PROGRESSIVE WEB APPLICATION VERSION
AUGUST 2022 PHOTO DIARYPHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY
Street Photography and the associate websites and blogs are the elements of my main hobby. I say main, as I do have other hobbies.
Over the years I have experiments with different forms of hosting and software but as I have progressed I have found all hosting services to be very restrictive and constraining so I have tended towards self hosting solutions.
I have tried many software solutions but eventually settled of Rapidweaver however I do operate a number of Wordpress Sites which I will discontinue over the next two years.
One problem that I have had is that according to Google my sites failed to meet their strict requirements for mobile sites [Core Web Vitals]. I have tried multiple solutions but the changes have been minor. At best my rating was about 37% [today using Sparkle I have achieved 99%]
Recently things at Rapidweaver have become complicated and as a result I may not be able to totally depend on their software going forward so I have had to examine other solutions and one that I investigated is Sparkle which performs very well if Google Core Web Vitals is the gold standard. I should mention that I do intend to remain with Rapidweaver and I will employ their new solutions going forward but I will also employ other solutions. I am also testing Blocs 4 but at this stage do not have enough experience of the product to make any comments.
Web Vitals is an initiative by Google to provide unified guidance for quality signals that are essential to delivering a great user experience on the web.
Google has provided a number of tools over the years to measure and report on performance. Some developers are experts at using these tools, while others have found the abundance of both tools and metrics challenging to keep up with.
Site owners should not have to be performance gurus in order to understand the quality of experience they are delivering to their users. The Web Vitals initiative aims to simplify the landscape, and help sites focus on the metrics that matter most, the Core Web Vitals.
Core Web Vitals are the subset of Web Vitals that apply to all web pages, should be measured by all site owners, and will be surfaced across all Google tools. Each of the Core Web Vitals represents a distinct facet of the user experience, is measurable in the field, and reflects the real-world experience of a critical user-centric outcome.
The metrics that make up Core Web Vitals will evolve over time. The current set for 2020 focuses on three aspects of the user experience—loading, interactivity, and visual stability—and includes the following metrics (and their respective thresholds).
Over the years I have experiments with different forms of hosting and software but as I have progressed I have found all hosting services to be very restrictive and constraining so I have tended towards self hosting solutions.
I have tried many software solutions but eventually settled of Rapidweaver however I do operate a number of Wordpress Sites which I will discontinue over the next two years.
One problem that I have had is that according to Google my sites failed to meet their strict requirements for mobile sites [Core Web Vitals]. I have tried multiple solutions but the changes have been minor. At best my rating was about 37% [today using Sparkle I have achieved 99%]
Recently things at Rapidweaver have become complicated and as a result I may not be able to totally depend on their software going forward so I have had to examine other solutions and one that I investigated is Sparkle which performs very well if Google Core Web Vitals is the gold standard. I should mention that I do intend to remain with Rapidweaver and I will employ their new solutions going forward but I will also employ other solutions. I am also testing Blocs 4 but at this stage do not have enough experience of the product to make any comments.
Web Vitals is an initiative by Google to provide unified guidance for quality signals that are essential to delivering a great user experience on the web.
Google has provided a number of tools over the years to measure and report on performance. Some developers are experts at using these tools, while others have found the abundance of both tools and metrics challenging to keep up with.
Site owners should not have to be performance gurus in order to understand the quality of experience they are delivering to their users. The Web Vitals initiative aims to simplify the landscape, and help sites focus on the metrics that matter most, the Core Web Vitals.
Core Web Vitals are the subset of Web Vitals that apply to all web pages, should be measured by all site owners, and will be surfaced across all Google tools. Each of the Core Web Vitals represents a distinct facet of the user experience, is measurable in the field, and reflects the real-world experience of a critical user-centric outcome.
The metrics that make up Core Web Vitals will evolve over time. The current set for 2020 focuses on three aspects of the user experience—loading, interactivity, and visual stability—and includes the following metrics (and their respective thresholds).
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NIGHT VISION BY AISLING McGLACKEN-BYRNEPHOTOGRAPHED 3 AUGUST AND PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER 2022
Aisling is a doctor specialising in Ophthalmology. She has a love of art and is fascinated by the eyes, how they process visual information and colour and how they are affected by disease. Treating the blind is a daily reminder to appreciate being able to see.
ST MARY'S ABBEY AND CHANCERY STREETPHOTOGRAPHED 3 AUGUST AND PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER 2022
St. Mary's Abbey was a former Cistercian abbey located near the junction of Abbey Street and Capel Street in Dublin. Its territory stretched from the district known as Oxmanstown down along the River Liffey until it met the sea. It also owned large estates in other parts of Ireland. It was one of several liberties that existed in Dublin since the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century, which gave it jurisdiction over its lands.
THE PEOPLE'S PARK IN DUN LAOGHAIREPHOTOGRAPHED 3 AUGUST AND PUBLISHED IN DECEMBER 2022
The People's Park is a small public park in the suburban town of Dún Laoghaire, south of Dublin, Ireland. Located near the East Pier of Dún Laoghaire Harbour and Glasthule, it opened in 1890, and major elements were redeveloped between 1985 and 1997, and again in 2012.
