William Murphy

LENNOX STREET AND LENNOX PLACE

February 4, 2025 by infomatique

TWO STREETS IN THE PORTOBELLO AREA OF DUBLIN

TRY THE FASTER PHOTO GALLERY DESIGNED FOR MOBILES

Lennox Street and Lennox Place are two charming streets in Portobello, Dublin 8. These streets are renowned for their picturesque red-brick Victorian architecture, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.

Lennox Street is a longer street that connects to the busy South Circular Road. It’s known for its mix of residential properties and a few select businesses, contributing to a vibrant yet peaceful community feel. The street exudes a classic Dublin charm with its period homes and well-maintained facades.

Lennox Place is a smaller, more secluded street branching off Lennox Street. It offers an even greater sense of tranquillity, with its quiet setting and close-knit community. The houses here often feature small front gardens, adding to the area’s charm.

Both streets are highly sought-after residential locations due to their proximity to the city centre and the unique village-like atmosphere of Portobello. Residents enjoy easy access to the Grand Canal, a variety of local shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as excellent transport links.

A SPONTANEOUS VISIT TO DEANSGRANGE CEMETERY A SECOND SESSION – iPHONE IMAGES

February 2, 2025 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY

VISIT FAST PHOTO PHOTO GALLERY FOR MOBILES

They say the best camera is the one you have with you. Ironically, on this occasion, my preferred camera and lens underperformed.

I hadn’t planned to visit Deansgrange Cemetery, so the lens I had with me on the FX30 wasn’t ideal. The resulting images were disappointing. Realising this, I also took a series of photographs using my iPhone 12 Pro Max. I dedicate this phone solely to photography, using the Halide Camera app, which consistently delivers good results. These images are presented here.

Deansgrange Cemetery, located in the Dublin suburb of Deansgrange, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, is a large Victorian cemetery and an important part of Dublin’s history. Established in 1861, the first burial took place in 1865.

History

The mid-19th century saw a pressing need for new burial grounds in Dublin due to overcrowding in existing churchyards. Deansgrange was created to address this, quickly becoming a popular choice thanks to its spacious layout and attractive landscaping. Designed in the style of a “garden cemetery,” its winding paths, trees, and monuments create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

Over the years, Deansgrange has become the final resting place of many notable figures in Irish history, including politicians, writers, artists, and scientists, adding to its historical significance.

Present Day

Deansgrange Cemetery remains an active burial ground, serving the local community. It also attracts visitors interested in history and genealogy. The cemetery is well-maintained and offers a range of services, including burials, cremations, and memorial services.

Key Features and Points of Interest:

Notable Burials: Deansgrange is the burial place of many prominent Irish figures, including:
Politicians: Seán Lemass and John A. Costello (both former Taoisigh)
Writers: Frank O’Connor and Brian O’Nolan (also known as Flann O’Brien)
Singer: John McCormack
Historical Significance: The cemetery offers a glimpse into Dublin and Ireland’s social and cultural history, reflected in its diverse monuments and inscriptions.
Garden Cemetery Design: Deansgrange’s layout and landscaping exemplify the Victorian-era garden cemetery movement, which aimed to create beautiful and tranquil burial spaces.
Republican Plot: This section commemorates Irish republicans who died in the struggle for independence.
The Palme Graves: This area contains the graves of some of those who perished in the Kingstown Lifeboat Disaster of 1895.

SANTRY DEMESNE PUBLIC PARK – I HAD NOT REALISED THE EXTENT OF THIS PUBLIC PARK UNTIL THIS VISIT

February 1, 2025 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 31 JANUARY 2025

My exploration of Santry Demesne Public Park began with a ride on the new E1 bus to Northwood. Intrigued by this terminus, I ventured into the area and, trusting my sense of direction, soon found myself near Morton Stadium and the adjacent park. (As an aside, during my time at B+I Shipping, I shared an office with Billy Morton’s brother – whose name escapes me, though he always introduced himself by his famous sibling).

