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A BABY AUSTINThe prominent "Austin" badge on the front grille, along with the overall shape and design of the vehicle, including the distinctive headlights and wire wheels,… 
ABSTRACT BY FRED ROCHFORDI liked this corten steel sculpture by Fred Rochford but unfortunately I know nothing about the artist or his art. 
ABSTRACT BY FRED ROCHFORDI liked this corten steel sculpture by Fred Rochford but unfortunately I know nothing about the artist or his art. 
ABSTRACT SCULPTUREUncovering the mystery of the Sergio Cuevas limestone sculpture in Fitzgerald Park, Cork. Originally misidentified as a Séamus Murphy piece or Betty Gold’s… ABUSES OF PUBLIC ARTPolitical Agenda and Propaganda in Public Art Propaganda Through Public Art Historically, totalitarian regimes have heavily used public art to reinforce their… 
ANGEL IN SAGGARTAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
ANNE DEVLIN SCULPTUREThe decision to erect a statue of Anne Devlin in Rathfarnham, rather than one of Robert Emmet, has been a subject of some debate. Emmet is undoubtedly a more… 
APPLES AND ATOMSApples and Atoms, a sculpture by Eilis O'Connell, is a notable piece of public art on the Trinity College Dublin campus 
ART ON CENTAUR STREETCentaur Street, nestled in the heart of Carlow town, is a thoroughfare that piques curiosity with its unusual name and distinctive layout. The street is divided… 
AUGUST 2024This section includes photographs from the 2024 catalog. All images have been digitally remastered 
AUGUST 2024This section includes photographs from the 2024 catalog. All images have been digitally remastered 
AUGUST 2024This section includes photographs from the 2024 catalog. All images have been digitally remastered 
AWAITING THE MARINERThe towering 20-foot sculpture, "Awaiting the Mariner," has become a familiar sight on Sandymount Strand in Dublin.
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BEST NIGHT EVERPositioned gracefully on the lawn with the Great Palm House in the background, Quinn’s tall, textured bronze depicts two slender figures linked arm-in-arm in… 
BIG YELLOW YOKEKnown colloquially by a spectrum of names, from the pragmatic 'BYT' (The Big Yellow Thing) to the more imaginative student nickname, ‘Archimedes’ Balls’, the… 
BLACK TULIPAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
BRIDGEFOOT SCULPTUREExplore the transformation of Bridgefoot Street Park in Dublin’s Liberties. This post examines how Dermot Foley Landscape Architects utilised Cor-Ten steel and… 
BRONZE COWWhen I visited the area in April 2026 it had disappeared. It is a long complicated story which I will discuss later. 
BRONZE LIONESSAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
BROWN THOMAS LANE MURALNew Zealander Askew One collaborated with Irish artist Maser to combine two unique techniques resulting in this amazing mural on Little William Street,… 
BUSHY THE SCULPTURELocated in the serene woodland setting of Bushy Park, Dublin, overlooking the tranquil duck pond and waterfall, stands 'Bushy', a striking sculpture by renowned… 
BY ALEXANDRA WEJCHERT"Freedom" is an abstract sculpture crafted from stainless steel. Its towering height and reflective surface make it a striking presence on the university… 
BY ANNETTE McCORMACKIt's a life-size representation, capturing the bird's graceful form and powerful presence. The swan is depicted with its wings slightly raised, conveying a… 
BY BLESSING SANYANGAThis award-winning piece, titled "Nomadic Family," is a clever visual pun carved in stone by Zimbabwean artist Blessing Sanyanga. From one side, the sculpture… 
BY BLESSING SANYANGAThis award-winning piece, titled "Nomadic Family," is a clever visual pun carved in stone by Zimbabwean artist Blessing Sanyanga. From one side, the sculpture… 
BY COLM J BRENNANThe "Eoinin na Nean" sculpture in Cornelscourt Village, Co. Dublin, has been a source of intrigue for many years. Recent research has finally shed light on this… 
BY DAN MAC CARTHYAfter years of searching, I finally discovered in 2023 that this striking metal sculpture is called "Cut Out People" and was created by Dan MacCarthy. 
BY IMOGEN STUARTronze statue of pope John Paul II embracing two kneeling children, based on a photograph taken during the Pope's visit in 1980. 