RANELAGH VILLAGE AND NEARBYAUGUST 2022
The district was originally a village known as Cullenswood just outside Dublin, surrounded by landed estates. On Easter Monday in 1207, a celebrating group of English inhabitants of Dublin were attacked here by Irish raiders from county Wicklow. Three hundred people were said to have been killed. In the 1520s and 1530s Cullenswood was held by the de Meones family, who also owned, and gave their name to, nearby Meonesrath, now Rathmines.
CHARLESTON ROAD AND AVENUEFEATURING TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH AND HALL
The building of most interest is a restored Methodist church building now occupied by Chartered Financial Solutions Limited.
Back in 2015 The Strategic Capital Investment Fund managed by Davy paid close to €4 million for the former Methodist Church and Community Hall at Charleston Road in Ranelagh
Back in 2015 The Strategic Capital Investment Fund managed by Davy paid close to €4 million for the former Methodist Church and Community Hall at Charleston Road in Ranelagh
RANELAGH GARDENSA LITTLE KNOWN SMALL PUBLIC PARK CLOSE TO THE RANELAGH TRAM STOP
Ranelagh Gardens were originally pleasure gardens that were developed in 1775. They were named after Lord Ranelagh who had similar gardens by the Thames in London. It should be noted that the gardens had given their name to the newly developing village of Ranelagh, which otherwise would have been called Cullenswood.
A QUICK VISIT TO SIR JOHN ROGERSON'S QUAYDUBLIN DOCKLANDS AUGUST 2022
Dame Elisabeth Jean Frink CH DBE RA (14 November 1930 – 18 April 1993) was an English sculptor and printmaker. Her Times obituary noted the three essential themes in her work as "the nature of Man; the 'horseness' of horses; and the divine in human form".
TRIBUTE HEAD II IN MERRION SQUARE PARK BY DAME ELISABETH JEAN FRICK
Dame Elisabeth Jean Frink CH DBE RA (14 November 1930 – 18 April 1993) was an English sculptor and printmaker. Her Times obituary noted the three essential themes in her work as "the nature of Man; the 'horseness' of horses; and the divine in human form".
I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS ADELAIDE STREET RATHER THAN ADELAIDE ROADPHOTOGRAPHED AUGUST 2022
In 1833 Adelaide Road in Dublin is named after Queen Adelaide the wife of William IV and before that it was known as Old Circular Road. I must admit that, until recently, I was unaware of Queen Adelaide.
ÉIRE MEMORIAL BY JEROME CONNOR RELOCATED WITHIN MERRION SQUARE PARK AFTER IT HAD BEEN RESTORED
At the end August 2022 I visited the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin and the weather was really beautiful. I used a very old Canon 1Ds MkIII body and a manual focus Voigtlander 40mm pancake lens. The lens worked very well but not long after I got my hands a Canon 5D MkIII which is much more modern but using the Voligtlander was a total waste of time.
Voigtländer is a very old optical company based out of Vienna and to the best of my knowledge it was established in 1756 however it isn’t a wholly independent manufacturer today.
Voigtländer is a very old optical company based out of Vienna and to the best of my knowledge it was established in 1756 however it isn’t a wholly independent manufacturer today.
I USED A VERY OLD CANON 1DsIIIEND OF AUGUST 2022
At the end August 2022 I visited the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin and the weather was really beautiful. I used a very old Canon 1Ds MkIII body and a manual focus Voigtlander 40mm pancake lens. The lens worked very well but not long after I got my hands a Canon 5D MkIII which is much more modern but using the Voligtlander was a total waste of time.
Voigtländer is a very old optical company based out of Vienna and to the best of my knowledge it was established in 1756 however it isn’t a wholly independent manufacturer today.
Voigtländer is a very old optical company based out of Vienna and to the best of my knowledge it was established in 1756 however it isn’t a wholly independent manufacturer today.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE HALFPENNY BRIDGE30 AUGUST 2022
Before the Ha'penny Bridge was built there were seven ferries, operated by a William Walsh, across the Liffey. The ferries were in a bad condition and Walsh was informed that he had to either fix them or build a bridge. Walsh chose the latter option and was granted the right to extract a ha'penny toll from anyone crossing it for 100 years.
APPLES AND ATOMS BY EILIS O'CONNELLTRINITY COLLEGE CAMPUS IN DUBLIN AUGUST 2022
Apples and Atoms by Eilís O’Connell RHA Celebrating Ernest T.S. Walton 1903-95, Nobel Laureate
In 1932, Ernest Walton and John Cockcroft split the nucleus of a Li (lithium) atom, often termed ‘splitting the atom’. The experiment was carried out in the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, England. Albert Einstein declared that their experiment was the first demonstration of his famous E=mc2 equation.
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the experiment, Trinity College Dublin invited six artists to submit a design responding to a brief to commemorate Ernest Walton’s research achievements as well as over 30 years of dedication to science education. Eilís O’Connell’s design was selected by an interdisciplinary panel including representatives from the Walton family, the School of Physics, the College Art Collections, the students, and external visual arts professionals.
