MURAL WALKING TOUR

MY VISIT TO DUN LAOGHAIRE WAS UNPLANNED

On the 23 July 2024 I had intended to visit Blackrock but as I discovered the L25 bus service after travelling to Dundrum by tram I ended up in Dun Laoghaire and had the opportunity to photograph a selection of murals at random. This standard was high approaching of equal to what I would expect to see in Waterford.

I Have not uniquely identified the individual works as I intent to do that when I next visit the town. Also I may yet have to photograph some of the examples described below.

The Dún Laoghaire Anseo street art project, initiated in 2021, has transformed the seaside town of Dún Laoghaire into a vibrant open-air gallery. Funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, with the support of Creative Ireland, the project aims to capture the essence of the town through a diverse collection of murals by established, emerging, and local artists.

The first phase of the project, in 2021, saw 16 walls adorned with stunning artwork by 14 different artists. The success of this initial phase led to a second edition in 2022, with 9 artists, including mentor-mentee pairs, adding their unique perspectives to the town's walls.

The Dún Laoghaire Anseo murals now form a captivating walking tour that winds through the town's streets, showcasing a diverse range of styles, themes, and techniques. Each mural tells a story, reflecting the town's maritime heritage, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.

While a comprehensive list of all the murals, artists, and locations is not readily available, here are a few highlights:

"The Mariner" by James Earley: This large-scale mural, located on the side of the Royal Marine Hotel, depicts a sailor gazing out to sea, a nod to Dún Laoghaire's rich maritime history.

"The Lighthouse" by Aches: This striking mural, found on the side of a building near the East Pier, features a lighthouse bathed in vibrant colours, a symbol of hope and guidance.

"The Waves" by Maser: This dynamic mural, located on a wall near the People's Park, captures the energy and movement of the sea, a constant presence in the town's life.

The Dún Laoghaire Anseo project is an ongoing initiative, with plans for future phases and new murals to be added to the collection. It has already become a beloved feature of the town, attracting visitors from near and far to explore its unique artistic landscape.