BY LAURA O'HAGANSome of her best-known pieces include award-winning mosaics in churches in Belfast and Longford, as well as works in Dundrum Church and Temple Carrig School 
BY MICHELLE BYRNEThe plaque describes this stone sculpture map of Carlow town and the River Barrow as a sculpture created by artist Michelle Byrne. It was unveiled on November… 
BY NASSER AZAMA reliable source has confirmed that 'Sepian Blue' was initially exhibited at Sculpture in Context, Ireland's premier showcase of public sculpture, hosted… 
BY NASSER AZAM AUGUST 2024A reliable source has confirmed that 'Sepian Blue' was initially exhibited at Sculpture in Context, Ireland's premier showcase of public sculpture, hosted… 
BY NINA VALKHOFFNina Valkhoff is a talented muralist and painter based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She's been creating large-scale murals for over two decades and is known for… 
BY PAT LOUGHRANThis striking sculpture, titled "Meeting", was created by Irish artist Pat Loughran. Selected from the final year of sculpture students at the National College… 
BY RACHEL JOYNTThe Mothership by Rachel Joynt, located in Newtownsmith between Dun Laoghaire and Glasthule, is a captivating sculpture I first encountered and photographed in… 
BY RHONA BYRNEDublin's River Liffey has long been a source of inspiration and a vital artery for the city. Now, it's also given birth to a unique piece of art, one that… 
BY VERA BUGATTThe mural portrays the Cailleach, a powerful figure in Irish mythology, the divine sorceress and mother goddess intertwined with the creation of the land and…
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CARLOW 30 AUGUSTCarlow Town, nestled on the banks of the River Barrow in the southeast of Ireland, is a captivating blend of history and contemporary charm 
CELEBRATIONAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
CELEBRATION BY DICK JOYNTDick Joynt was an Irish Postwar & Contemporary sculptor. Born in Clontarf, Dublin in 1938, he initially trained as a painter but later turned to sculpture after… 
CHAC MOOLAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
CHAC MOOL IN BLUE BY SEBASTIANAn architectural and art-historical review of Sebastián’s bright turquoise public sculpture Chac Mool at Trinity College Dublin, comparing its geometric steel… 
CHROMA LANCELocated within the town of Newbridge, County Kildare, the 'Chroma Lance' stands as a striking addition to the Newbridge Heritage & Arts Trail. This vibrant art… 
CHROMA LANCELocated within the town of Newbridge, County Kildare, the 'Chroma Lance' stands as a striking addition to the Newbridge Heritage & Arts Trail. This vibrant art… 
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DNA SCULPTUREThe sculpture is a large, double-helix structure made of stainless steel. It stands over 20 feet tall and is located near the entrance to the gardens. 
DNA SCULPTURE MAY 2013The sculpture is a large, double-helix structure made of stainless steel. It stands over 20 feet tall and is located near the entrance to the gardens. 
DODDER RHINOIn the heart of Dublin, nestled by the River Dodder, stands an enigmatic bronze rhinoceros. Its imposing presence startles passersby as they cross Classon’s… 
DODDER RHINOIn the heart of Dublin, nestled by the River Dodder, stands an enigmatic bronze rhinoceros. Its imposing presence startles passersby as they cross Classon’s… 
DUBLIN STREETSAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer DUNDRUMDundrum, originally a village in its own right, is an outer suburb of Dublin, Ireland. The area is located in the postal districts of Dublin 14 and Dublin 16. DUN LAOGHAIRE 23 JULYThe new L25 route not only facilitated my journey to Dun Laoghaire but also expanded my horizons, offering a convenient means to discover new parts of the city.