Ernest Thomas Sinton Walton (6 October 1903 – 25 June 1995) was an Irish physicist and Nobel laureate. He is best known for his work with John Cockcroft to construct one of the earliest types of particle accelerator, the Cockcroft–Walton generator. In experiments performed at Cambridge University in the early 1930s using the generator, Walton and Cockcroft became the first team to use a particle beam to transform one element to another. According to their Nobel Prize citation: "Thus, for the first time, a nuclear transmutation was produced by means entirely under human control."
In 1932, Ernest Walton and John Cockcroft split the nucleus of a Li (lithium) atom, often termed ‘splitting the atom’. The experiment was carried out in the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, England. Albert Einstein declared that their experiment was the first demonstration of his famous E=mc2 equation.
Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the experiment, Trinity College Dublin invited six artists to submit a design responding to a brief to commemorate Ernest Walton’s research achievements as well as over 30 years of dedication to science education. Eilís O’Connell’s design was selected by an interdisciplinary panel including representatives from the Walton family, the School of Physics, the College Art Collections, the students, and external visual arts professionals.
Ernest Thomas Sinton Walton (6 October 1903 – 25 June 1995) was an Irish physicist and Nobel laureate. He is best known for his work with John Cockcroft to construct one of the earliest types of particle accelerator, the Cockcroft–Walton generator. In experiments performed at Cambridge University in the early 1930s using the generator, Walton and Cockcroft became the first team to use a particle beam to transform one element to another. According to their Nobel Prize citation: "Thus, for the first time, a nuclear transmutation was produced by means entirely under human control."
BIRD VIEW ON JAMES LARKIN ROADPAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY INGRID NOLAN
This artwork by Ingrid Nolan was originally inspired by Bull Island and some of its inhabitants. It is located on James Larkin Road close to St Anne's Park in Clontarf.
HRH PRINCESS MAHA CHAKRI SIRIDHORNOPENED THIS BOTANY GARDEN AT TRINITY
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited the Trinity College Campus 06 September 2014 and my two friends from Thailand were more than excited.
Thailand’s biodiversity can be considered a world heritage possession. Fifty years ago, in 1963, the ‘Flora of Thailand’ project was initiated under Thai-Danish collaboration. The aim was to produce a complete account of all the native vascular plants of Thailand. In 1985, Trinity joined this project. Since then the plant systematics research group in Trinity’s herbarium has made major contributions to the project with the discovery and publication of very many species new to science.
Thailand’s biodiversity can be considered a world heritage possession. Fifty years ago, in 1963, the ‘Flora of Thailand’ project was initiated under Thai-Danish collaboration. The aim was to produce a complete account of all the native vascular plants of Thailand. In 1985, Trinity joined this project. Since then the plant systematics research group in Trinity’s herbarium has made major contributions to the project with the discovery and publication of very many species new to science.
PRINTMAKING WORKSHOP ON THE GRANGEGORMAN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS MY FIRST TIME TO USE A CANON 5D MkIII
The new Printmaking Workshop in Grangegorman was shortlisted for the Institute of Designers Ireland awards.
The single storey steel framed building was designed by Scullion Architects in association with Plus Architecture and details a saw-tooth profile roof structure with integrated windows at each section and roof solar panels. The light filled internal space provides teaching and technical support spaces associated with print making and screen printing for the Technological University Dublin’s School of Creative Arts.
Today [29 August 2022] I used a Canon 5DIII coupled with a Sigma 24-105 F4 lens and when I imported the images into Lightroom I was surprised by the amount of lens barrel distortion but it was easy to correct. I checked some reviews and some mention that barrel distort is high at 24mm.
The single storey steel framed building was designed by Scullion Architects in association with Plus Architecture and details a saw-tooth profile roof structure with integrated windows at each section and roof solar panels. The light filled internal space provides teaching and technical support spaces associated with print making and screen printing for the Technological University Dublin’s School of Creative Arts.
Today [29 August 2022] I used a Canon 5DIII coupled with a Sigma 24-105 F4 lens and when I imported the images into Lightroom I was surprised by the amount of lens barrel distortion but it was easy to correct. I checked some reviews and some mention that barrel distort is high at 24mm.
THE STATION AREA OF BLACKROCK VILLAGETUESDAY 30 AUGUST 2022
The Blackrock baths were provided for by the railway company in 1839 and were built beside the Blackrock train station.A special train ticket also permitted entrance to the baths. In 1887, the baths were rebuilt in concrete with a large gentlemen's bath and a smaller ladies' bath. In 1928, the Urban District Council bought the baths for £2,000 and readied them for the Tailteann Games. The baths, with a 50-metre pool, were well known for their swimming galas and water polo and could accommodate up to 1,000 spectators."
INITIAL PREVIEW OF SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT 2022 BOTANIC GARDENS 29 AUGUST 2022
Constructed in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government. It is now a major government complex and a key tourist attraction.
A QUICK WANDER AROUND DUBLIN CASTLE 22 AUGUST 2022
Constructed in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, Dublin Castle served for centuries as the headquarters of English, and later British, administration in Ireland. In 1922, following Ireland’s independence, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government. It is now a major government complex and a key tourist attraction.
