Infomatique

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.

MOTHER REDCAP’S -236811-1

July 20, 2024 by infomatique

A HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE ON BACK LANE

Mother Redcap’s, a former market and pub complex situated on Back Lane, holds a unique place in Dublin’s history. Its transformation over the years, from a bustling shoe factory to a vibrant market, and the subsequent archaeological discoveries, reveal a multi-layered narrative of the city’s past.

A Story of Transformation:

Originally built in the late 19th century as a shoe factory for James Winstanley, the complex played a vital role in Dublin’s industrial landscape. In 1988, the site was repurposed as an indoor market and pub, becoming known for its diverse range of vendors and lively atmosphere. However, this era came to an end in the early 2000s when Mother Redcap’s closed its doors.

Unearthing the Past:

Extensive archaeological excavations in 2006 unveiled a treasure trove of historical deposits, dating from the Hiberno-Norse period (c. 900 AD) to the post-medieval era. These discoveries included evidence of a Hiberno-Norse defensive bank, medieval cultivation, post-medieval occupation, and the remains of Kildare Hall, a historic building that once graced the site.

Preserving Heritage:

Although the market and pub are no longer in operation, the archaeological significance of Mother Redcap’s cannot be overstated. The site stands as a testament to the layers of history that have shaped Dublin, highlighting the importance of preserving and understanding its heritage. While redevelopment plans for the site exist, the archaeological findings underscore the need for a balanced approach that respects the site’s historical value.

The Winstanley Legacy:

The original Winstanley Shoe Factory was a major contributor to Dublin’s industrial growth. Founded by James Winstanley, an English clogger who settled in Dublin in 1852, the factory thrived, producing thousands of pairs of shoes weekly and employing hundreds of workers, mostly from the Liberties area. Winstanley, an active community member and alderman, played a crucial role in the city’s development.

From Factory to Marketplace:

The factory’s strategic location on Back Lane, coupled with its use of modern machinery and production techniques, allowed it to flourish. However, by the 1980s, the factory closed due to changes in the global footwear industry. The site’s subsequent transformation into Mother Redcap’s Market and pub breathed new life into the area, but this too was short-lived.

A Window into Dublin’s Past:

Despite the closures, the legacy of the Winstanley Shoe Factory and Mother Redcap’s lives on. The archaeological remains unearthed in 2006 provide valuable insights into the site’s long and varied history, reminding us of Dublin’s rich industrial and cultural heritage.

TAILOR’S HALL -236808-1

July 20, 2024 by infomatique

A HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT ON BACK LANE

The origins of the name “Back Lane” are shrouded in mystery, with several theories put forward based on historical context and city planning. Regardless of its name, the lane is home to a significant landmark: Tailor’s Hall.

The Back Lane Parliament: In 1792, Tailor’s Hall, situated on Back Lane, became the meeting place for the Catholic Committee. They gathered to draft a petition to King George III, seeking relief from the discriminatory Penal Laws imposed on Catholics. This gathering was dubbed the “Back Lane Parliament” and marked a pivotal moment in the fight for Catholic emancipation in Ireland.

The Tailors’ Guild: Tailor’s Hall itself served as a crucial hub for the Guild of Merchant Tailors, which played a vital role in Dublin’s economic and social fabric for centuries.

Architectural Significance:

Tailor’s Hall: This beautifully restored 18th-century building remains a prominent feature on Back Lane. It now serves as the headquarters for An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland.
Important Note: While Tailor’s Hall has a rich history and was once open to the public as a pub/tavern, it is currently closed for general access. As the headquarters for An Taisce, the building may be open for pre-arranged tours or special events. Those interested in exploring its interior should contact An Taisce directly for further information.