CLONTARF BOAT SLIPWAY
CLONTARF PIER AND SLIPWAY [NEAR THE CLONTARF YACHT CLUB]
Clontarf Boat Slipway, which is a popular spot for launching small boats and kayaks, and also for swimming! It's located right by the Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club.
History: It's been around for a long time, dating back to 1875 when the Clontarf Yacht and Boat Club was founded. So it has quite a bit of history itself, just like the Baths!
Recent Popularity: It's seen a surge in popularity for sea swimming, especially since the Covid pandemic when boating activities were reduced.
Parking Issues: There have been some issues with illegal parking around the slipway, with people blocking access for those launching boats. Dublin City Council has installed bollards to try and manage this.
Accessibility: While the bollards have helped with parking, some kayakers have found it harder to access the slipway with their equipment. This has caused a bit of debate locally.
CLONTARF PUMPING STATION
THE 2004 PUMPING STATION IN CLONTARF [A RATHER INTERESTING BUILDING]
Pumping Station in Clontarf, Dublin, built in 2004! It's a rather interesting building.
Not just a pumping station: This building, located at the junction of Vernon Avenue and Clontarf Road, actually houses three things:
The pumping station itself
A maintenance depot for Dublin City Council Parks Department
An ESB substation
Unique design: The building has a distinctive modern design. It's a single, angular structure that "rotates" across the site to maximise light and create interesting relationships with its surroundings (the road, the village, the sea wall, and even the docklands across the estuary).
Architects: It was designed by de Paor Architects.
Purposeful design: Each façade of the building serves a different function (pumping station, park depot, or electrical substation). Despite this separation, the interior is linked by a shared space for natural ventilation, which also cleverly incorporates toilet/shower facilities and a water tank.
Part of a larger plan: The pumping station was part of a broader initiative by Dublin City Council and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland to improve and enhance the village centre of Clontarf.
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH [CLONTARF ROAD AND CHURCH GATE AVENUE]
St John the Baptist Church on Clontarf Road is a Catholic church with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
History & Architecture
Early Years: The church was designed by renowned Dublin ecclesiastical architect Patrick Byrne. The foundation stone was laid in 1835, and it opened in 1838, though it wasn't fully completed until 1842.
Growth and Expansion: The church underwent significant expansion in 1895, thanks to the generosity of Mr Owison Allingham. He funded a 17-foot extension, a new high altar, pulpit, altar rails, sacristy, and bell tower. His sister, Miss Allingham, decorated the church's interior.
Parish Priests: Several notable parish priests have served St John the Baptist, including Fr Callanan (died 1846), Rev Cornelius Rooney (1846-1878), and Fr Patrick O'Neill (1879-1909). Fr Edward McCabe, a curate under Fr Callanan, went on to become Cardinal Archbishop of Dublin.
Parish Changes: The parish boundaries have shifted over time. Initially, Clontarf was part of a union of eight parishes. In 1879, this was split, with Clontarf then including Killester, Coolock, and Raheny. In 1909, Clontarf became a separate parish. With the growing population, chapels-of-ease were opened: St Anthony's in 1927 and St Gabriel's in 1956. These became independent parishes in 1966 but were reunited with St John the Baptist in 2009.
Holy Faith Sisters: In 1890, the Sisters of Holy Faith established a convent and schools for girls and junior boys in Clontarf at the invitation of Fr O'Neill.
INFIRMARY ROAD
TODAY I WALKED UP INFIRMARY HILL [THERE IS MUCH ONGOING REDEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA]
Infirmary "Hill" in Dublin is more than just a street with a steep incline near the Phoenix Park. While the name reflects the common European practice of denoting slopes as "hills," this particular street holds a fascinating and layered history, intertwined with Ireland's journey to independence.