EXPLORING THE NORTH WALL DUBLIN DOCKLANDS 24 AUGUST 2022
In case you are wondering the people did apologise for intruding into my photographs but as my interest is street photography I decide to leave the images as they were.
In reality I only photographed North Wall Quay rather than the whole area.
North Wall is an area east of the inner north side of Dublin, along the River Liffey. It contains the entire north side of Dublin Docklands and includes the International Financial Services Centre, Spencer Dock, and further east the main part of Dublin Port.
In reality I only photographed North Wall Quay rather than the whole area.
North Wall is an area east of the inner north side of Dublin, along the River Liffey. It contains the entire north side of Dublin Docklands and includes the International Financial Services Centre, Spencer Dock, and further east the main part of Dublin Port.
DAVID AND GOLIATH BY JAM SUTTON THE MULTI-DISCIPLINED BRITISH ARTIST
In case you are wondering the people did apologise for intruding into my photographs but as my interest is street photography I decide to leave the images as they were.
In reality I only photographed North Wall Quay rather than the whole area.
North Wall is an area east of the inner north side of Dublin, along the River Liffey. It contains the entire north side of Dublin Docklands and includes the International Financial Services Centre, Spencer Dock, and further east the main part of Dublin Port.
In reality I only photographed North Wall Quay rather than the whole area.
North Wall is an area east of the inner north side of Dublin, along the River Liffey. It contains the entire north side of Dublin Docklands and includes the International Financial Services Centre, Spencer Dock, and further east the main part of Dublin Port.
LADY SPRING BY PAWEL JASINSKI PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART AT MOUNT JEROME
Pawel Jasinski, artist and designer, was born in Poland and works in Dublin. He has exhibited his paintings in several European countries including Poland, Ireland, Latvia and England. One of his works - portrait of Paul Brady, has been printed at the side of The Icon Factory Gallery in Temple Bar, Dublin.
In December 2017, The Hunt Museum in Limerick recognised his painting "Woman at Temple Bar" as the picture of the month. Pawel also exhibited his works in the legendary place of Polish culture - Piwnica pod Baranami in Krakow.
In December 2017, The Hunt Museum in Limerick recognised his painting "Woman at Temple Bar" as the picture of the month. Pawel also exhibited his works in the legendary place of Polish culture - Piwnica pod Baranami in Krakow.
MOUNT JEROME CEMETERY26 AUGUST 2022
Today I experimented hoping to produce images that differed in style from what I normally publish online. I used a Canon 1Ds MkIII which is about 15 years old and I used a Voigtlander 40mm f/2.0 Ultron SL II Aspherical Lens. https://dustinabbott.net/2017/05/voigtlander-ultron-40mm-f2-sl-ii-review/
I underexposed and then processed the images through DX0 PureRAW in order to reduce noise. The resulting files were then processed using Adobe Lightroom Classic.
The name of the cemetery comes from an estate established there by the Reverend Stephen Jerome, who in 1639 was vicar of St. Kevin's Parish. At that time, Harold's Cross was part of St. Kevin's Parish. In the latter half of the 17th century, the land passed into the ownership of the Earl of Meath, who in turn leased plots to prominent Dublin families.
I underexposed and then processed the images through DX0 PureRAW in order to reduce noise. The resulting files were then processed using Adobe Lightroom Classic.
The name of the cemetery comes from an estate established there by the Reverend Stephen Jerome, who in 1639 was vicar of St. Kevin's Parish. At that time, Harold's Cross was part of St. Kevin's Parish. In the latter half of the 17th century, the land passed into the ownership of the Earl of Meath, who in turn leased plots to prominent Dublin families.
SAINT BRIGID'S PARISH CHURCHBLANCHARDSTOWN 25 AUGUST 2022
The foundation stone for St. Brigid’s Church was laid on 13th October 1835 and the first Mass was celebrated there on 29th October 1837. The construction of the Church, tower and spire was finally completed in 1863. The spire, which is 189 feet high, is of a distinctive and unusual design, said to be Flemish – similar type spires can be found on the continent.
FAMINE MEMORIAL AT CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY IN DUBLIN
In case you are wondering the people did apologise for intruding into my photographs but as my interest is street photography I decide to leave the images as they were.
The memorial was created by Rowan Gillespie and presented to the city of Dublin in 1997. The sculpture features six lifesize figures dressed in rags, clutching onto their belongings and children. In 2007, similar figures were unveiled in Toronto, Canada's Ireland Park. The two memorials to show emigrants leaving famished Ireland for a new life.
The memorial was created by Rowan Gillespie and presented to the city of Dublin in 1997. The sculpture features six lifesize figures dressed in rags, clutching onto their belongings and children. In 2007, similar figures were unveiled in Toronto, Canada's Ireland Park. The two memorials to show emigrants leaving famished Ireland for a new life.
PARLIAMENT STREET AND NEARBY22 AUGUST 2022 VISIT
Essex Street was established in 1674, and named after Arthur Capel, the Earl of Essex and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at the time.
Exchange Street [originally Chequer Street] Upper and Lower were named due to the fact that they led on to the Royal Exchange, now the City Hall, and were formerly known as Blind Quay Upper and Lower
Parliament Street was created in the early 1760s by the Wide Streets Commission to open up a direct route to Dublin Castle with retail buildings on either side. It was the first project to be undertaken by the Commission, created after an Act of Parliament, and was the origin of the name. The Act allowed for the land and associated houses to be purchased for £12,000 to create the new street.