The park proved far larger than I’d imagined. Santry Demesne occupies the grounds of a once-grand house and gardens, originally built in 1703 on the site of a medieval dwelling. The house fell into disrepair around the turn of the 20th century, with local stories offering various explanations. A devastating fire in 1947 sealed its fate, and the house was finally demolished in 1959.

Despite its destruction, traces of the house’s former splendour remain. Visitors can still see the foundations, front steps, tree avenue, and walled garden. In June 2003, Fingal County Council took over Santry Demesne, transforming it into a valuable public amenity.

Today, the park offers a children’s playground, a network of paths for walkers, joggers, and dog walkers, and free car parking just inside the main gates. The Community Garden, within the Walled Garden, is flourishing, boasting a Kitchen Garden and Heritage Orchard established for over two years. The front section is currently being developed into a Recreational Garden, soon to be open to the public more regularly.

While the original stone temple from the Domvile family’s Templeogue residence (moved to Luggala in County Wicklow in 1858) is no longer in Santry, a facsimile stands in its place. The original Phoenix Folly, however, remains a key feature, echoing the more famous Phoenix Column in Phoenix Park.

The Phoenix Folly draws inspiration from the 1747 monument in Phoenix Park, commissioned by the 4th Earl of Chesterfield. This column, topped with a mythical phoenix, was a prominent feature on the park’s main avenue, though later moved. It is thought to have commemorated the park’s opening to the public, symbolising a new era of access for Dubliners.

Santry Demesne’s Phoenix Folly faithfully recreates the original column’s key architectural elements, showcasing neoclassical elegance. The Corinthian column, with its fluted shaft and intricately carved capital, exemplifies this style, while the ornate base and sculpted phoenix enhance its aesthetic appeal.

TUCANO OPENS TOMORROW REPLACING EATOKYO AT 11 CAPEL STREET

January 31, 2025 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED FRIDAY 31 JANUARY 2025

As already mentioned Eatokyo on Capel Street closed last Sunday [26 January 2025]. Tomorrow, less than a week later, Tucano opens at the same location and hopefully they will be a major addition to Capel Street which is developing as the best alternative to Temple Bar. As I have a policy of supporting local restaurants I plan to visit Tucano over the weekend.

THE INSTITUTE OF ART, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY DUN LAOGHAIRE

January 30, 2025 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 30 JANUARY 2025

The Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire (IADT) is a leading higher education institution in Ireland, specialising in the creative, cultural, and digital technology sectors. It has a strong reputation for fostering creativity and innovation, and its programmes are designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to succeed in these dynamic industries.

History:

IADT’s origins can be traced back to the late 1960s with the establishment of an art foundation course at the Dún Laoghaire College of Art and Design (DLCAD). Over the years, DLCAD expanded its offerings and gained recognition for its excellence in art and design education. In 1997, it was granted institute of technology status and became the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire. This marked a significant milestone in its development, allowing it to further broaden its range of programmes and establish itself as a prominent player in the Irish higher education landscape.

Today, IADT offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including:

Film and Media: IADT is home to the National Film School, a renowned institution that has produced Oscar, BAFTA, and IFTA-winning alumni. It offers programmes in film and television production, animation, photography, and more.

Art and Design: IADT has a strong tradition in art and design education, with programmes in visual arts, design for film, graphic design, and user experience design.
Technology and Humanities: IADT recognises the importance of technology and humanities in the creative industries. It offers programmes in creative computing, applied psychology, business and digital technology, and arts management.

IADT is committed to providing its students with a cutting-edge learning environment, fostering collaboration and innovation. It has strong links with industry, ensuring that its programmes are relevant and meet the needs of the creative and technology sectors. The institute also places a strong emphasis on research and development, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in its fields of expertise.

IADT has grown significantly since its establishment, with a student population of over 2,500. It continues to evolve and expand its offerings, adapting to the changing demands of the creative and technology industries.