Here's what I know about the two significant sites on Infirmary "Hill":
The Royal Military Infirmary: This grand edifice, designed by renowned English architect James Gandon, stands proudly on the southeastern edge of Phoenix Park. Built between 1786 and 1788, it originally served as a state-of-the-art hospital for British soldiers stationed in Dublin. Today, this imposing structure, with its distinctive C-shaped footprint and central clock tower, houses the Irish Department of Defence's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The former Military Support Complex: Further up Infirmary Road, nestled between Montpelier Hill and Montpelier Gardens, lies a site with a rich military past. While previously believed to be solely a Veterinary Hospital, recent archaeological assessments reveal a more complex picture. This site, dating back to at least the 18th century, served a variety of military functions, including stabling, accommodation, stores, and workshops. It likely played a vital role in supporting the logistical needs of the British Army in Dublin.
Evolution of the Site: The 19th century saw significant development on the site, with new buildings, boundary walls, and laneways added, suggesting an expansion of military activities. It continued to be used for various military purposes throughout the 20th century, adapting to changing needs, before eventually falling into decline.
A Window into the Past: Today, the derelict structures and buried archaeological remains offer a unique opportunity to explore Dublin's military history. They hold the potential to reveal valuable insights into the daily lives and activities of the soldiers who once occupied this space.
Looking to the Future: Interestingly, the site is now earmarked for a social housing scheme. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity – to balance the needs of the present with the preservation of the past. Careful consideration must be given to ensure the archaeological heritage of the site is protected and integrated into any future development.
The decline of this military complex, along with other British military installations in Dublin, reflects a pivotal moment in Irish history. The War of Independence marked a struggle for self-determination, and the transformation of these sites can be seen as a physical manifestation of Ireland's journey to independence.
AN EMPTY PLINTH
In 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 bronze statue of George William Frederick Howard, the 7th Earl of Carlisle. Erected around 1870, the statue was the work of renowned Irish sculptor, John Henry Foley, whose other notable works include the statue of Prince Albert at the Albert Memorial in London and the Daniel O'Connell Monument in Dublin.
The Earl of Carlisle was a prominent figure in 19th-century Irish politics, serving as Chief Secretary and twice as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He played a key role in the creation of the People's Garden, envisioning it as a place for the "recreation and instruction of the poor of Dublin". In a time when monuments in Irish municipal parks were rare, the Carlisle Monument held a unique position as the sole statue in the People's Garden.
However, the monument's story took a dramatic turn in 1956 when a bomb dislodged the bronze statue from its pedestal. The statue was subsequently relocated to Castle Howard in Yorkshire, England, the Earl's ancestral home. The plinth, however, remained in Dublin, a poignant reminder of the Earl's legacy and a testament to the changing tides of history.
Today, the plinth stands as a central focus in a grassy area at the southwest edge of the gardens near Chesterfield Avenue. Its inscriptions provide a glimpse into the life of the Earl of Carlisle:
North face: "Erected by public subscription 1870"
South face: "George Wm. Frederick, seventh Earl of Carlisle, K.G / Chief Secretary for Ireland, 1835 to 1841 / Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, 1855-1858 and 1859 to 1864 / Born 1802. Died 1864."
Surrounded by low-level planting, the plinth serves as a quiet place for reflection, inviting visitors to contemplate the complexities of history and the enduring power of public spaces.
THE WELLINGTON OBELISK
The Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park, a towering obelisk marking the Dublin skyline, stands as a somewhat ironic tribute to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. While intended to celebrate his victory at Waterloo and Irish roots, the project was met with lukewarm public support and beset by delays and funding issues. This lack of enthusiasm stemmed from Wellington's waning popularity in Ireland due to his political stance against Catholic Emancipation, alongside funding difficulties and the monument's relocation to a less central location.
Ironically, the monument is associated with two contrasting anecdotes that capture the complex relationship between Wellington and his homeland. The first, often recounted with a chuckle, involves a stable built on site to house the horse for the planned equestrian statue. When funds ran dry, leaving the stable empty, Wellington quipped, "If they cannot afford the horse, they can afford the stable." This story, though popular in Dublin, highlights the financial woes that plagued the monument's construction and the eventual abandonment of the statue.