Exchange Street [originally Chequer Street] Upper and Lower were named due to the fact that they led on to the Royal Exchange, now the City Hall, and were formerly known as Blind Quay Upper and Lower
Parliament Street was created in the early 1760s by the Wide Streets Commission to open up a direct route to Dublin Castle with retail buildings on either side. It was the first project to be undertaken by the Commission, created after an Act of Parliament, and was the origin of the name. The Act allowed for the land and associated houses to be purchased for £12,000 to create the new street.
CAPEL STREET HAS BEEN PEDESTRIANISED 22 AUGUST 2022 VISIT
As I was walking along the street a couple approached me complaining that they could not purchase a parking ticket as they could not find a ticket machine. They got really annoyed when I explained that it was a pedestrian only zone. They explained in no uncertain terms that they will never again to Dublin to shop.
If you are walking along the street a degree of caution is advise because bicycles and electric scooters are permitted to use the street and there are so many of them that they a rapidly becoming a safety issue. Note: I am not sure if electric scooters are actually legal but there are many of them.
If you are walking along the street a degree of caution is advise because bicycles and electric scooters are permitted to use the street and there are so many of them that they a rapidly becoming a safety issue. Note: I am not sure if electric scooters are actually legal but there are many of them.
DROP DEAD TWICE ON FRANCIS STREETTHIS PUB IS OUT OF ACTION BECAUSE OF A FIRE IN JULY 2022
Kelly O'Malley, one of the co-founders of Drop Dead Twice, has launched a Go Fund Me campaign in order to rebuild and reopen the popular Dublin bar, following last month's fire. I hope that the campaign is a success.
Five units of Dublin Fire Brigade responded to the fire at Drop Dead Twice on Francis Street on Monday 11th July. The emergency services were alerted by an automatic fire alarm and smoke was also seen coming from the premises at around 4.30am. According to local media and other reports a well-developed fire had taken hold on the ground floor and a full evacuation of an adjoining property was necessary.
Five units of Dublin Fire Brigade responded to the fire at Drop Dead Twice on Francis Street on Monday 11th July. The emergency services were alerted by an automatic fire alarm and smoke was also seen coming from the premises at around 4.30am. According to local media and other reports a well-developed fire had taken hold on the ground floor and a full evacuation of an adjoining property was necessary.
MODULAR ENERGY CENTRE TU CAMPUS AT GRANGEGORMAN
Alternative Heat were engaged by Grangegorman Development Agency to design, fabricate, install and commission an Energy Centre at the former St Brendan's Hospital in central Dublin, to provide full LTHW provision through a DHN to the redeveloped 73-acre site, with uses including residential, commercial and a new campus for Tecnological University Dublin.
VERONICA GUERIN MEMORIAL GARDENDUBLIN CASTLE 22 AUGUST 2022
On the evening of 25 June 1996, Gilligan drug gang members Charles Bowden, Brian Meehan, Kieran 'Muscles' Concannon, Peter Mitchell and Paul Ward met at their distribution premises on the Greenmount Industrial Estate. Bowden, the gang's distributor and ammunition quartermaster, supplied the three with a Colt Python revolver loaded with .357 Magnum semiwadcutter bullets. On 26 June 1996, while driving her red Opel Calibra, Guerin stopped at a red traffic light on the Naas Dual Carriageway near Newlands Cross, on the outskirts of Dublin, unaware she was being followed. She was shot six times, fatally, by one of two men sitting on a motorcycle
THE WRITING IS ON THE WALLMANOR STREET 21 AUGUST 2022
If you say that the writing is on the wall, you mean that there are clear signs that a situation is going to become very difficult or unpleasant. However, I have decided to be optimistic, how about you?
THE POND AND NEARBYSAINT ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
The park is bisected by the small Naniken River and features an artificial pond and a number of follies, a rose garden, a Chinese garden, a fine collection of trees with walks, including an arboretum, a playground, cafe, and recreational facilities including extensive GAA and soccer playing fields, tennis courts and a par-3 golf course.
THIS IS THE SECOND LARGEST PARK IN DUBLINSAINT ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
St. Anne’s Park is the second largest public park in Dublin. It covers just over 240 acres and is a very popular place for city dwellers to stretch their legs and walk their dogs.
The park contains many interesting features, including a walled garden, the grand avenue and twelve follies. In the last few decades, a rose garden, walking trails and the Millennium Arboretum have been added, which contain over 1000 varied trees.
The park contains many interesting features, including a walled garden, the grand avenue and twelve follies. In the last few decades, a rose garden, walking trails and the Millennium Arboretum have been added, which contain over 1000 varied trees.
ST ANN'S HOLY WELLSAINT ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
The well itself dried up in the 1950s, and although Dublin City Council made several attempts to relocate the source, it remains dry as of 2022. The site is still respected, and was visited in 2000 by a formal joint procession of worshippers from the Raheny parishes of the Roman Catholic Church and Church of Ireland. The site was cleaned of soil and vegetation by a specialist contractor in early 2018, the original well opening located, and a safety grille, also keeping leaves out, was fitted over the former outlet.
