THE 2025 PHOTONIQUE BLOG -

THE CROPPIES ACRE MEMORIAL PARK AT THE MUSEUM LUAS TRAM STOP ON BENBURB STREET

March 26, 2025 by infomatique

25 MARCH 2025

A decade or so ago I advised visitors to avoid this park but much has changed since then.

The Croppies’ Acre, officially the Croppies Acre Memorial Park, is a historically significant public space located in Dublin, Ireland, along the banks of the River Liffey, near Collins Barracks. Its primary importance stems from its association with the 1798 Rebellion. Here’s a breakdown of its significance and past issues:

Historical Significance:

1798 Rebellion:
The site is traditionally believed to have been used as a mass burial ground for Irish rebels, known as “Croppies” due to their short-cropped hair, who were casualties of the 1798 Rebellion.

This connection makes it a poignant reminder of a crucial period in Irish history, attracting those interested in Ireland’s struggle for independence.
The memorial park serves as a place of remembrance for those who fought in the rebellion.

Historical Context:
The park’s proximity to Collins Barracks (formerly the Royal Barracks) adds to its historical context, as the barracks played a role in the events of that era.

Past Issues and Redevelopment:

Anti-social Behaviour:
In the past, the park suffered from significant anti-social behaviour, including public drunkenness and drug use, leading to its closure by the Office of Public Works in 2012.

Redesign and Reopening:
Dublin City Council took over the park’s management and implemented a redesign to address these issues.
The park was reopened in 2016, with the aim of creating a safer and more accessible public space.
The redesign of the park, and the work done by the Dublin City Council has greatly helped to reduce anti social behaviour.
The park is now open 24 hours a day, increasing public access.

Why it may be of interest to overseas visitors:

Irish History:
For those interested in Irish history and the struggle for Irish independence, Croppies’ Acre provides a tangible link to a pivotal moment.
Cultural Significance:
It offers insight into Irish cultural memory and how historical events are commemorated.

Dublin’s Heritage:
It is a part of Dublin’s rich historical heritage, located along the scenic River Liffey.

ST PATRICK WAS HERE

March 12, 2025 by infomatique

ST PATRICK’S PUBLIC PARK BESIDE ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL

I am taking this opportunity to suggest that you should make sure that you enjoy yourself during the St Patrick’s Festival. Try to avoid referring to it as St Patty’s Day and be aware that the Shamrock does not have four leafs and this is important as the three leafs represent the “Holy Trinity”.

St. Patrick’s Well is linked to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, as the cathedral was built next to the site where St. Patrick is said to have baptised people in the 5th century. It is thought to be located in the cemetery of the cathedral. While there’s a well associated with St. Patrick near Trinity College, the one connected to the cathedral is said to be the site of his baptisms.

Saint Patrick’s Day has evolved from a religious feast day to a global celebration of Irish culture. Here’s a look at its scale and popularity:

Worldwide Scale:

Global Phenomenon:
It’s celebrated in more countries than many other national festivals.
From major cities to small towns, the holiday is marked with parades, festivals, and gatherings.

Diaspora Influence:
The Irish diaspora, particularly in North America, played a significant role in popularizing and shaping modern St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago host massive parades and events.

“Global Greening” Initiative:
Tourism Ireland’s “Global Greening” initiative sees iconic landmarks worldwide illuminated in green, symbolizing the holiday’s reach. Examples include the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower, and many more.
Widespread Celebrations:
Celebrations take place in:
Ireland (of course)
The United States
Canada
Australia
Argentina
Many countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Reasons for Popularity:

Cultural Celebration:
It’s a chance to celebrate Irish heritage, music, dance, and traditions.
Inclusive Spirit:
St. Patrick’s Day has become a holiday that transcends nationality. Anyone can “be Irish” for a day, fostering a sense of community and fun.
Festive Atmosphere:
The holiday is associated with lively parades, music, and social gatherings, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.
Symbolism:
The colour green, shamrocks, and other symbols of the holiday are easily recognisable and contribute to the festive spirit.
Social Connection:
Many people use the holiday as an excuse to gather with friends and family, often within social settings such as pubs, and other social gatherings.
Globalised culture:
The world is more connected than ever, and cultural celebrations are easily spread through media.
In essence, St. Patrick’s Day has become a global celebration of cultural heritage and festive spirit, making it one of the most widely recognised and enjoyed holidays in the world.

DUBLIN PORT TOLKA ESTUARY GREENWAY

February 26, 2025 by infomatique

A HARBOUR HAVEN

Everyone that I met along this trail indicated that they were more than impressed by this most unlikely facility within the port area of Dublin.

