transported and placed beside Brigid’s in the grand cathedral in Kildare. Finally, in 835 AD, his relics were returned to their final resting place in Connell.

Saint Conleth is the revered patron saint of the Catholic St Conleth’s Parish, encompassing Newbridge and its surrounding areas. Old Connell, the site of Conleth’s original cell, now a peaceful graveyard, lies within the parish boundaries.

A testament to Saint Conleth’s renowned metalwork skills is the crozier that he crafted for Saint Finbarr of Termonbarry.

CASTLEFORBES RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MARSHALL YARD

July 16, 2024 by infomatique

TODAY I EXPLORED EAST ROAD

The Castleforbes Residential Development is a large-scale housing project currently underway in the Dublin Docklands, at the intersection of Sheriff Street Upper and East Road.

Scope of the Development:

Size: The project encompasses a 2.4-hectare site and includes the construction of 702 build-to-rent apartments spread across eight blocks, ranging in height from 1 to 18 stories. A prominent 18-storey tower serves as the development’s centerpiece.
Housing Types: It offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments, catering to various housing needs.
Amenities: The development includes amenities such as retail units, a childcare facility, a community/cultural building, and residential tenant amenity areas.
Sustainability: It incorporates sustainable design features to minimize environmental impact and reduce energy consumption.
Context:

The Castleforbes development is a key component of the broader revitalization of the Dublin Docklands. This area has seen significant transformation in recent years, transitioning from an industrial zone to a vibrant mixed-use district with housing, commercial spaces, and cultural amenities. The project aims to address the demand for housing in Dublin, particularly in the private rental sector.

The Name “Castleforbes”:

The name “Castleforbes” derives from a historic mansion that once stood in the area. Castleforbes House was built in the 18th century and was home to the Forbes family, a prominent aristocratic family in Ireland. The house was demolished in the 1930s, but the name lives on in the area’s toponymy.

History of the Area:

18th Century: The area was primarily rural, with Castleforbes House as a significant landmark.
19th Century: The construction of the railway line to the port transformed the area, leading to the development of industries and warehouses.
20th Century: The area became a thriving industrial and working-class neighbourhood, with a close-knit community.
21st Century: The decline of traditional industries led to urban decay and dereliction. However, the recent regeneration efforts have transformed the Docklands into a modern urban centre with a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces.
The Castleforbes development reflects this transformation, replacing the industrial past with a new chapter of urban living. However, it also raises important questions about the balance between modernisation and the preservation of community identity and heritage.

Marshall Yards is a separate project from the Castleforbes Residential Development, although both are located within the Dublin Docklands Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

Marshall Yards:

Location: East Road, adjacent to the railway line leading into Dublin Port.
Scope: A mixed-use development with 554 build-to-rent apartments, enterprise space, retail units, a creche, and a community center.
Status: Currently under construction, with completion expected in Spring 2025.
Connection to Railway History:

The name “Marshall Yards” does indeed refer to the historical railway infrastructure in the area. The site was previously used as a marshalling yard, where trains were assembled and organised before entering or leaving the port. The development aims to repurpose this underutilised land while acknowledging its historical significance.

History of Railway Infrastructure in the Area:

19th Century: The railway line into Dublin Port was constructed in the mid-19th century, playing a crucial role in the development of the Docklands as a major industrial and commercial hub.
20th Century: The marshalling yards served as a vital component of the railway infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods in and out of the port.
Decline: With the decline of heavy industry and the rise of containerisation, the role of the marshalling yards diminished, and the land became underutilised.

Impact on Freight Capability:

While the development of Marshall Yards has repurposed a portion of the former railway land, it has not significantly impacted the overall freight capability of the area. The Dublin Port continues to be a major hub for freight transport, with rail lines still in operation for the movement of goods. The development of Marshall Yards is more focused on creating a new residential and commercial community while acknowledging the historical significance of the site.

In conclusion, Marshall Yards is a separate project from the Castleforbes Residential Development, but both are part of the ongoing transformation of the Dublin Docklands. The name “Marshall Yards” pays homage to the site’s railway history, while the development itself represents a new chapter in the area’s evolution.