AS SEEN FROM ST ANNE'S PARKTHE PIGEON HOUSE CHIMNEYS AS MY SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
I was standing on James Larkin Road at St Anne's Park and noticed that it was still raining across the water and it looked ghostly so I made a few attempts to capture the scene as I saw it.
The Poolbeg power station is situated adjacent to the now-decommissioned Pigeon House generating station, where electricity was first generated in 1903 (with the distinction of being the first in the world to generate three phase power).
The Poolbeg power station is situated adjacent to the now-decommissioned Pigeon House generating station, where electricity was first generated in 1903 (with the distinction of being the first in the world to generate three phase power).
THE YEW CIRCLE IN ST ANNE'S PARK SAINT ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
In the walled garden there was originally a circular yew hedge with alcoves and arches in which stood statues representing the five continents. The statues were reflected in the great circular marble basin which occupied the centre of the Yew Circle. My understanding is that some or all of the statue were sold at auction.
RUSTIC GROTTOANOTHER FOLLY AT ST ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
The Rustic Grotto was a feature to link the main house down the slope from the grand terrace walk to the seafront. It provided a viewing point at an intersection of paths. It is comprised of several types of local stone, including Howth stone, and porphyry stone.
THE BOATHOUSE OR POMPEIIAN TEMPLE AT THE POND IN ST ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
The “Boathouse” (Pompeiian Temple) is located adjacent the duck pond and was formerly used as a tea house. During a recent restoration project The central pediment was taken down and rebuilt which also facilitated structural strengthening of a steel beam and the subsequent removal of the central steel pier (not an original detail).
OLD CLOCK TOWERSAINT ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
It is a 4-storey brick tower with a giant bell (nearly 1.2 metres across), inscribed with Benjamin Lee‟s name and family motto, ‘Spes Mea in Deo’ (My Hope is in God). The tower has three floors and access to the first floor was via an external staircase (has been removed) with internal ladders to the other floors.
ROCK CARVING AT SAINT ANNE'S PARK MAY BE A REPRESENTATION OF THE TARA BROOCH
I was unable to find any reference, online, to this carving of a brooch on a rock in Saint Anne's Park which contains many follies. However, I suspect that it is a representation of the Brooch Of Tara.
ROSE GARDENSAINT ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
On Monday [15 August 2022] I was delighted to discover that the weather would be cooler so I decided visit St Anne's Park but on arriving I was disappointed to discover the condition of the famous rose garden. Maybe I left it too late in the year to visit especially as Dublin City Council advises that to see the Rose Garden at its best one should visit during the annual Rose Festival on the 3rd weekend of July.
HERCULANEAN HOUSE OR ROMAN TEMPLESAINT ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
The Roman Temple (Herculanean House) is situated near what was originally the northwestern corner of the walled garden near the house. It was a perfect replica in classical Roman style, with a courtyard and interior paved with tiles copied from a design found during the excavations of the original Herculaneum. During recent restoration wk these original courtyard mosaic tiles were unexpectedly unearthed and found to be remarkably intact and in very good condition. Works to the dome structure involved reinstating the stone parapet, reinstating the marble tiles and installing new stainless steel railings to the six bays. Works to the courtyard involved repointing and consolidating the surrounding brickwork and installing a new column at the entrance to match the existing.
THE WOODED AREASSAINT ANNE'S PARK 15 AUGUST 2022
The park has a range of vegetation habitats and many historic trees. The plant collections are of national importance. There are also protected native plants and species of botanical interest. These are surveyed and managed by Dublin City Council Parks and Landscape Services Division.
ANNIE LEE BRIDGEONE OF TWELVE FOLLIES IN ST ANNE'S PARK
The first folly to be built was the Annie Lee Bridge, near the chestnut walk, which commemorated the birth of Benjamin Lee Guinness’s daughter in 1837. The rest followed during the 1850’s and 1860’s. Most of the follies follow the course of the Naniken River which runs through the park, the rest can be found along an oak-lined avenue.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH IN MARINO GRIFFITH AVENUE 13 AUGUST 2022
Located on Griffith Avenue, St Vincent de Paul Parish Church in Marino is part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. The Church was completed in 1928 on the old Charlemont estate.
WHAT A HOOT BY ALAN MC ARTHURPAINT-A-BOX STREET ART 13 AUGUST 2022
Today I decided that it would be a good idea to visit St Annes Park but when I got to the bus stop there was a huge queue and the next bus was not due for twenty minutes. I then notice that the Swords bus was about to depart so I boarded it but the heat was to much for me so I got of at the nearest stop to Griffith Avenue and walked until I reached the 123 bus terminus and when I arrived I discovered What a Hoot! by artist & graphic designer Alan Mc Arthur.
GRIFFITH AVENUEALSO KNOWN AS THE 100 FOOT ROAD
My grandmother claimed that it was known as the 100 foot road as it was 100 feet wide but, at the time, I had a feeling that she told me this as I never stopped asking questions. Anyway, I checked today and discovered that width of the road carriageway is approximately 12.0m. 3.0m wide pedestrian footpaths (approximately) are provided either side of Griffith Avenue behind a 2.0m grass verge (approximately). Note: when reviewing the photograph I managed to read an information board featuring the history of the road and it states that the road is 100 feet wide.
