ROCHE'S STREET
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ALL FORMS OF STREET ARTThe commercialization of street art is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. It has brought recognition and financial rewards to many… AN EMPTY PLINTHIn the heart of the People's Flower Garden, a solitary plinth stands as a silent witness to a bygone era. This classically-styled pedestal once supported a… ARCHBOLDS CASTLEWhile the castle's origins are linked to the Dungan family, it acquired its current name from the Archbold family, who leased the property in the 18th century.… ATLANTIC PONDExplore the fascinating history of the Atlantic Pond at Marina Park, Cork. From its Victorian origins as a leisure destination to its modern role as a…
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BLACKROCK VILLAGEDiscover the differences between Blackrock in Cork and Blackrock in Dublin. From the riverside charm of Cork’s Blackrock Castle and Marina Greenway to the… BOHERMORE CEMETERY 2026Explore the history and architectural nuances of Bohermore Cemetery in Galway. Originally opened in 1880, this "New Cemetery" challenges the traditional… BOOTERSTOWNNature enthusiasts will appreciate Booterstown's proximity to Blackrock Park, a sprawling green space offering scenic walks, a lake, and playgrounds. The nearby… BOOTERSTOWN MARSHBooterstown Marsh and Nature Reserve is a unique and important habitat with an interesting history. The marsh's origins are directly linked to the construction… BOYNE VIADUCTDiscover the history of the Boyne Viaduct in Drogheda, a Victorian engineering marvel designed by Sir John Macneill. Learn about its 1855 construction, the… BURIALS MUST BE REGISTEREDDiscover the history of Douglas Graveyard in County Cork. Learn why this former Church of Ireland site became a publicly managed cemetery, the significance of… BUSHY PARKBushy Park is a large public park located in Terenure, Dublin, Ireland, bordering the River Dodder. Unlike many other urban parks which feature formal gardens,… BY ANDY McAndyMc is a Dublin based artist and designer. His works predominately focus on portraiture, in a colourful street art kind of way. BY CIARA JOHNSONThe Great Irish Elk, also known as the Irish Deer or Giant Deer (Megaloceros giganteus), is an extinct species of deer renowned for its colossal size and… BY CLAIRE PROUVOSTClaire Prouvost is a French visual artist who has made Dublin her home. She is known for her large-scale murals and public art installations. Her work often… BY JESSICA MOLESINIMolesini, originally from Italy, is a Dublin-based illustrator and muralist known for her vibrant colours and playful cartoon style. BY MARIA CASTILLOMaria Castillo's artistic journey began in Mexico City, where she was born and raised. Her parents, both painters, instilled in her a deep passion for art from…
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CHERRY BLOSSOMExplore the history and changing seasons of cherry blossoms in Ireland. Discover how the "May blossoms" of the 1950s have shifted to early April due to rising… CHRIST THE KING CHURCHDiscover the history and architecture of the Church of Christ the King in Turner’s Cross, Cork. Designed by Chicago architect Barry Byrne, this 1931 masterpiece… CITY CENTRE QUAYSExploring the Dublin Quays with the groundbreaking Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM. This review examines whether this heavy-duty "prime-killer" zoom can replace… COPY OF A STONE TEMPLESantry Demesne Public Park holds within its boundaries echoes of a grand past, most notably through a replica of a once-prominent stone temple. This temple,… CORK APRIL 2026I used both a Sony A1 II and a Leica Q3 to photograph the city of Cork in April 2026
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DALKEY PARISH CHURCHDalkey, once a thriving harbour and fishing centre, experienced a period of decline after the 16th century. The ancient St. Begnet’s Church, dating back to the… DALYS BRIDGEExplore the history of Daly’s Bridge, famously known as the Shakey Bridge in Cork City. Built in 1927, this unique suspension bridge connects Sunday’s Well to… DAY OF THE BIG STORMStorm Éowyn, a powerful and unusual weather system, brought significant disruption to Ireland and the UK in late January 2025. On 24 January, businesses in… DECK OF CARDSDiscover the history of the Deck of Cards in Cobh, Co. Cork. Built in 1850 for naval officers, these iconic Victorian houses on West View have transformed from… DROGHEDA STREET ARTRevisit the 2009 street art scene of Drogheda's Bridge of Peace. Discover how the Canon 1Ds MkIII's