Phoenix Park

THE YOUNGER PERFORMERS – NEPAL IRELAND DAY CELEBRATION

July 10, 2024 by infomatique

7 JULY 2024

A QUICK VISIT TO PHOENIX PARK -234256-1

June 11, 2024 by infomatique

THE IMMEDIATE AREA PARALLEL TO INFIRMARY ROAD WAS NEW TO ME

Today I entered via the gate at the end of the North Circular Road and I followed the path that runs parallel to Infirmary Road section that I have not visited before.

Infirmary Road has a significant historical and functional relationship with Phoenix Park:

Historical Significance:

Royal Military Infirmary: The road’s name originates from the Royal Military Infirmary, a major hospital that once stood within the park’s boundaries. The hospital served the British military for many years before being repurposed as government offices.

Phoenix Park Access: Infirmary Road has traditionally been one of the main access points to Phoenix Park, especially from the city centre. The North Circular Road Gate, located at the intersection of Infirmary Road and the North Circular Road, is a prominent entrance to the park.

Functional Relationship:

Public Transportation: The Phoenix Park terminus for the 46A bus service is situated on Infirmary Road. This makes the park easily accessible by public transport for visitors and commuters.

Amenities: Infirmary Road houses amenities that cater to park users. The Phoenix Park playground, located just off Infirmary Road within the park, is a popular spot for families. Additionally, there are several hotels and guesthouses along Infirmary Road that serve tourists and visitors to the park.

Public Toilets (Closed): Previously, public toilets were located on Infirmary Road near the playground, serving as a convenient facility for park users. However, due to persistent vandalism and anti-social behaviour, Dublin City Council closed them down over 15 years ago. While there have been discussions about reopening them, no concrete plans exist as of yet.

The Former Public Park:

The area surrounding the playground, while still a park, was once a more formally defined park space with designated entrances and exits. It has now merged more seamlessly with the surrounding parkland.

Alternative Toilet Facilities:

While the Infirmary Road toilets remain closed, there are other toilet facilities available within Phoenix Park:

Visitor Centre
Papal Cross
Polo Grounds

The Office of Public Works (OPW) ensures these facilities are open during daylight hours and are well-maintained.

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.

A WALK AROUND THE PERIMETER OF ST MARY’S HOSPITAL

April 11, 2024 by infomatique

SEEKING THE KNOCKMAREE DOLMEN IN PHOENIX PARK

I took this route as I was I had hoped to locate the Knockmary [Knockmaree,Knockmaroon] Dolmen. I did find it and was a bit disappointed as it was fenced off.

I made a bit of a mistake as some of the ground was very wet and boggy and my boots got stuck in mud and I was in a bit of a mess as I had to remove my feet from the boots.

On returning home I checked online for advice if this should ever happen to me again.

Getting your hiking boots stuck in deep, wet mud can be frustrating and even a little dangerous if you lose your footing in the process. Here’s what to do:

Prevent Panic:

Stay calm. Panicking and yanking your foot will likely make the situation worse.
Assess your surroundings. If you’re in a truly precarious position (like near a steep drop), prioritise your safety. Can you shift your weight safely to your other foot for more stability?

Free Your Foot:

Slow and steady wins the race. Avoid forceful movements. Instead, carefully wiggle your foot, rotating it slightly side-to-side. This can loosen the mud’s grip.
Find leverage. If possible, use a hiking stick, a sturdy branch, or even your other foot to provide support as you carefully extract your stuck boot.
Slide, don’t pull. If possible, try to slide your foot out backward rather than pulling it straight up. This might reduce the resistance from suction.

If All Else Fails:

Consider removing your boot (this is what I did). This is a last resort. You want to avoid getting your socks completely soaked, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Once you’ve extracted your foot, it’ll be easier to retrieve your boot.

After the Extraction:

Clean your boot. Find a puddle or stream if available and swish your boot around to dislodge some of the mud.
Get yourself to firmer ground. Before attempting to put your boot back on (if you removed it), find a stable spot to do so.

Prevention Tips:

Assess the terrain. If you can, try to walk around the muddiest areas.
Use hiking poles. They’ll provide extra stability and help you “test” the ground before putting your full weight down.
Choose proper footwear. Waterproof hiking boots with good tread for gripping are a must on muddy adventures.

Important Note: If you are alone, be extra cautious and take actions that don’t put you at further risk. Sometimes, waiting for a bit and letting the mud dry slightly can make extraction easier.

PANORAMIC VIEW OF RAINBOW

April 11, 2024 by infomatique

PHOENIX PARK APRIL 2024

It was very wet when I visited the Phoenix Park April 10 2024 and after sheltering under some trees that provided little or no protection I decided to go home and then this appeared.