THE UPPER CIRCLE MARINOPHOTOGRAPHED 13 AUGUST 2022
On arriving I asked a local the name of the park and she responded by telling me that it was the upper circle Marino. I later learned Marino has two large circular greens. Broadly speaking, each one is called The Circle but for the purpose of distinguishing between them there are various other names such as the Upper Circle [Croydon Gardens] and the Bottom Circle [Marino park].
PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY AIDAN BUTLERAT THE CASINO IN MARINO
A Sporting Chance by Aidan Butler.
Aidan decided to utilise the various gaming traditions evident within a 400-metre radius of the Traffic Box, namely GAA motifs (St. Vincents and Parnell Park), gambling (Card Games, Dice, Backgammon motifs) at the Marino Casino, and Golf at Clontarf Golf Club. He used a scrolling design with colour repetition and patterns easily adapted to either new box shape. He also included a city skyline and the Casino itself. Note: As mentioned below the Marino Casino was not associated with gambling.
Aidan decided to utilise the various gaming traditions evident within a 400-metre radius of the Traffic Box, namely GAA motifs (St. Vincents and Parnell Park), gambling (Card Games, Dice, Backgammon motifs) at the Marino Casino, and Golf at Clontarf Golf Club. He used a scrolling design with colour repetition and patterns easily adapted to either new box shape. He also included a city skyline and the Casino itself. Note: As mentioned below the Marino Casino was not associated with gambling.
PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY TRACEY DALTON GRIFFITH AVENUE THE LONGEST TREE LINED AVENUE IN EUROPE
This artwork depicts the tree-lined roads of the Drumcondra and Marino area which seem to go on forever. They change with the seasons, providing beautiful walks for the local community
BUSHY IS A NEW TALL SCULPTURE IN BUSHY PARK THE PLAQUE HAS BEEN VANDALISED
As the plaque describing this sculpture has been painted over I had difficulty finding any information relating to this structure which could well have been a 5G communications mask or a bee friendly structure.
A SECTION OF THE DODDER LINEAR PARKDODDER VIEW ROAD AND SPRINGFIELD AVENUE 1 AUGUST 2022
The Dodder Valley Linear Park is a unique and priceless asset for the people of South Dublin and beyond. In addition to its natural conservation value, the park offers a rich heritage, outstanding scenery and a sanctuary for peaceful recreation.
STILLORGAN ORCHARDON THE HILL 1 AUGUST 2022
I first photographed this pub back in April 2012 which is more than ten years ago and the area has seen a lot of change since then and a number of large buildings, across the road from the pub, have been demolished making the immediate area somewhat unattractive.
STILLORGAN VILLAGELOWER KILMACUD ROAD AREA 1 AUGUST 2022
Kilmacud is north of Sandyford, east of Dundrum and south of Goatstown. The west end of the Lower Kilmacud Road starts in Goatstown, heading in a southerly direction. It then goes southeast through what appears to be a narrow shortcut and on out to the end of Drummartin Road and turns east. From there it continues eastwards through to the Stillorgan dual carriageway or N11. In total, it is about 2.6 kilometres or 1.6 miles long. The Upper Kilmacud Road starts in Dundrum and goes uphill initially it continues eastward, levels off, and continues until a sharp corner brings it northward and downhill. It joins the Lower Kilmacud Road close to St. Laurence's Boys School. It is about 2.9 kilometres or 1.8 miles long.
ST LAURENCE O'TOOLE CHURCHKILMANCUD AND STILLORGAN
I lived in Stillorgan in 1964 when the Parish of St. Laurence O’Toole, Kilmacud, was formed. The Parish was made up of Kilmacud and Stillorgan. The first Parish Priest was Canon Harley. Until then our local church was Mount Merrion.
LIFE SIZED STATUE OF PATRICK KAVANAGHLOCATED ON WILTON TERRACE NOT MESPIL ROAD
This life sized statue of Patrick Kavanagh sitting on one side of a park bench is by John Coll and it was unveiled in June 1991. It is situated on the north bank of the Grand Canal across from Mespil Road. Previously, I incorrectly described it as being on Mespil Road when it is, in fact, at Wilton Terrace. I have noticed that a number of other accounts describe it as being on Mespil Road ... I hope that I am not responsible for such errors
BY DANNY OSBORNEOSCAR WILDE ON A ROCK AND TWO MINOR SCULPTURES
This is, without doubt, a favourite of mine and I spend a lot of time trying to get the "best photograph ever" but it does not bother me that I need to try again.
BRIAN FRIEL AND JOHN B KEANE COFFEE MORNING AT STARBUCKS 5 AUGUST 2022
I have noticed a number of blogs indicating that the artist responsible for this set of sculptures was/is John Coll but they may be confused as he was responsible for the statue of Patrick Kavanagh on the Grand Canal at Baggot Street [nearby]and Brendan Behan on the Royal Canal in Drumcrondra.