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EIGHT LIMESTONES"8 Limestones" is a sculpture by Ulrich Rückriem, a German sculptor known for his monumental works. The sculpture is made of eight limestone blocks, each cut to… 
EIREA LONG DELAYED SCULPTURE BY JEROME O'CONNOR 
EMBRACED LOOP 2024The Embraced Loop, a poignant HIV and AIDS national monument by Anaisa Franco, resides in the People’s Gardens of Dublin’s Phoenix Park. This powerful sculpture… 
EXAMPLES OF PUBLIC ART 2016Public art encompasses various art forms displayed in public spaces, accessible to everyone. It can range from sculptures and murals to installations and… 
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FAMINE MEMORIALA dedicated Famine Memorial, sculpted by John McKenna and unveiled in 1997, stands prominently at the pub's entrance, serving as a solemn tribute to those who… 
FISHERMEN MURALMagee's murals have a dreamlike quality, drawing you in with their flowing lines and muted colours. In "The Fishermen," the figures almost appear to be sculpted… 
FRANK CORISH MEMORIALThe memorial sculpture honouring Patrick Corish in the college gardens of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, is a unique and evocative tribute to his legacy as a… 
FRANK CORISH MEMORIALThe memorial sculpture honouring Patrick Corish in the college gardens of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, is a unique and evocative tribute to his legacy as a…
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GARDEN BEARIn the autumn of 2021, the streets of Dublin city centre were transformed into an open-air gallery, inviting locals and visitors alike to rediscover the magic… 
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HEART IN HANDxplore the evolution of Patrick O’Reilly’s iconic heart sculptures in Dublin. From the polished vulnerability of Heart in Hand on South Frederick Street to the… 
HENRY MOOR SCULPTURE AT TRINITYMoore’s forms are typically abstractions of the human figure, most notably reclining figures and mother-and-child motifs. Aside from a phase in the 1950s… HERITAGE TRAILNewbridge Heritage Trail body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px; } h1, h2 { color: #777; } p { margin-bottom: 15px; } ul {… HERITAGE TRAILNewbridge Heritage Trail body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px; } h1, h2 { color: #777; } p { margin-bottom: 15px; } ul {…
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IDEALISED MEMORIES OF VERTICAL GROWTHKen Drew: Ken Drew is an Irish sculptor known for his work in sculpture. His artistry spans various pieces, including the intriguing sculpture “Idealised… 
IDEALISED MEMORIES OF VERTICAL GROWTHKen Drew: Ken Drew is an Irish sculptor known for his work in sculpture. His artistry spans various pieces, including the intriguing sculpture “Idealised… 
IRISH BIRDSKillian Mullarney is a highly acclaimed Irish ornithologist, bird artist, and bird tour leader. He is considered one of the most accomplished bird artists of… IS A WAR MEMORIAL A FORM OF PUBLIC ARTYes, war memorials can be considered a form of public art. While their primary function is to commemorate and honor those who served and sacrificed in wars,…
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JOCKEY BEARExplore the whimsical world of acclaimed Irish sculptor Patrick O’Reilly. Photographed in September 2021, the bronze 'Jockey Bear' at the junction of Capel and…
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KNIFE EDGE BY HENRY MOOREThe "Moore Statue" in St. Stephen's Green is actually the abstract bronze sculpture "Knife Edge" by Henry Moore, a memorial to Irish poet W.B. Yeats, erected in…
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LEANING MANThe “Leaning Man” sculpture at Shamrock Plaza in Carlow town is a notable piece of public art. This sculpture, located in the heart of Shamrock Square, adds a… 
LEGACY 2010Originally Photographed in 2010 By William Murphy and remastered at a later date 
LIBERTY TREE SCULPTUREAs part of the commemorations, Carlow's local authorities commissioned a sculpture entitled "The Liberty Tree". The piece was created by Dublin-born,… 
LIMERICK JULY 2017All Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
LOVE ME SO MURALMcConaghy, who signs his work as DMC, is an Irish artist who prefers the freedom of the streets to the confines of a gallery. Known for his striking murals in… 
LUKE KELLYThe bronze sculpture, created by artist Vera Klute, honours the renowned Irish folk singer and member of The Dubliners.