Opened in September 2024 by Minister of State James Lawless TD, the Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway offers a new shared cycling and pedestrian route, connecting EastPoint Business Park to the Ferry Terminals. This scenic pathway traverses reclaimed land, a legacy of the 1970s, along Dublin Port’s northern perimeter.

Developed by the Dublin Port Company, the Tolka Estuary Greenway forms part of Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin Coastal Trail, a captivating route showcasing Dublin’s majestic coastline from Skerries in the north to Killiney in the south. This trail, renowned for its diverse experiences, now proudly features the port’s own greenway.

Nestled within the bustling port, the Greenway provides cyclists and pedestrians with breathtaking views of Dublin Bay. The air is alive with the calls of migratory birds, including Brent Geese, Bar-Tailed Godwits, and Common and Arctic Terns, who find sanctuary in the port throughout the year.

Mature Pine, Willow, and Sycamore trees have been carefully preserved along the route. Complementing this existing greenery, over 200 large trees and more than 5,000 smaller woodland trees, alongside native wildflowers, have been planted, creating new shelter and nesting sites for birds, pollinators, and other insects.

The Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway also celebrates the port’s rich history. Seating at the Greenway’s Discovery Points incorporates reclaimed granite from the 19th-century Alexandra Basin, salvaged during the first phase of Dublin Port’s Masterplan 2040.

Easily accessible from Clontarf, the Greenway’s EastPoint Business Park entrance is a short walk from the EastPoint stop on the N4 bus route. Access is also available from the Ferry Terminals via the Stena Line Terminal 2 building, and is conveniently located near the Irish Ferries and Isle of Man Ferries Terminal 1 building.

Midway along the route, via Promenade Road, the Circle K Dublin Port service station offers refreshments from K Coffee, a variety of food options, an ATM, showers, and toilet facilities. The Greenway features a specialist lighting system designed to minimise disturbance to wildlife, and call points are strategically placed along the route.

Entering from the EastPoint side, users are immediately immersed in a woodland corridor. The expanse of Dublin Bay dramatically unfolds at the first of the Greenway’s three ‘Discovery Points’. These observation platforms offer previously inaccessible panoramic views across the bay.

Interpretive panels at each Discovery Point provide insights into Dublin’s maritime heritage. The first Discovery Point overlooks Clontarf, the site of Brian Boru’s momentous victory over the Viking and Leinster armies in the 1014 Battle of Clontarf.

At the second Discovery Point, near Promenade Road, visitors can gaze out over Dublin Bay, where over 300 shipwrecks lie undiscovered beneath the waves. The panels here also offer a glimpse into the lives and humour of the dockers who worked in the nearby shipyards, a vibrant hub of economic activity that continues to thrive today.

Continuing along Promenade Road to ‘Discovery Point 3’, visitors witness the port’s bustling heart, observing ships arriving and departing, and enjoying a 270-degree view of Dublin Bay stretching out to the Irish Sea.

The Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway is a certified section of the ‘Eurovelo 2 Capitals Route’, a 5,000km network of long-distance cycling routes connecting seven countries, six capital cities, and two European seas. By Q2 2025, the Greenway will connect westward to Athlone via the Royal Canal and Clontarf Greenways, upon completion of Phase 3 of the Royal Canal Greenway.

The official opening of Phase One of the Dublin Port Tolka Estuary Greenway took place in September 2024, with further phases planned as the port develops. The Greenway will also be linked to the River Liffey via the Liffey-Tolka Project, which received planning approval in 2023. This project represents a significant milestone in Dublin Port’s Masterplan 2040, maximising the potential of existing port lands and integrating the port with the city, an investment for generations to come.

THE KNIFE EDGE SCULPTURE MEMORIAL TO W.B. YEATS BY HENRY MOORE

February 22, 2025 by infomatique

ST STEPHEN’S GREEN FEBRUARY 2025

The sculpture in St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin, formally titled “Knife Edge,” serves as a powerful, abstract memorial to the Nobel Prize-winning Irish poet, W.B. Yeats. Created by the celebrated British sculptor Henry Moore, it was erected in 1967, many years after Yeats’s death in 1939.

The sculpture is a free-standing, cast bronze monument. Its abstract form, characteristic of Moore’s style, is described as “Knife Edge,” suggesting sharp, angular lines and a dynamic, almost precarious balance. It’s larger than life-size, lending it a monumental presence, despite its location on a relatively low, round-plan metal base. This base, in turn, sits atop a wider, low rubble granite plinth, which is integrated into a cobbled area within a larger paved garden. The setting itself, on the site of former glasshouses, is designed with stepped areas, offering ample seating for visitors to contemplate the artwork.

The text provided described it as, “A notable piece of bronze casting”. This is supported by its abstract form. The fact it is in a public park in the open air it adds a robust quality to the sculpture.