autofocus issues were finally overcome using DxO PureRaw 6… DUBLIN DOCKLANDSThe Dublin Docklands today stand as a testament to the city's maritime heritage and its capacity for reinvention. The area's history serves as a reminder of the… DUBLIN ICON FACTORYThe Icon Factory, a vibrant hub of creativity nestled in the heart of Dublin's Temple Bar, left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape. More than… DUBLIN NORTH"Rougher" vs. "Posher": There's a stereotype that the Northside is "rougher" while the Southside is "posher." Like any stereotype, this is an oversimplification… DUNDRUM VILLAGEDundrum Village is a charming suburb in South Dublin. It's known for its mix of old and new, with a historic village center and the modern Dundrum Town Centre,… DUN LAOGHAIRE BATHSThis blog post explores the captivating history of Dun Laoghaire Baths, nestled in the picturesque seaside town of Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland.…
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ELEVATED TREE WALKWAYExtract: Discover the Elevated Tree Walkway in Cork’s Marina Park. Built by Ward and Burke and designed by OCSC, this Phase 2 development transformed the old…
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FERRY WALK MURALSExplore the history of Cork’s Ferry Walk, from the 19th-century Dooley’s Ferry to the iconic Shakey Bridge. This updated 2026 report examines the evolution of… FISHERMAN MEMORIALThe Brian Quilligan memorial at the Lee Fields in Cork is a poignant tribute to a 19-year-old local man who tragically drowned while fishing in October 2011.… FLOWER GARDENNestled within Phoenix Park, the People's Flower Garden is a beautifully manicured Victorian garden spanning 9 hectares. Originally known as the Promenade… FLUDUBLINFluDublin is a supporters' club for fans of the Brazilian football team Fluminense, based in Dublin, Ireland. FOUR GRAVES AS A GROUPExplore the unique communal burial plots of the Goodwin, Veitch, and Waugh families at St Luke’s Graveyard, Douglas. Discover the meaning behind the row’s… FRANCIS STREETDiscover the complex history and recent upgrading of Francis Street in Dublin’s Liberties. From the long-awaited restoration of the Iveagh Market to the… FUEL PRICE PROTESTDublin’s O’Connell Street has been brought to a standstill by a massive fuel protest featuring a fleet of high-spec John Deere tractors. Following the 110th…
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GAS EXPLOSIONEmergency services described it as a 'miracle' that no one was killed when a mid-terrace house at St. Anne’s Square, Blackrock, was reduced to rubble on Friday,… GOAT CASTLEDalkey Castle, also known as Goat Castle, stands on Castle Street in the charming coastal village of Dalkey, south of Dublin. GRAND CANAL QUAYGrand Canal Quay is a dynamic and evolving district nestled within Dublin's Docklands. This vibrant hub seamlessly blends residential, commercial, and… GRAND CANAL SQUAREGrand Canal Square is a striking public space in the heart of Dublin's revitalised Docklands. Situated on the south side of the River Liffey, it forms a key…
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INTERESTING DOORThe large door next to 19 Lord Edward Street, featuring a bronze Viking longship, may be an entrance to the Home Response flats complex. While information about…
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KAREN UNDERWOOD TRIBUTEExplore the vibrant tribute to soul singer Karen Underwood on St Patrick’s Quay, Cork. Painted by artist Kevin O’Brien for the Mad About Cork project, this…
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LARGE CRANERelive the historic May 2009 installation of Dublin's Samuel Beckett Bridge. Discover the engineering precision required to transport the Calatrava-designed… LIFFEY PARKAmong these urban green spaces is Liffey Park, a picturesque stretch along the River Liffey that meanders through Dublin's heart. This photographic series… LITTLE SHIP STREETExplore the hidden history of Dublin’s Little Ship Street and Werburgh Street. From the "Defence of the Castle" art panels to 1,000-year-old Viking discoveries… LOST INDUSTRIESExplore the striking similarities between Denis O’Connor’s "Lost Industries" in Cork and the "Sweet Water Arch" in Belfast. This photographic comparison… LUNCH AT THE GLUCKSMANExplore the Glucksman at University College Cork, a world-class contemporary art museum. Learn about its unique architecture, the artisanal Portuguese ceramics…
