2025

MY FIRST VISIT TO NORTHWOOD SANTRY DUBLIN 9

Making my blog more accessible is important to me. For readers who find the detailed text descriptions challenging, I've begun adding audio descriptions in a conversational format. I hope this offers a richer and more inclusive experience

PHOTOGRAPHED 31 JANUARY 2025

Northwood is a large development located in Santry, Dublin 9. It comprises a mix of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities, all set within a 90-acre public park.

The development is conveniently located close to Dublin Airport and the city centre, with easy access to the M50 and other major roads. It is also well-served by public transportation, with several bus routes passing through the area.

Northwood is a popular place to live and work, offering a high quality of life and a wide range of amenities. The park provides a great space for recreation and relaxation, while the commercial and retail areas offer a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses.

Some of the key features of Northwood include:

Northwood Park: A large public park with a playground, walking trails, and a lake.

Northwood Business Campus: A commercial area with offices, shops, and restaurants.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel: A 4-star hotel with a restaurant, bar, and fitness centre.

The Sports Surgery Clinic: A private hospital specialising in sports medicine.

Residential areas: A variety of apartments and houses

Overall, Northwood is a well-planned and well-maintained development that offers a great place to live, work, and visit.

EATOKYO ON WELLINGTON QUAY – TEMPLE BAR AREA OF DUBLIN

WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY 2025

I first visited Eatokyo on Wellington Quay on the 27th December 2018 as all of my favourite restaurants were closed for Christmas. For various reasons I did not visit again but I began visiting their restaurant on Capel Street as soon as the Covid restrictions were relaxed and I became a regular customer and met with a few friends every Wednesday for lunch – we were referred to as the “Wednesday Table”. Also as they were one of the few restaurants to open on New Year’s day it was there that I had my birthday celebration.

Anyway, I had lunch here today and was more than pleased. The food is the same, the staff are equally friendly and professional but the prices are somewhat more expensive and the clientele is different as they do not appear to depend on local workers and shop owners. The be fair I had expected that Eatokyo on Capel Street would increase their prices in 2025 but instead they closed on Sunday 26th January.

Going forward – the “Wednesday Table” has become the “Thursday Table” but the members have decided to relocate to a different restaurant on Capel Street rather than a restaurant in Temple Bar on the South Side of the river, mainly because they all use the Luas Red Line service. Myself, I will be visiting Eatokyo in Temple Bar at least once a week (all going well).

THE USHER MONUMENT IN DUNDRUM AND WHO WAS MARY WARD

ALSO KNOWN AS THE USHER MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN

The dawn of the motor age brought with it not only progress but also unforeseen dangers. Two poignant memorials in Ireland serve as stark reminders of this reality, connecting the past with an ongoing national road safety campaign.

One such memorial stands in Dundrum, Dublin: the Usher Monument. This stone obelisk commemorates Dr. Isaac Usher, a respected local general practitioner who tragically died in 1917. His death was one of the first motor vehicle fatalities recorded in Ireland, marking a turning point in how society perceived the risks associated with this new mode of transportation. Originally featuring a water fountain with troughs for people and animals, the monument, though now without its water features, remains a prominent landmark, a lasting tribute to Dr. Usher’s service and a sobering reminder of the changing times. A legal clause ensures its preservation despite ongoing development in the area.

Decades before Dr. Usher’s death, in 1869, Mary Ward, an Irish scientist, astronomer, and author, became the first recorded person in the world to die in a motor vehicle accident, near Birr, County Offaly. Her tragic demise underscores the inherent dangers of early motorized travel.

In 2023, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of Ireland launched a powerful campaign, “Who was Mary Ward? Vision Zero,” which leverages this historical tragedy to promote road safety awareness. The campaign’s goal was/is ambitious yet vital: to achieve zero road deaths and serious injuries in Ireland by 2050. By highlighting Mary Ward’s story, the RSA emphasises the critical need for behavioural change among all road users—drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The “Vision Zero” campaign serves as a powerful call to action, urging everyone to make conscious choices that contribute to safer roads for all, echoing the lessons learned from the tragic deaths of both Mary Ward and Dr. Isaac Usher, and transforming their memorials into enduring symbols of road safety.

I VISITED DUNDRUM MAIN STREET TWICE OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY TO HAVE LUNCH AT ESSENCE

THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT

I visited Dundrum village twice over the Christmas holiday as a friend recently took over “Essence” on the main Street.

Essence is a, long established, café and patisserie and is a popular spot offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options, along with a selection of pastries and cakes. In essence it provides a casual dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients and quality food. They offer items such as:

Breakfast/Brunch: Full Irish breakfast, pancakes, and various egg dishes.
Lunch: Sandwiches, paninis, soups, and salads.
Pastries and Cakes: A range of freshly baked goods, including croissants, cakes, and other sweet treats.
Beverages: Coffee, tea, and other drinks.

The reconfiguration of Dundrum Main Street has been a significant undertaking with the aim of prioritising pedestrians and cyclists, and creating a more vibrant and accessible village centre. Here’s a summary of the changes and the public reaction:

Changes Implemented:

One-way System for Motor Vehicles: Traffic flow was changed to a one-way system to facilitate wider footpaths and cycle lanes.
Cycle Lanes: Dedicated cycle lanes were introduced to improve safety for cyclists.
Wider Footpaths: Footpaths were widened to provide more space for pedestrians and outdoor seating for businesses.
Pedestrian Crossings: New pedestrian crossings were installed to improve safety for those on foot.
Traffic Calming Measures: Measures were implemented to reduce traffic speed and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Public Reaction:

Before and During:

Initial Concerns: There were initial concerns from some businesses about the potential impact on trade due to changes in traffic flow and parking.
Disruption During Construction: As with any construction project, there was some disruption during the implementation phase.

After:

Generally Positive: The overall reaction has been largely positive, with many people appreciating the improved pedestrian environment and safer cycling facilities.
Increased Footfall: Studies have shown an increase in footfall on Main Street, suggesting that the changes have had a positive impact on the area’s vibrancy.
Concerns about Accessibility: Some concerns were raised about accessibility for elderly people and those with mobility issues, particularly regarding the kerbs separating the cycle lanes.
Temporary Measures: Some of the initial measures, such as the temporary kerbs, were recognised as not being ideal long-term solutions.

Overall:

The reconfiguration of Dundrum Main Street appears to have been largely successful in achieving its objectives of creating a more pedestrian and cycle-friendly environment. While there were some initial concerns and challenges, the overall reaction has been positive, with evidence suggesting that the changes have had a positive impact on the area.

It’s worth noting that ongoing monitoring and evaluation are important to address any remaining issues and ensure that the changes continue to benefit the community.