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I EXPLORE A SHORT SECTION OF HOWTH ROAD

March 26, 2024 by infomatique

SUNDAY 24 MARCH

On Sunday 24 March I explored a small section of Howth Road but I plan to explore its full length in stages beginning in April.

Howth Road is a significant route that loops inland through the charming village of Raheny, located in Dublin, Ireland. This road is home to a variety of architectural curiosities and historical landmarks that make Raheny a place of interest for visitors and travellers.

One of the key features of Raheny is its train station. Raheny railway station serves the DART suburban railway system and the Dublin-Belfast main line, making it a convenient hub for those wishing to explore the wider area.

In the heart of Raheny, you’ll find the ruins of St. Assam’s Church. This historic church, now a ruin, was rebuilt in 1712 and is locally known as “the old Protestant church”. Its presence adds a touch of historical charm to the village.

Another unique feature of Raheny is the “Doh-Ray-Mee” cottages, also known as Crescent Cottages. These 18th-century houses, built in a semi-circle, were constructed for workers on the then Bank of Ireland governor’s estate. Their unusual layout and historical significance add to the character of Raheny.

The Church of Our Lady Mother of Divine Grace (what a long name) is another notable landmark in Raheny. This church serves as the local Roman Catholic community’s primary place of worship. All masses are transmitted via webcam, making it a modern place of worship that still retains its traditional charm.

Lastly, All Saints’ Church is the Church of Ireland Parish Church of Raheny. This church, built in 1889, is quite a dominant presence in Raheny village. It replaced the historic St. Assam’s church, the ruins of which can still be seen in the village today.

In summary, Raheny, with its rich history, architectural curiosities, and convenient transport links, offers a unique blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating place for any visitor or traveller to explore.

TWO MEMORIALS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE

March 20, 2024 by infomatique

AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF ST STEPHEN’S GREEN

The Famine sculpture, located within St Stephen’s Green, is a poignant memorial to the victims of the Famine (1845–51). It features three figures and a dog [I have never seen an account that mentioned the dog], sculpted by Edward Delaney in 1967. This sculpture stands as a stark reminder of one of the most devastating periods in Irish history.

The Wolfe Tone statue, situated outside the park, is a solitary figure cast in bronze that has weathered green over the decades. The statue commemorates Theobald Wolfe Tone, a founding father of Irish republicanism. The statue is often referred to by locals as ‘Tonehenge’, a playful nickname that combines ‘Wolfe Tone’ with ‘Stonehenge’, the famous prehistoric monument in England. This nickname is part of a broader Dublin tradition of giving humorous nicknames to local sculptures.

Other examples include the ‘Tart with the Cart’ for the Molly Malone Statue, and the ‘Prick with the Stick’ for the James Joyce Statue.

Across the street from these sculptures, there used to be a sculpture named TRACE by Grace Weir. Commissioned in 1988 as part of Dublin’s millennium celebrations, it consisted of two archways made of Portland stone from the Customs House, limestone, bronze, and stainless steel. However, due to changes in traffic flow for the Luas Cross City, the sculpture was dismantled in 2013 and is currently in storage.

Nicknames

The Spire: This towering stainless steel spike on O’Connell Street is known variously as “The Stiletto in the Ghetto” or “The Spike”.
The Molly Malone Statue: This representation of a fishmonger (made famous by a song) is affectionately called “The Tart with the Cart” or “The Dish with the Fish”.
The Oscar Wilde Statue: Reclining languidly in Merrion Square, the literary giant is dubbed “The Fag on the Crag”.

THE 2024 PARADE IS OVER

March 19, 2024 by infomatique

IT IS TIME TO PACKUP AND MOVE ON

[18 March 2024 Update] The St. Patrick’s Day Festival parade in Dublin on March 17, 2024, has broken records as the largest ever! Approximately 650,000 revellers lined the streets of Ireland’s capital to celebrate this vibrant event. The parade featured 4,200 participants, including traditional dancers from countries around the world, marching bands, and colourful performances. The theme of this year’s parade was “Spréach,” which means “spark” in Irish. Visitors from as far away as Bolivia, California, and China joined in the festivities, making it a truly global celebration. The Grand Marshal, Patrick Kielty, described it as “the biggest party in the world” and expressed his pride in leading the parade. The costumes were creatively diverse, ranging from sea creatures to Dublin’s iconic street lamps. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and the joy it brings to people worldwide!

Below Is A Short Description Of The Parade.

Dublin’s streets were awash with green earlier today as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade delighted crowds with its vibrant celebration of Irish culture. The parade showcased a fantastic mix of Irish tradition and international influences, with several talented marching bands from the United States making a memorable contribution.

