Infomatique

MY RECENT VISIT TO CORNELSCOURT VILLAGE

October 20, 2024 by infomatique

OCTOBER 2024

Cornelscourt Village is a small suburban area located in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, County Dublin, Ireland. Situated between Cabinteely, Carrickmines and Foxrock, it is primarily a residential area but is well known for its shopping facilities.

Historically, Cornelscourt was a small village with a rural character. However, the arrival of Dunnes Stores in the early 1960s had a significant impact on the area. This was Ireland’s first large, self-service supermarket, and it was built to compete with Stillorgan Shopping Centre, which had opened just a few years earlier as the first shopping centre in Ireland.

The opening of Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt marked a turning point in Irish retail history. It introduced a new concept of shopping to Irish consumers, and it quickly became a popular destination for shoppers from all over Dublin. The success of Dunnes Stores led to the development of other retail outlets in Cornelscourt, and the area gradually transformed into an active shopping district.

In addition to its retail significance, Cornelscourt is also home to a major AIB complex.

The AIB complex in Cornelscourt is a striking landmark in south Dublin, easily recognisable by its modern, angular design. Located prominently on the N11, it’s a significant presence in the area,

Overall, Cornelscourt is a vibrant and dynamic area with a rich history. The arrival of Dunnes Stores in the 1960s was a pivotal moment in the development of the area, and it helped to transform Cornelscourt into the thriving suburb it is today.

AIB BUSINESS BANKING CENTRE IN CORNELSCOURT VILLAGE

October 20, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED OCTOBER 2024

Cornelscourt is home to a major AIB complex.

The AIB complex in Cornelscourt is a striking landmark in south Dublin, easily recognisable by its modern, angular design. Located prominently on the N11, it’s a significant presence in the area, serving a dual purpose:

A Hub for Business: This is primarily a Business Banking Centre, catering to the needs of AIB’s corporate and business clients. It likely houses dedicated teams of relationship managers, financial advisors, and other specialists who provide tailored services and support to these customers. This focus on business banking makes it a key location for AIB and highlights the importance of this customer segment.
A Modern Workplace: The building itself is a testament to modern architecture and workplace design. Replacing an older, outdated structure, it boasts a spacious, light-filled interior and a distinctive exterior with a “twisted arrangement of floor plates.” This unique design, by Kavanagh Tuite Architects, aimed to create a high-quality building with strong environmental performance, reflecting AIB’s commitment to sustainability and providing a modern, efficient working environment for its employees.

Why it’s of interest:

Architectural Significance: Its unique design makes it a standout building in the area and an interesting example of contemporary Irish architecture.
Economic Importance: As a Business Banking Centre, it plays a vital role in supporting businesses in the region and contributes to the economic activity of south Dublin.
Historical Context: The site has an interesting history, having previously housed Ireland’s first experimental drive-through bank in 1990. The current building represents a significant evolution of the site and its function.

While not a primary data centre as claimed by some, the AIB complex in Cornelscourt remains an important facility for the bank and a notable landmark in the area. Its focus on business banking and its modern design make it a point of interest for those interested in architecture, business, and the development of the Cornelscourt area.

GRACE PARK ROAD OCTOBER 2024

October 19, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY

Grace Park Road in Dublin has a history closely linked to religious institutions, though their presence is now fading. Here’s why:

Reasons for the concentration of religious institutions:

Historical Context: The area developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when religious observance was strong in Ireland. Religious orders built institutions to serve the growing community.
Demographics: Grace Park Road was a residential area with a largely Catholic population, creating a need for local religious services and institutions.
Land Availability: As Dublin expanded, land on the outskirts, like Grace Park Road, became available for development by religious orders.
Reasons for their decline:

Secularisation: Irish society has become increasingly secular, with fewer people attending church and fewer religious vocations. This has reduced the demand for religious institutions.
Changing Demographics: The area is now more diverse, with people of different faiths and no faith, reducing the demand for specifically Catholic institutions.
Financial Pressures: Maintaining large religious buildings is expensive. Declining congregations and a shortage of priests and nuns have made it difficult for some institutions to stay afloat.
Redevelopment: The prime location of Grace Park Road makes the land attractive for redevelopment. Some sites have been sold for residential or commercial purposes.
Specific Examples on or near Grace Park Road:

All Hallows College: This missionary college, founded in 1842, was a significant presence on Grace Park Road. It closed in 2016 and was sold for redevelopment. While not strictly a monastery or convent, it played a major role in Irish religious life.
Carmelite Monastery of the Incarnation: This monastery on Grace Park Road was founded in 1899 and closed in 2011 due to a declining number of nuns. It was sold and converted into apartments.
Hampton Convent: This Carmelite convent on Grace Park Road was also sold and converted into apartments.