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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… 
MAN ON TRESTLE BY CAROLYN MULHOLLANDMan on Trestle (by Carolyn Mulholland) As part of the new landscaping, a second sculpture was installed to "welcome visitors at the Leeson Street Bridge end" of… 
MOLLY MALONEThe Molly Malone statue, a bronze sculpture depicting a buxom fishmonger pushing a wheelbarrow, is one of Dublin's most iconic landmarks. Unveiled in 1988 as… 
MOTHER EARTH DANCINGBetty Newman-Maguire was born in Kells, Co. Meath in 1952. She is a practising artist who graduated with a First Class Hons B.A. Degree in Sculpture from the… MOTHER EARTH DANCINGBetty Newman-Maguire was born in Kells, Co. Meath in 1952. She is a practising artist who graduated with a First Class Hons B.A. Degree in Sculpture from the… 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… 
MURAL BY HOLLY PEREIRAThere seems to be limited street art easily visible in Newbridge compared to other towns. However, there's evidence suggesting a recent surge in street art… 
MURAL ON THE WALL OF THE B+I BUILDINGWhat makes this discovery truly special for me is the canvas itself. This building, a landmark on Sir John Rogerson's Quay, was where I worked in the 1970s when… 
MURAL ON YORK ROADThere is a mural on York Road in Dún Laoghaire by Mariana Duarte Santos. This mural was created as part of the Dún Laoghaire Anseo project, which aims to… 
MURALS BY KIRSTY MAHERMaher, a Carlow native known for her captivating public art, has a knack for creating murals that resonate with the community 
MURAL WALKING TOURI Have not uniquely identified the individual works as I intent to do that when I next visit the town MY 2016 VISIT TO GALWAYIt is a long time since I last visited Galway the main reason being the price of hotel accommodation and the fact that all hotels appear to require full payment…
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NEARBY RESTAURANTSThere are several successful dining establishments in the Belfast Waterfront area, including: The River Rooms: This restaurant offers a diverse menu with a… 
NOT A GENERIC METAL SCULPTUREAn in-depth analysis of Alexander Calder’s 1967 stabile sculpture 'Cactus Provisoire' at Trinity College Dublin, examining its biomorphic steel construction,…
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OLD STONES MURALOn College Street, across from the Cathedral, there is a building Seanclocha Cheatharlach, on which is a mural named the Old Stones Mural. To the best of my… 
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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PATRICK KAVANAGHAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
PATRICK KAVANAGH DID NOT OBJECT TO ME…By far the most famous and beloved tribute to Kavanagh is the public monument on the banks of the Grand Canal. This isn't just a simple plaque, but a life-sized… 
PHOTOGRAPHED 2014Examples od public art and street art photographed by William Murphy in 2014 PHOTOGRAPHED 2019All Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
PINNED BY PETER SLYMANExplore the whimsical world of Irish sculptor Peter Slyman, a multi-award winner at Dublin’s Sculpture in Context. Discover his celebrated 2019 installation… 
POISE BY ANGELA CONNEREvoking a sense of tranquility, 'Poise' is a captivating kinetic sculpture by renowned British artist Angela Conner. 
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… 
PUBLISHED 2023All Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer PUBLISHED 2024All Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
PUBLISHED 2026Examples of Public Art published by the Urban Cartographer in the year 2026
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REALLY TALL SCULPTUREI have fact-checked the information provided in various accounts and corrected the height of the sculpture, which is 39.3 metres, not 35.3 metres as sometimes… 
RED METAL YOKEreland, and Dublin in particular, seems to have a peculiar fondness for large, red metal sculptures. Often abstract and untitled, these striking pieces dot the… 
ROGER CASEMENTThe statue was created by sculptor Mr Mark Richards FRSS following an open competition and is a representational bronze standing over 3m tall. 
ROGER CASEMENTThe statue was created by sculptor Mr Mark Richards FRSS following an open competition and is a representational bronze standing over 3m tall.
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SCULPTURE 2018All Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
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… 
SCULPTURE BY GERDA FROMELBordering the perimeter path of College Park—where the lawns of the cricket pitch open out towards the Pavilion and the Victorian facade of the Museum… 
SEAN HEUSTON MEMORIALThe Seán Heuston Memorial Statue is a tribute to Seán Heuston (1891-1916), one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin. He was executed for his role… 
SEPIAN BLUE BY NASSER AZAMLocated within the serene landscape of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, "Sepian Blue" stands as a captivating testament to the power of bronze sculpture.… 
SKY RIVERS GROUPAs part of the F�ilte Ireland Destination Towns initiative aimed at revitalising Carlow town's tourism appeal, a Public Art Project was undertaken. Artist Remco… 
SLEEPING PATTERNS MURALSWhen I photographed this in June 2016 I was not aware that the site would be demolished to make way for the Opera Square development. 