The rhythmic pulse of the parade was driven by a diverse array of marching bands. Young musicians from the Clondalkin Youth Band proudly represented their hometown, while the energy of American universities was palpable in performances by the University of Missouri – Marching Mizzou and the Western Carolina University Pride of the Mountains Marching Band.

High school bands brought their own distinct charm to the festivities. Groups like the Homewood High School Patriot Band (Alabama), The Pride of Clover Band (South Carolina), the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School Fighting Irish Marching Band (Ohio), the and the Science Hill High School Hilltopper Marching Band (Tennessee) added a youthful vibrancy to the parade route.

Other notable American participants included the Youngsville High School Marching Eagles (Pennsylvania), the John F. Kennedy High School Shamrock Regiment (California), the Olentangy Orange High School Marching Pioneers (Ohio), the Lakeville South Marching Cougars (Minnesota), and the Noblesville High School Marching Millers (Indiana).

The presence of these American bands added a unique dimension to today’s parade. Their enthusiastic performances, varied musical styles, and camaraderie underscored the spirit of cultural exchange and celebration embodied by this international spectacle.

DUBLIN CASTLE – 229876-1

March 18, 2024 by infomatique

THE DAY AFTER THE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful spaces, Dublin Castle should be on your Dublin itinerary.

Dublin Castle: A Witness to Irish History

After the vibrant celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day, I found a moment of serenity at the historic Dublin Castle. This magnificent complex sits in the heart of the city, its grand buildings a testament to Ireland’s rich and often turbulent past.

A Fortress Evolves

The castle’s story began in 1204 when King John of England ordered the construction of a mighty fortress. Built on the site of an older Viking settlement, it served for centuries as the formidable seat of British rule in Ireland. Fires and renovations reshaped it over time, and today it’s a captivating blend of architectural styles.

Walking Through Time

My camera lens, a Voigtlander 65mm, captured intricate details as I explored. From the imposing Record Tower, the castle’s oldest surviving structure, to the stately elegance of the State Apartments, I marveled at the craftsmanship across different eras. The contrast between medieval stonework and Georgian splendour offers a fascinating visual journey.

Why You Should Visit

Dublin Castle isn’t just a picturesque relic. It’s a place where history whispers through the halls. Imagine the political machinations, the grand banquets, and the countless moments that shaped Ireland’s destiny. You can almost feel their echoes as you wander through the rooms or step into the tranquil Dubh Linn Gardens, built on the site of the ‘Black Pool’ that gave Dublin its name.

A Professional Photographer Gave Me the Following Tips:

Play with Light: The high ceilings and period windows of the State Apartments offer beautiful natural light.
Look for Details: Capture textures – ornate ceilings, weathered stonework, the glint of old silverware. These tell smaller stories within the larger one.
Experiment with Angles: The castle boasts varied architecture, making it a great subject for perspective play.

A VERY BRIEF VISIT TO PARNELL SQUARE

March 16, 2024 by infomatique

A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 2024

A follower contacted me to enquire about The Dublin Writers Museum has but unfortunately permanently closed. The museum closed its doors in 2022, after initially shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic. A combination of factors seems to have contributed, including staffing issues and an assessment suggesting the museum was no longer meeting the expectations of modern visitors. Note: This fascinating museum celebrates the rich literary heritage of Ireland, showcasing the lives and works of greats like Joyce, Yeats, and Beckett but to be honest I found it to be uninteresting mainly because of the way it was organised.

While the museum itself is closed, Fáilte Ireland, the organisation that owned and operated it, still possesses the artefacts. There’s hope these might be displayed again in another venue.

It seems information about its closure hasn’t been widely updated online.

Parnell Square is one of Dublin’s finest examples of Georgian architecture. The elegant townhouses lining the square transport you back to the city’s prosperous 18th-century era.

The Rotunda Rink, where the Irish Volunteers were founded in 1913, was located on the square. This makes it a symbolic site pivotal to Ireland’s fight for independence.

The Garden of Remembrance, located at the north end of the square, honours those who died in pursuit of Irish freedom.

The Hugh Lane Gallery gallery houses a renowned collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring both Irish and international artists. It boasts a reconstructed studio of the famed artist Francis Bacon.

The iconic Gate theatre plays a significant role in the Dublin arts scene, staging Irish and international productions.

Chapter One is a Michelin-starred restaurant located beside the Dublin Writers Museum [now closed], perfect for special occasions and fine dining experiences.

Parnell Square is within walking distance of O’Connell Street (Dublin’s main thoroughfare), the Spire, and the GPO (General Post Office – a pivotal location in the 1916 Easter Rising).

Many bus routes pass through Parnell Square, and it’s close to the Luas tram lines, making it simple to access from other areas of the city.