NOT MANY ART DECO BUILDINGS IN DUBLIN BUT KODAK HOUSE IS ONE OF THE BEST
The Kodak Building is one of two listed Art Deco buildings in Dublin. It was designed by Architects Donnelly, Moore and Keatinge in 1930.
DUN LAOGHAIRE BATHSPROJECT WAS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN SUMMER 2022
Bathing was very popular from the eighteenth century onwards. For example, Blackrock is mentioned in a number of books of the time as being an attractive bathing area for many Dublin inhabitants.
Two separate bathing areas in old Dun Laoghaire have been noted in maps dating from the 1790s. Sources mention baths in Kingstown being built by the Royal Hotel in 1828. They were probably removed to make way for the construction of the railway in 1836.
In 1843, John Croswaithe built baths on the corner of Scotsman's Bay. Originally known as the Royal Victorian Baths, they were only used by those who had the means to afford them. This is the site of today's Dun Laoghaire baths.
Crosthwaite lived in Victoria Cottage, which is now long demolished. It stood where the road now runs, in front of the present-day Dun Laoghaire Baths. Croswaithe Park in Dun Laoghaire immortalises his name.
Kingstown Urban District Council bought the baths in the late 1890s and renovated them between 1905 and 1911 at a cost of £12,000. This is when they became known as Kingstown Baths, and later Dun Laoghaire Baths. The current derelict Edwardian entrance dates from this time. Crosthwaite also built baths at Seapoint, which were privately owned.
Dun Laoghaire beach was also a popular bathing area. The beach was pebbly, but set up with terraces and sun loungers. Many old photographs and postcards show this to be a very popular area for bathing and recreation.
Two separate bathing areas in old Dun Laoghaire have been noted in maps dating from the 1790s. Sources mention baths in Kingstown being built by the Royal Hotel in 1828. They were probably removed to make way for the construction of the railway in 1836.
In 1843, John Croswaithe built baths on the corner of Scotsman's Bay. Originally known as the Royal Victorian Baths, they were only used by those who had the means to afford them. This is the site of today's Dun Laoghaire baths.
Crosthwaite lived in Victoria Cottage, which is now long demolished. It stood where the road now runs, in front of the present-day Dun Laoghaire Baths. Croswaithe Park in Dun Laoghaire immortalises his name.
Kingstown Urban District Council bought the baths in the late 1890s and renovated them between 1905 and 1911 at a cost of £12,000. This is when they became known as Kingstown Baths, and later Dun Laoghaire Baths. The current derelict Edwardian entrance dates from this time. Crosthwaite also built baths at Seapoint, which were privately owned.
Dun Laoghaire beach was also a popular bathing area. The beach was pebbly, but set up with terraces and sun loungers. Many old photographs and postcards show this to be a very popular area for bathing and recreation.
ORIGINALLY STILLORGAN SHOPPING CENTRENOW STILLORGAN VILLAGE
I lived beside Stillorgan Shopping for the first thirty years of its existence and as it was the first shopping centre [mall] in Ireland and many of my friends were more than envious and kept finding excuses to visit me at home. Even though the centre is old and small compared to most modern shopping centres it is very popular as it is an outdoor centre.
IS BLACKROCK A VILLAGE OR A TOWNPHOTOGRAPHED 3 AUGUST 2022
Newtown Castle Byrne, or simply Newtown, so that "Blackrock" is simply an abbreviation of one of its ancient titles. For example, the town was called Newtown in a 1488 Act of Parliament. The name still survives in Newtown Avenue, and Newtown House. It was thus distinguished from Newtown-in-the-Deer-Park, as the village of Newtown Park was then called, from the circumstance that it was built in the Deer Park belonging to Stillorgan House, or Castle (a quo Newtownpark Avenue).
TRAIN STATION IN BLACKROCK VILLAGEAND NEARBY PHOTOGRAPHED 3 AUGUST 2022
Blackrock railway station serves Blackrock in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Ireland. It opened publicly on 17 December 1834 and is one of the three original stations on the Dublin and Kingstown Railway (D&KR), the oldest public passenger railway in Ireland. From the inception of the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) service in 1984, all DART services stop at Blackrock.
GEORGE IV MEMORIAL ERECTED IN 1823PHOTOGRAPHED 3 AUGUST 2022
The town was officially renamed Kingstown in 1821 in honour of a visit by the British King George IV, but reverted to its ancient Irish name by resolution of the town council in 1921
CHRIST THE KING BY ANDREW O'CONNOR A LARGE TRIPLE CROSS IN DUN LAOGHAIRE
I have noticed that very few passers-by pay any attention to this large sculpture located beside the LexIcon Library and Cultural Centre in Dun Laoghaire.
THE HILL PUBIS NOW BACK IN ACTION
The Hill Pub is Dublin's newest Gastro Bar. Situated on Mountpleasant Square, this is a great place to come to enjoy high quality bar food in a convivial environment. Try our take on classics like Spicy Chicken Wings or Irish Cod and Chips to more refined
BLACKROCK PUBLIC PARKPHOTOGRAPHED 03 AUGUST 2022
Blackrock Park is a pleasant green area overlooking Dublin Bay, in Blackrock County Dublin, and boasts a well equipped children's playground, cycle path and trees.
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