Note: There is/was Sub-rectangular burial ground, established c. 1890 for Hampton Convent. Road boundary at angle to reflect line of Gracepark Road. Large yew tree to northeast corner. Entrance to middle of west wall, having flanking walls curving in to meet entrance screen having sculpted cross finial. Site to east of former convent. This graveyard represents a tranquil place of interment and remembrance of the nuns who occupied the adjacent convent from the late nineteenth century onwards. I checked and have been advised that the burial ground associated with Hampton Convent still exists. It’s located to the east of the former convent building, which is now apartments. While the convent itself was sold for redevelopment, the graveyard remains as a protected space. It seems the developers recognised its historical and sensitive nature.

THIS BRONZE SCULPTURE IS IN CORNELSCOURT VILLAGE

October 17, 2024 by infomatique

IT HAS TAKEN ME YEARS TO FIND ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO IT

Today I got the 155 bus to Cornelscourt Village specifically to photograph this Sculpture – it took a long time for the bus to travel from Broadstone to Cornelscourt.

The “Eoinin na Nean” sculpture in Cornelscourt Village, Co. Dublin, has been a source of intrigue for many years. Recent research has finally shed light on this captivating artwork and its creator.

The sculpture, erected in 2008, is the work of Colm J. Brennan, an Irish artist born in 1943. “Eoinin na Nean” translates to “Eoineen of the Birds,” a title that beautifully captures the essence of the piece. This unique bronze sculpture depicts a young boy surrounded by birds, perhaps symbolising a connection to nature or a sense of freedom and wonder.

Interestingly, there is also a maquette (a smaller model) of the sculpture, measuring 68 x 35 x 35 cm. This maquette was acquired directly from the artist by its current owner and provides a fascinating insight into the artist’s process.

CARRICKMINES LUAS TRAM STOP

October 17, 2024 by infomatique

NOT EXACTLY WHERE I EXPECTED IT TO BE

My initial intention was to travel by the Number 155 bus from Broadstone to Cornelscourt Village in order to photograph a bronze sculpture located there and then travel on to Bray but the journey took much longer than I had expected so I decided to walk to Carrickmines Tram stop but I got lost on the way so it took me almost an hour to arrive at the stop.

While the Carrickmines LUAS stop bears the name of the surrounding area, it’s not situated within a traditional village centre, it does provide access to the surrounding areas, including Brennanstown and Glenamuck. This area, once largely rural, has seen significant residential development in recent years, although perhaps not at the pace initially anticipated when the LUAS line was extended.

This brings us to the “ghost stations”. These two non-operational stops, built between Ballyogan Wood and Carrickmines, and between Carrickmines and Laughanstown, stand as a testament to the sometimes unpredictable nature of urban development. They were constructed in anticipation of future housing and commercial growth, which hasn’t yet materialised.

However, their presence sparks curiosity and raises questions about the future of the area. Will these stations eventually become operational? Will the surrounding fields and green spaces give way to bustling communities? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, the Carrickmines stop, despite its slightly misleading name, offers a convenient gateway to explore the surrounding countryside, with its scenic hills, woodlands, and historical sites.

Why visit?

Access to the Dublin Mountains: The stop provides easy access to the Dublin Mountains, with numerous walking and hiking trails.
Scenic countryside: The area boasts beautiful scenery, perfect for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes.
Historical sites: Carrickmines Castle and a nearby Neolithic passage tomb offer glimpses into the area’s rich history.
Cycling and Greenways: The area is well-connected to various cycling routes and greenways, including the Dublin Mountains Way and the Wicklow Way.

Recommended Trails and Greenways:

Dublin Mountains Way: This long-distance walking trail offers stunning views and challenging terrain.
Wicklow Way: Another long-distance trail, the Wicklow Way, takes you through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Ticknock Forest: A short distance from the LUAS stop, Ticknock Forest offers a range of walking and mountain biking trails.
Dundrum Town Centre: For those seeking retail therapy, Dundrum Town Centre, one of Ireland’s largest shopping centres, is just a short LUAS ride away.

Carrickmines developed as a settlement in the more than 6 km long valley of the same name, which contains the modest Carrickmines River and its tributaries. The Ballyogan, Glenamuck and Golf Streams all merge in the vicinity. Downstream at Brennanstown, the river merges with St. Bride’s Stream, from Foxrock, to form the Loughlinstown River, which in turn meets the Bride’s Glen Stream to form the Shanganagh River, which reaches the sea at Killiney Strand.

Leopardstown lies to the northwest, Foxrock to the north, Cornelscourt and Cabinteely to the northeast and Brennanstown to the east, Ballyogan to the west, Glenamuck and Kilternan to the south, and Laughanstown and Lehaunstown to the southeast.

The proposed Natural Heritage Area of ‘Dingle Glen’, a secluded mature broadleaf woodland, lies to the south of Carrickmines.