The accompanying plaque clarifies the sculpture’s purpose: “W.B. Yeats 1865-1939. A tribute in bronze by Henry Moore. Erected by admirers of the poet October 1967.” This inscription underscores the collective effort to honour Yeats’s legacy, positioning Moore’s work as a tangible expression of admiration.

The choice of an abstract form to represent Yeats is particularly interesting. It’s described as a “rare example of an abstract depiction of a person” within the context of St. Stephen’s Green’s memorials. This departure from representational portraiture aligns with Moore’s broader artistic philosophy, which prioritised form, space, and material over literal likeness. It also perhaps subtly reflects the multifaceted nature of Yeats’s own work, which blended Irish mythology, symbolism, and modernist experimentation.

W.B. Yeats (1865-1939)

William Butler Yeats was one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. An Irish poet and playwright, he was a driving force behind the Irish Literary Revival, a movement that sought to create a distinctly Irish national literature, drawing on Irish folklore, mythology, and history. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1923. His poetry often explored themes of Irish identity, spirituality, love, and the passage of time.

Henry Moore (1898-1986)

Henry Moore was one of the most significant British sculptors of the 20th century. He is best known for his semi-abstract monumental bronze sculptures, which are located around the world as public works of art. 1 His forms are often suggestive of the human figure, frequently featuring reclining figures with hollows and pierced forms. Moore was deeply interested in the relationship between sculpture and landscape, often placing his works in outdoor settings to engage with the surrounding environment. The use of bronze allowed Moore to create very large sculptures.

BARREL 2020 BY FERGUS MARTIN REMINDS ME OF MY TRASHCAN MAC WHICH WAS A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT

February 22, 2025 by infomatique

THIS SCULPTURE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PHOTOGRAPH

Unfortunately when I saw this sculpture it reminded me of the most disappointing computer that I ever had and it was expensive.

The cylindrical Mac Pro, released in 2013, was a radical departure from previous Mac Pro designs.

Its compact size and innovative thermal core were initially praised, but it quickly became a source of controversy and disappointment for many professional users.

What it was:

Radical Design: A small, cylindrical design with a polished aluminium finish.
Unified Thermal Core: Components were mounted around a central core for efficient cooling.
Powerful Specs: Offered with dual Intel Xeon processors and AMD FirePro GPUs.
Focus on External Expansion: Relied heavily on Thunderbolt 2 for external peripherals and expansion.

Why it disappointed:

Limited Internal Expansion: Lack of traditional PCIe slots hindered customisation and upgrades, a crucial aspect for professional workflows.
Thermal Issues: Despite the innovative design, some users reported thermal throttling under heavy loads.
GPU Limitations: The reliance on AMD FirePro GPUs meant limited options and less support compared to NVIDIA GPUs, which were preferred by many professionals.
Price: It was expensive, especially considering the limitations and lack of upgrade options.

Apple’s Lack of Support:

Stagnant Updates: The “trashcan” Mac Pro went for years without meaningful updates, leaving users with outdated hardware.
Admission of Failure: Apple eventually acknowledged the design’s shortcomings and admitted it didn’t meet the needs of many professional users.

The “trashcan” Mac Pro serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding user needs and the limitations of prioritising form over function. It also highlights the challenges of balancing innovation with the need for flexibility and upgradeability in professional computing.

Fergus Martin’s “Barrel 2020” at IMMA is a large, highly reflective, cylindrical sculpture. Its smooth, polished surface creates a mirror-like effect, reflecting the surrounding environment and the viewer themselves. This reflectivity is a key aspect of the work, blurring the lines between the object and its surroundings. The sculpture’s form is simple and geometric, a perfect cylinder that emphasises its industrial origins. It’s this simplicity and starkness that perhaps leads to comparisons with objects like the Mac Pro. The lack of surface detail, beyond the reflections, draws attention to the form itself and the way it interacts with light and space.

Martin’s work often explores the relationship between form and material, and “Barrel 2020” is a clear example of this. The highly polished surface, while seemingly simple, requires considerable technical skill to achieve and maintain. This focus on craftsmanship is an important part of Martin’s practice. The title, “Barrel,” while perhaps misleading in terms of the object’s appearance, might be intended to play with our expectations and preconceptions about what a “barrel” can be. It creates a tension between the name and the reality of the object, prompting us to consider the meaning and associations we attach to both.

The sculpture’s placement at IMMA is also crucial. The outdoor setting allows the reflections to constantly shift and change, depending on the light, weather, and the movement of viewers. This dynamic interaction with the environment adds another layer of complexity to the work.

So, in short, “Barrel 2020” is a minimalist, reflective cylinder that invites contemplation on form, material, and the relationship between the object and its surroundings. My sincere apologies for the earlier, completely inaccurate description.