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A DIFFERENT TYPE OF RESTAURANT X-236723-1

July 18, 2024 by infomatique

BISMARCK ON PRUSSIA STREET

Bismarck on Prussia Street is a popular café/restaurant located in Stoneybatter, Dublin. Here’s some information about it:

Name: The name “Bismarck” likely refers to Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of Germany, and “Prussia Street” is the street where it’s located.

Type: It’s a casual dining spot offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee and pastries.

Atmosphere: Known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Menu: The menu features a mix of Irish and international dishes, often with a creative twist. They also have a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

Popularity: Bismarck is well-regarded for its food quality, friendly service, and cozy ambiance. It has received positive reviews in various publications and online platforms.

THE TU DUBLIN CAMPUS

July 16, 2024 by infomatique

GRANGEGORMAN 16 JULY 2024 AND I USED A SONY HX90V CAMERA

The TU Dublin campus in Grangegorman is undergoing a significant expansion plan, representing the largest investment in Irish higher education in over a century. The goal is to consolidate all of TU Dublin’s Dublin City activities onto a single, purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus.

Current Progress:

East Quad and Central Quad: Two major campus buildings, the East Quad and Central Quad, have recently been opened. They house over 10,000 students and 1,200 staff across various disciplines in the Arts, Humanities, and STEM subjects. The East Quad notably features a 340-seat Concert Hall, an 80-seat Black Box Theatre, an 80-seat Recital Hall, and exhibition spaces, contributing to Dublin’s cultural scene.
Plans for the Next Few Years:

Academic Hub & Library: The next major phase involves the completion of the Academic Hub & Library in 2024. This 12,600m2 building will provide a central library and learning spaces, along with student and staff support services like the Career Development Centre, Assistive Technologies, Maths Learning Centre, and Academic Writing Centre.
Further Development: While specific details are not yet public, the Grangegorman Development Agency, responsible for the campus development, has indicated that further construction phases are planned. These will likely include additional academic buildings, student accommodation, and amenities to support the growing campus community.

Overall Vision:

The vision for the TU Dublin Grangegorman campus is to create a vibrant, sustainable, and integrated environment that fosters learning, research, innovation, and community engagement. The campus is designed to be a model of urban regeneration, transforming a formerly underutilised area into a thriving hub of activity.

Challenges and Considerations:

While the expansion plan is ambitious and exciting, it also presents challenges. These include managing the construction process with minimal disruption to the existing campus activities, ensuring the new buildings are sustainable and energy-efficient, and integrating the campus into the surrounding community.

Overall, the TU Dublin campus in Grangegorman is a dynamic and evolving project. The expansion plan represents a significant investment in the future of higher education in Ireland and is set to transform the landscape of Grangegorman for years to come.

RAILWAY WATER TOWER -236591-1

July 15, 2024 by infomatique

UPPER SHERIFF STREET AND ABERCORN ROAD DUBLIN DOCKLANDS

VISIT UPPER SHERIFF STREET

VISIT THE DOCKLANDS AREA

OLD LIFTING BRIDGE

This freestanding railway water tower, built circa 1875, boasts a square plan and a cast-iron tank atop red brick walls laid in English Bond. The disused tower features recessed panels on each elevation, a cut masonry plinth course, a cast-iron water spout on the east elevation, and a pumping mechanism atop the tank.

The tower’s simple form and well-executed brickwork exemplify the good-quality design often employed for utilitarian railway structures. The high standard of both brick and cast-ironwork, as well as the contrast between the materials, contribute to its visual appeal. Together with the adjacent railway lines and signal box, also built for the London and North Western Railway Company, the tower serves as an important reminder of the North Wall area’s industrial past and a testament to the high-quality craftsmanship of the Victorian railway age.

THE YOUNGER PERFORMERS – NEPAL IRELAND DAY CELEBRATION

July 10, 2024 by infomatique

7 JULY 2024

THE NEGLECTED KNOCKMAREE DOLMEN IN PHOENIX PARK

April 11, 2024 by infomatique

A DISHEARTENING EXPERIENCE

My search for the Knockmaree Dolmen, a significant prehistoric landmark in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, was met with disappointment. Sadly, the site was fenced off using makeshift fencing, conveying an impression of disregard for this ancient monument.

History of the Knockmaree Dolmen

Also known as the Knockmaree Cist, Knockmary Dolmen, or Cnoc-Maraidhe, the Knockmaree Dolmen dates to the Neolithic period (approximately 3000-2500 BC). This cist-type burial chamber, commonly found on Ireland’s southern and eastern coasts, rests on a small ridge. It comprises a large capstone measuring 1.96 meters by 1.05 meters, supported by smaller stones. The water-worn capstone likely originated from the nearby River Liffey.

Discovered in 1838 during the removal of a 15-foot tall, 120-foot circumference tumulus (burial mound), investigations by the Royal Irish Academy (led by George Petrie) revealed the central tomb and four outer cists. The central chamber held two male skeletons in crouched positions, with one aged around 40 and the other around 50. Grave goods included a flint knife and necklaces likely made from perforated seashells. The outer cists contained urns, food vessels, and burnt bone fragments.

This tomb belongs to a group of “Linkardstown burials” characterised by similar size mounds and hilltop locations.

Damage and Lack of Preservation

The Knockmaree Dolmen underwent repairs in 1973 and the 1990s, including the addition of a concrete support block. Tragically, a fire damaged the capstone in the 1970s, leading to cracks that were patched with concrete. Further misfortune struck in early 2023 when a portion of the capstone was broken off. Tire marks suggest possible impact from machinery. The Office of Public Works attributed the damage to the breakdown of previous repairs. There have been long-standing requests for better site protection, including fencing and signage.