SLEEPING PATTERNS MURALS 2017Sleeping Patterns murals by the Church of Best Ever. This particular mural no longer exists but the second one of the pair is still to be seen on the wall of… 
SOURCE BY PETER SLYMANxplore the whimsical world of Irish sculptor Peter Slyman, a multi-award winner at Dublin’s Sculpture in Context. Discover his celebrated 2019 installation… SPHERE WITHIN A SPHEREIn 2016, the sculpture "Sphere Within A Sphere" by Arnaldo Pomodoro stood prominently on the Trinity College Dublin campus, adjacent to the Berkeley Library.… 
STANDING OF THE KNIFE EDGEExplore the history and artistry of Henry Moore’s "Knife Edge," the iconic abstract memorial to W.B. Yeats in St Stephen’s Green, Dublin. Discover how this… 
STATUE OF OLD WOMANUnfortunately, the information about a statue of an old woman on Dublin Road in tribute to Frank O'Meara is incorrect. There is no known record or evidence of… 
STREET ART AT CRAMPTON COURTDublin City Council's "Love the Lanes" initiative aimed to revitalise the city's laneways. Crampton Court, off Essex Street, was transformed as part of this…
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THE BARREL MANThe Ulster Brewer, also known as the Barrel Man, is a public sculpture in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It commemorates the history of brewing in the region and… 
THE BUNKERThe Bunker was a unique establishment that, sadly, closed its doors around three years ago. Its most striking feature was its vintage-inspired signage,… THE CHILDREN OF LIRThe Children of Lir Sculpture at Dublin's Garden of Remembrance Meta Description: Discover the history and symbolism of Oisín Kelly's Children of Lir sculpture… 
THE COOMBE MEMORIALMy mother returned returned from London, where she was a ward matron and a midwife, immediately WW2 ended to work as a nurse at the Coombe Hospital but had to… 
THE DROPPING WELLAt the front of the pub, Boxer Maher’s public bar offers old-fashioned drinking surroundings with wood and bric-a-brac recreating the style of a Victorian… 
THE HEARTFELT SCULPTUREThe replacement artwork is the piece I'm sharing with you today: "Heartfelt," a sculptural red heart, created by Patrick O'Reilly. This vibrant piece, made from… 
THE KISS BY ROWAN GILLESPIEThe Kiss by Rowan Gillespie: A Guide to Dublin’s Most Romantic Sculpture Description: Discover the history and meaning behind "The Kiss," the famous bronze… 
THE LOCK KEEPERThe timing of its installation, coinciding with the opening of the Lock Keeper Pub just steps away, raises an intriguing question. Could this statue be a clever… 
THE MAOI SCULPTUREIt was presented to the City of Dublin by the Government of Chile in November 2004 as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations. 
THE SMITHFIELD UTAHThe Utah Teapot, also known as the Newell teapot, is a 3D computer model that holds a significant place in the history of computer graphics. 
THE THREE GRACESThe Three Graces, daughters of Zeus in the classical world, symbolise youth, mirth and elegance 
THE WANDERERA SCULPTURE BY RALF SANDER AT ST DOMINICK'S BRIDGE IN DROGHEDA 
THE WARRIOR QUEEN HAS BEEN RETIREDThe original Queen Maeve Statue was far more than mere public art—it was a truly remarkable, unfiltered confrontation with ancient Irish mythology. This… 
THE WISHING HANDAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
THOMAS DAVISAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
TRIBUTE TO VERA BRESLINJohn's mural for Dún Laoghaire Anseo pays tribute to Vera Breslin, whose fish stall was a familiar part of the landscape of the town for many years. 
TRIPLE INFINITY BY JOAN WALSH-SMITHThe artist listed on the plaque, Joan Smith, is Joan Walsh-Smith OAM. She is an Irish-born sculptor who works collaboratively with her husband, Charles Smith… 
TWO FOR JOYEmer Maguire is a self-taught artist who enjoys painting and creating art as a hobby. Her "Two for Joy" piece was created as part of the Dublin Canvas programme…
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UNVEILED BY RONNIE WOODSWood, an admirer of Orpen's work, expressed his delight at bringing the sculpture to the town, marking the successful culmination of years of planning and… 
UPRIGHT MEADOWSaidhbhín Gibson’s work explores the framing of the non-human environment for and by contemporary society. She employs multifarious methods of production in the… URBAN EXPRESSIONAll forms of Street Art including Graffiti, Murals and Paint-A-Box
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VERONICA GUERINAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer VERONICA GUERINThe Veronica Guerin Memorial at Dublin Castle is a tribute to the Irish investigative journalist who was murdered in 1996 for her reporting on organised crime.
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WHAT IS LIFENestled within the serene landscape of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, Ireland, lies a thought-provoking sculpture entitled "What is Life?" by renowned… 
WOLFE TONEAll Photographs By William Murphy And Published By The Urban Cartographer 
WREN AND GOLDCRESTLet's delve into the fascinating world of two tiny birds that call Ireland home: the Wren and the Goldcrest.
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ZOZIMUSAs I have always had an interest in Zozimus I usually watch out for a opportunity to mention him and the statue of a female above the Gallery Zozimus gave me…
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