HEADLESS URBAN EXPRESSION

There Is Much To See Here

Infomatique

HERBERT HABITAT AN EXAMPLE OF STREET ART AT THE HIVE IN HERBERT PARK

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PHOTOGRAPHED USING A SONY A7RIV

I was unable to properly photograph this artwork as there were children playing at being “pirates” in the immediate area.

“Herbert Habitat,” a vibrant piece of street art, graces the walls of The Hive in Herbert Park, Dublin 4. Commissioned by Dublin City Council Parks and Biodiversity, the artwork was created by artists selected through the Dublin Canvas initiative.

The Hive in Herbert Park is a community centre that offers a variety of spaces for rent. These spaces can be used for meetings, yoga, pilates, dance, drama, and other activities. It is a valuable resource for local groups and organisations looking for a place to meet or hold events.  

AT LIBERTY LANE THE ART IS NOT AS GOOD AS IT ONCE WAS BUT THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS

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28 JANUARY 2025

Liberty Lane, a small side street tucked away behind the houses on the main street , off Camden Row and the hustle and bustle of Camden Street , was once a vibrant hub of street art in Dublin. Located to the rear of Whelan’s Pub , this hidden alleyway was a gem where creativity flourished and the walls served as an ever-evolving canvas for some of the city’s most talented artists. Today, however, its reputation as a must-see destination for street art enthusiasts has arguably diminished. While it still boasts an array of colourful murals and graffiti art, the quality and quantity have arguably declined, raising the question: is Liberty Lane still worth a visit for those seeking the best of Dublin’s street art scene?

Liberty Lane: A Laneway with a Past

A map from 1837-1842 shows that Liberty Lane once stretched from Kevin Street to the South Circular Road . However, the construction of a Georgian terrace at the junction of the South Circular Road cut it off from the canal, effectively shortening the laneway . In the early 1700s, before the terrace was built, Liberty Lane would have been a hive of activity, with all sorts of people and trades passing through its narrow confines .  

One notable event in The Liberties’ history was a devastating fire in 1875 that broke out in a malt house and warehouse . While the fire itself caused significant damage, the most peculiar aspect was the cause of the 13 casualties: alcohol poisoning from the whiskey that flowed through the streets as a result of the blaze . Ironically, the fire’s spread to a nearby pigsty might have saved lives, as the screaming livestock alerted residents to the danger .

The Rise of Liberty Lane’s Street Art Scene

While the exact origins of Liberty Lane’s street art scene remain somewhat obscure, it’s clear that the laneway’s walls provided a unique and attractive canvas for artists seeking to express themselves. Over time, Liberty Lane evolved into a dynamic outdoor gallery, showcasing a diverse range of styles and techniques.

A Canvas for Freedom and Experimentation

One of the key factors contributing to Liberty Lane’s popularity was its accessibility and the transient nature of the artwork . Artists could freely experiment and create without the constraints of formal galleries or the fear of permanent displays. This fostered a sense of community and collaboration, with artists often building upon or responding to each other’s work . The art is constantly being recycled, and up-and-coming artists often use the walls to hone their skills .    

A Who’s Who of Dublin Street Art

Some of the prominent artists who have contributed to Liberty Lane’s street art scene include Dan Leo, Aches, ADW, and Brutto . These artists, along with many others, helped to establish Liberty Lane as a must-see destination for art lovers in Dublin. Maser, a well-known Dublin street artist, even set up shop in Liberty Lane eleven years ago . One of the most evocative murals the city has seen graced the walls of the Bernard Shaw, a nearby pub and cultural hub .  

Dublin is fortunate to have a vibrant community of urban artists, street artists, and muralists . Artists like Fink, Subset, and James Earley are responsible for a substantial amount of the art seen throughout the city . The narrow lanes and streets of Temple Bar, a popular tourist area, are a feast of street art, featuring murals by Subset, James Earley, Maser, Kinmx, and others .

PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY BLU HERON DESIGN ON LOWER KIMMAGE ROAD D6

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PHOTOGRAPHED 28 DECEMBER 2024

Artist – Shauna Heron

This piece features a cat relaxing and surveying its kingdom from the comfort of its flower bed. The area in which the artwork is located is a thriving Dublin suburb with people (and pets) from all walks of life, and the artist wanted to create a pleasing piece that would appeal to as many people as possible. Cat owners will instantly recognise the attitude of their four-legged family members, while the daffodil flowers create something bright, colourful, and comforting to look at as people go about their day in suburbia.

Kimmage Road Lower, located in Dublin 6W (and partially D6), Ireland, is a long, primarily residential road that stretches roughly from the KCR (Kimmage Cross Roads) down towards Harold’s Cross and the Grand Canal. It’s a well-established area with a mix of housing, businesses, and community facilities

MURALS – DOMINICK STREET DREAMS

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A REAL DUB STANDING BESIDE ME AT THE TRAM STOP DESCRIBED IT AS THE DOMINICK STREET NIGHTMARE

I have a suspicion that the whole redevelopment proposal is aspirational – I say this because for decades the City Council has promised that the Social Flats complexes on Dominick Street were to be redeveloped. To be fair the blocks across the street have been demolished and redeveloped but it took decades. In my opinion, the apartments that are current scheduled to be refurbished are in no way suitable.

