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A SPLASH OF COLOUR AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS DURING STORM KATHLEEN

April 6, 2024 by infomatique

6 APRIL 2024 WAS A VERY WINDY DAY

Battling the Wind at the Botanic Gardens

Storm Kathleen’s winds were whipping through Dublin today, and even the National Botanic Gardens weren’t immune. I’d ventured out with dreams of capturing the beauty of the spring blooms – flowering trees, bushes, and shrubs in all their glory. The Botanic Gardens are renowned for their Rhododendrons, and I was particularly eager to photograph these vibrant flowers.

It should be mentioned that there is an ongoing debate surrounding Rhododendrons, especially their invasive nature in areas like Killarney National Park. Putting that aside for the moment, my main obstacle became the weather itself. The wind was fierce, making the branches and flowers dance so wildly that photographing them clearly became an almost impossible feat. The persistent rain didn’t help matters either!

Despite the challenges I am reasonably happy with the resulting images.

THE LAUGHANSTOWN CROSSES -223519-1

March 31, 2024 by infomatique

NEAR TULLY CHURCH

Located near Tully Church in Laughanstown, County Dublin, this historical site features the ruins of the medieval Tully Church and two magnificent stone high crosses. Donated to Christ Church in Dublin shortly after the Anglo-Norman invasion by Sitric Mac Torcaill, the church remained in use until the early 17th century.

The original church structure likely dates back to the 9th century or earlier. The chancel, notable for being wider than the nave, was added in the late 12th or early 13th century and is separated from the nave by a fine arch.

Reputedly dedicated to St. Bridget, this site was an important diocesan centre in the 1st Millennium AD, earning the name Tulach na nEpscop (‘the Hill of the Bishops’) in early literature.

Two high crosses grace the site. One is a 10th-century granite ringed cross with a distinctive gabled roof, resting upon a massive stone pedestal. This cross was rescued in the 19th century by James Crehan, who saved it from being discarded during roadworks.

The second, a 12th-century granite high cross, stands in a nearby field to the northwest of the church. This 2.2-metre high cross features a carved figure of a bearded bishop on one side and strong raised mouldings outlining the cross with a faceless head at the intersection of the arms.

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.