Far more widely known, however, is the biting remark by Daniel O'Connell, a leading figure in the fight for Catholic Emancipation: "The poor old duke, what shall I say of him? To be sure he was born in Ireland, but being born in a stable does not make a man a horse." O'Connell, a champion of Catholic Emancipation and a towering figure in Irish history, crafted a retort that resonated deeply with those who felt betrayed by Wellington's political stance. This quote, deeply ingrained in Irish historical memory, underscores the complexities of Wellington's legacy in Ireland, where admiration for his military achievements is often tempered by his political actions.
In contrast to the Dublin monument, the Wellington Monument in Trim, County Meath, enjoyed significant local support. This stemmed from Wellington's strong personal ties to the town, where he spent his formative years and served as a member of Parliament. Funded and championed by the local community, the Trim monument, a more modest bronze statue atop a column, reflects a sense of local pride and ownership absent in the Dublin project.
The contrasting stories associated with the Dublin monument, one humorous and the other pointedly critical, offer a glimpse into the complexities of commemorating historical figures whose legacies are intertwined with political and social tensions. These contrasting narratives, alongside the differing receptions of the Dublin and Trim monuments, paint a nuanced picture of Wellington's legacy in Ireland, one marked by both admiration and resentment.
RICHMOND HOSPITAL
The Richmond Hospital, located on North Brunswick Street in Dublin, has a long and fascinating history. It began as a convent in 1688, founded by the Benedictine Nuns. In the 18th century, the site was transformed into a complex of hospitals, including the Hardwicke Fever Hospital (1803), the Richmond Surgical Hospital (1811), and the Whitworth Medical Hospital (1817).
In 1901, the Richmond Surgical Hospital was rebuilt in a grand red brick and terracotta style, designed by the renowned architects Carroll and Batchelor. It quickly became known for its excellent surgical care and its reputation for innovation. The hospital served as a leading medical facility for over 80 years.
In 1987, the Richmond Hospital closed its doors as a hospital. The building was later repurposed as a courthouse, serving as a base for the District Court Service for many years. In 2018, the building was acquired by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and transformed into the Richmond Education and Event Centre.
Today, the Richmond building stands as a testament to its rich history and architectural significance. It serves as a vibrant hub for education, training, and events, while also preserving its heritage as a former hospital.
NORTH KING STREET
NORTH KING STREET [IT IS LONGER THAN I THOUGHT IT WAS]
North King Street, stretching further than many realise, is a street steeped in history and woven into the fabric of Dublin's identity. More than just a thoroughfare, it bears witness to significant events and transformations that have shaped the city.
Historical Significance
The Linen Industry Legacy: Before Belfast became synonymous with linen production, North King Street and its surrounding area were at the heart of Ireland's linen industry. This legacy is reflected in the street names that echo places in Ulster, such as Lurgan Street, Coleraine Street, and Lisburn Street. Linenhall Street, Linenhall Place, and Linenhall Terrace further emphasise this historical connection. The Linenhall itself, once a bustling hub for the trade, stood nearby, though its influence waned with the rise of Belfast's linen industry.
1916 Easter Rising and the North King Street Massacre: During the 1916 Easter Rising, North King Street became a scene of intense fighting between Irish Volunteers and British forces. This culminated in the tragic North King Street Massacre, where sixteen unarmed civilians were killed by British troops. This event remains a poignant reminder of the conflict's human cost. A memorial plaque at the Dublinbikes docking station on Smithfield Square, located prominently on North King Street, commemorates the victims.
Smithfield Square: This large public plaza, once a bustling marketplace, is now a vibrant space that hosts markets, concerts, and other events. It's a central feature of North King Street and a popular gathering place for locals and visitors.
The Cobblestone Pub: Facing the potential threat of demolition, the Cobblestone Pub stands as a symbol of community resilience and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Thanks to the passionate opposition and protests from locals, this beloved traditional music pub was saved. It continues to be a cherished venue for live music and a vital part of Dublin's cultural landscape.
North King Street, with its rich history and vibrant present, offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Dublin. It's a place where the past and present intertwine, reminding us of the struggles, triumphs, and enduring spirit of the city.
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