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MAN AND DOGDiscover the silent dialogue of "Figure Talking to a Quadruped," a captivating 1994 sculpture by renowned Irish artist Michael Quane RHA. Located in the… MARIAN GROTTO IN BLACKROCKExplore the history of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Blackrock, Cork. Built in 1958 to mark the Lourdes Centenary, this Marian shrine at Blackrock Pier… MARTELLO TOWER 15Blackrock Park's landscape reveals several layers of history. A fine example of Victorian landscape design, the park features a bandstand, lake, and pavilion,… MAUREEN KELLY FOXOriginally hailing from Galway, graphic designer Maureen Kelly Fox has been a resident of Lucan for the past 25 years. Her extensive career spans both freelance… MILESTONE ON ROCK ROADYesterday I attended a lecture about Quantum navigation so the milestone on Rock Road caught my attention. MOTHERSHIP SCULPTUREMay the dawn of 2025 bring you new hope, joy, and countless opportunities. May each day be filled with happiness, success, and cherished moments with loved…
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NASAExperience the historic "Earthset" captured by the Artemis II crew in April 2026. This NASA image shows Earth sinking behind the Moon's far side, marking… NEW BRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHED USING SONY A1Discover the history behind the Cumann na mBan Bridge in Cork City. Named in 2026 to honour the Irish women’s republican organisation, this bridge represents a… NEWMARKET AREA AND NEARBYExplore the 2026 status of Newmarket Square, Dublin. From the completion of the major public realm revamp to the latest in Build-to-Rent developments like 18… NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGEThe Cumann na mBan Bridge at Lambley's Lane is a new pedestrian and cycle link in Cork City opened in late 2025. Part of the Beamish and Crawford Quarter… NEW PLAY AREAIn late 2023, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council officially opened the highly anticipated adventure play space in Blackrock Park. This exciting new facility…
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ONE EATOKYO LEFTEatokyo, a long-standing Japanese restaurant on Capel Street, has sadly closed. While no official reason has been publicly given, their website only lists… ONION SELLERSUncover the history of Séamus Murphy’s "Onion Seller" and its connection to Marshall Hudson’s "Apple Woman" in Cork. This photographic exploration traces the…
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PASSAGE RAILWAYA detailed look at the recently upgraded Passage Railway Greenway section from Skehard Road to Blackrock Village. This post explores the architectural… PHOENIX FOLLYThe Phoenix Folly draws inspiration from that 1747 monument in Phoenix Park, commissioned by the 4th Earl of Chesterfield. This column, topped with a mythical… PORTOBELLO HARBOURThe name Portobello, meaning "beautiful harbour", has a curious origin. It is derived from the Spanish colonial port of Portobelo in Panama, captured by the… PUBLIC ART ON PENROSE QUAYAn exploration of "Listening Post," a €100,000 permanent sound installation by sculptor Daphne Wright at Penrose Quay, Cork. Originally designed to broadcast… PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENSDublin is renowned for its abundance of well-maintained and well-managed public parks and green spaces, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of… PUBS AND RESTAURANTSThe pub and restaurant scene in Ireland is incredibly diverse, ranging from traditional, cosy pubs serving hearty Irish fare to modern gastropubs and fine…
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ROBERT EMMETRumours circulated that the wall displaying the Robert Emmet memorial plaque had been demolished and replaced by builders' hoarding. To verify this, I visited…
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SALTWATER LAKEThe lake is the dominant feature within Blackrock Park, a green space managed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Its shape is organic in outline,… SALTWATER LAKEThe lake is the dominant feature within Blackrock Park, a green space managed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Its shape is organic in outline,… SAMUEL BECKETT BRIDGEIn May 2009, the Samuel Beckett Bridge completed its 628-mile journey from Rotterdam to Dublin. Transported as a single 2,500-tonne assembly on a sea-going… SANDYCOVEMany years ago, I photographed an official sign that read "FORTY FOOT MEN ONLY". My account of the area should explain why this was considered amusing. SCULPTURE BY BETTY GOLDA photographic exploration of Betty Gold’s 1994 sculpture "Cois na Laoi" in