PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART AT BLACKHORSE AVENUE

RED SOCKS BY JANETTE MONAHAN

The image depicts the last scene of a story in Irish Folklore. A farmer catches a Leprechaun and asks him to show him where his pot of gold is hidden. The Leprechaun brings him to a field of hedgerows and points one out telling him it’s buried underneath it. The farmer ties a red sock around the one he pointed out while he goes to get a shovel. When he returns the entire field of hedges have socks attached to them. There are some variations on this tale such as a scarf instead of a sock or a tree instead of a hedge.

MANANNAN MacLIR

BY ACIDSTARZART

The artwork depicts Manannán MacLir, a central figure in Irish folklore and the first human descendant of Lir, the sea god. As the father of the Children of Lir, his lineage explains their immunity to drowning when they were tragically transformed into swans. Manannán is remembered as a trickster figure—one who would leave others "high and dry" to teach them a lesson, only to offer forgiveness once the moral was understood.

The mural captures the essence of this otherworldly ruler, who governed realms like Tír na nÓg. Elements of his legend are woven into the design, referencing his enchanted items: 'The Answerer' (his sword), 'Wave-Sweeper' (his self-sailing boat), and his magical horse capable of traversing both land and sea. The triskelion symbol features prominently, representing his ability to whirl across the land as a wind—a motif strongly associated with the Isle of Man, where he is also said to have resided.

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MAUREEN KELLY FOX AND HER DAUGHTER IZZY

LOCATED IN CHAPELIZOD

Artist Spotlight: Maureen Kelly Fox Brings Vibrant Paint-a-Box Murals to Chapelizod

Originally 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 and in-house design work, with a focus on digital creations such as posters, illustrations, photo retouching, and presentations.

However, Maureen's artistic talents extend beyond the digital realm. She also possesses a passion for hand-painted artistry, creating captivating murals for both interior and exterior spaces, as well as eye-catching window designs and traditional sign writing projects.

Recently, Maureen has brought her vibrant artistic flair to the streets of Chapelizod through the "Paint-a-Box" initiative, transforming ordinary traffic signal boxes into captivating works of art.

PHOTOGRAPHED 4 JANUARY 2026

BY PAWEL JASINSKI

Pawel Jasinski is a Polish-born, Dublin-based artist known for his vibrant contributions to the Irish art scene. From his "Paint-A-Box" street art on Bolton Street to his iconic portrait of Paul Brady at The Icon Factory in Temple Bar, Jasinski’s work brings colour and whimsy to Dublin's city centre. Discover the artist whose painting "Woman at Temple Bar" was recognised by The Hunt Museum and who has exhibited at Krakow's legendary Piwnica pod Baranami

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Solved: The 'mmagswashere' Dublin Street Art Mystery at Custom House Description: Who is 'mmagswashere'? We revisit the Custom House to photograph the vibrant Dublin Canvas utility boxes and reveal the artist behind the 'Evolution of Irish Currency' and the faux An Post box. Discover the work of Megan Gifford.

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LOCATED AT THE CUSTOM HOUSE

MAGS WAS HERE

After further investigation and a closer look during my recent shoot, I can finally reveal the solution.

The artist behind these wonderful additions to the Dublin streetscape is Megan Gifford, an American artist and fashion student. Her tag, "mmagswashere," was a playful breadcrumb trail that eventually led to her portfolio.

It is a fascinating glimpse into the world of public art, where a simple signature can spark a mystery and an artist's story can span continents. I am delighted to now correctly credit Megan Gifford for her contribution. It serves as a great reminder to all of us exploring the city: pause, look closer, and remember that there is always a story behind the art that colours our streets.

PHOTOGRAPHED 16 AUGUST 2022

BIRD VIEW

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.

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