Fitzgerald Park, Cork. This post examines how the artist used concrete and brick to… SHELL HOUSE IN THE WOODSNavigating the bugs of Leica Q3 Firmware 4.0. While Version 4.0 fixes startup times and AF, it introduces SD card and geotagging sensitivities. Comparing the… STEPHENS GREEN CENTREWas St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre always popular? Discover the "love-hate" relationship Dubliners had with the "Wedding Cake" architecture in 1988, and how… ST JOSEPH'S CEMETERYExplore the rich history of St Joseph's Cemetery in Cork, founded by the "Apostle of Temperance," Father Theobald Mathew. Discover how a former botanical garden… ST MARY'S PRIORYDiscover the dual history of St Mary’s Priory in Drogheda, from its 13th-century monastic origins to its industrial life on Old Abbey Lane. Explore why this… STREETS OF GALWAYDiscover the unique blend of commercial vibrancy and residential charm in Galway’s Eyre Street area. Nestled between Eyre Square and the historic Woodquay… SWAN FOUNTAINJust outside the park's Grand Parade entrance, you will also find the Berwick Fountain. While not inside the park itself, it is a significant 19th-century…
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TEMPLE BARExplore the hidden side of Dublin’s cultural quarter. Discover the history of Crampton Court, famously rebranded as "Love Lane" by artist Anna Doran. Home to… THE CHORNOBYL MOTHER SCULPTUREExplore the newly unveiled Chornobyl Mother sculpture by Sandra Bell in Marina Park, Cork. Commissioned to mark the 40th anniversary of the nuclear disaster,… THE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCEDiscover the history and symbolism of the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square, Dublin. As Ireland marks the 110th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in April… THE LEE FIELDSDiscover the rich history and natural beauty of the Lee Fields in Cork. Nestled along the banks of the River Lee, the Lee Fields have served as a vital social… THE MAGDALENE TOWER IN DROGHEDADiscover the Magdalene Tower in Drogheda, a striking 14th-century Gothic belfry and the sole survivor of a grand Dominican Friary. Learn about its unique… THE OLD BANDSTANDDespite its years of neglect, the Bushy Park bandstand is not forgotten. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in its potential, with plans for its… THE REAL SANTA CLAUSEI am discussing this church because a person that I met on my last visit to Francis Street mentioned that this church was dedicated to Santa Clause.… THE SHORTEST STREET IN DUBLINSEO Extract: Discover Palace Street, famously known as the shortest street in Ireland. Located in the heart of Dublin, this historic thoroughfare serves as the… THE SWAN FOUNTAINThe fountain was created by the renowned Irish sculptor John Behan to commemorate Cork's 800th anniversary as a chartered city. It features a bronze sculpture… THE TRACTORS ARE GONEDiscover how the Irish Government and An Garda Síochána successfully cleared the April 2026 fuel price blockades. This summary covers the "no-talks" policy… TIVOLI STREET ARTIn the years leading up to its demolition, the Tivoli car park had become an unlikely hub for Dublin's vibrant street art scene. Its walls, once drab and…
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ULVERTON ROADUlverton Road was created as an alternative route to Harbour Road, connecting Dún Laoghaire and Bullock Harbour with Dalkey Village. Its wide expanse and… USHER MONUMENTThe Usher Memorial, also known as the Usher Monument, is a historical landmark located in Dundrum, Dublin, Ireland. It commemorates Dr Isaac Usher, a respected…
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WAR MEMORIAL PARKThe gardens are primarily dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the Great War (1914-1918). However, they also honour all Irishmen who… WEEPING BEECHDiscover the historic Weeping Beech of St Luke’s Graveyard, Douglas. A stunning example of Victorian funerary horticulture, this ancient tree serves as a living… WELLINGTON OBELISKThe Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park, a towering obelisk marking the Dublin skyline, stands as a somewhat ironic tribute to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of… WHITE BLOSSOMSDiscover the identity of the white spring blossoms in Bushy Park. This guide explores the differences between Ireland's native Wild Cherry and the… WOOD QUAYDublin City Council is officially moving from Wood Quay to the Old Kevin Street College site (Camden Yard). This €670m project follows the disappearance of the…
ROCHE'S STREET