Dominick Street Lower: A Model for Climate-Resilient Social Housing

In line with Dublin City Council’s ambitious climate action plan, Climate Neutral Dublin 2030, three blocks of flats on Dominick Street Lower are undergoing a deep retrofit. This project aims to showcase how older social housing can be transformed into low-carbon, climate-resilient homes while maintaining high quality and comfort for residents.

More Than Just Bricks and Mortar

This initiative goes beyond simply improving energy efficiency. It’s about creating a sustainable and vibrant community. Here’s how:

“Your Back Garden”: The vacant car park in Dominick Lane is being transformed into a temporary communal garden for residents to enjoy during the retrofit process. This green space provides a much-needed oasis in the urban landscape and fosters a sense of community.

Celebrating Sustainability Through Art: To highlight the project’s commitment to climate action, DCC commissioned a striking mural on the construction hoarding. This vibrant artwork animates the street and raises awareness about sustainable living.

The Mural and Artists

The mural, titled “Dominick Street Dreams”, is a collaborative creation by four talented artists:

Kathrina Rupit: Known for her bold graphic style and vibrant colours, often incorporating elements of nature and fantasy.
Claire Prouvost: A Dublin-based French artist specialising in large-scale murals that celebrate diversity and human connection, with a distinctive Cubist influence.
Friz: A street artist whose work explores themes of social justice and environmentalism, often using stencils and spray paint.
Emily Robyn Archer: An illustrator and muralist with a whimsical style, known for creating playful characters and imaginative scenes.
Together, these artists have produced a captivating mural that reflects the spirit of community, sustainability, and renewal. It’s a testament to Dublin City Council’s commitment to integrating art into urban regeneration projects.

The Original Vision: A Public-Private Partnership

The initial plan for Dominick Street’s regeneration involved a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). This meant the Dublin City Council would collaborate with a private developer to overhaul the entire area, including the social housing flats.

The Developer’s Exit

The private developer involved in the PPP was Bernard McNamara. Unfortunately, his company ran into significant financial difficulties during the Irish property crash in the late 2000s. This led to:

Project Stall: The Dominick Street regeneration project stalled as McNamara’s company struggled.
PPP Collapse: Ultimately, the PPP collapsed, leaving the project in limbo.

The Aftermath and New Approach

Following the collapse of the PPP, Dublin City Council had to reassess its approach to the Dominick Street regeneration. This led to:

Phased Redevelopment: Instead of a single, large-scale project, the Council opted for a phased approach, tackling different parts of Dominick Street separately.  
Focus on Social Housing: The initial focus shifted to redeveloping the social housing complexes on the east side of Dominick Street Lower, which had been vacated due to their poor condition.

New Partnerships: The Council sought new partnerships and funding sources to move forward with the regeneration.
Delays and Challenges

Even with this revised approach, the Dominick Street regeneration faced further delays and challenges:

Funding Constraints: Securing adequate funding for social housing projects remained a challenge in the post-crash economic climate.
Planning and Design: The planning and design process for complex urban regeneration projects can be time-consuming, involving consultations, approvals, and revisions.

Relocating Residents: Finding suitable alternative accommodation for residents of the existing flats was a crucial step that sometimes caused delays.

Current Status

As of now, the east side of Dominick Street Lower has been successfully redeveloped, with new social housing units, a community centre, and commercial spaces. However, the original vision for a comprehensive regeneration of the entire Dominick Street area, including the refurbishment of the remaining flats, remains unfulfilled.   It should be noted that the commercial spaces are vacant.

The Future of Dominick Street Lower Flats

The future of the flats on the west side of Dominick Street Lower remains uncertain. While the Dublin City Development Plan 2016-2022 mentions their refurbishment, the lack of recent concrete information raises concerns about the timeline and feasibility of this project.

THE PEOPLES FLOWER GARDEN – THIS IS WITHIN PHOENIX PARK

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PHOTOGRAPHED OCTOBER 2024 BY INFOMATIQUE

Phoenix Park: Dublin’s Urban Oasis

Phoenix Park is a sprawling urban park in Dublin, Ireland, boasting 707 hectares (1,750 acres) of recreational space. It’s one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European capital city. Established in 1662, the park has a rich history and offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors.

Key Features of Phoenix Park:

Vast green spaces: The park is known for its expansive grasslands and tree-lined avenues, perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, or simply relaxing amidst nature.
Home to wildlife: A herd of wild fallow deer has roamed the park since the 17th century, adding to its unique charm.
Historical landmarks: The park houses significant landmarks, including Áras an Uachtaráin (the official residence of the President of Ireland), Dublin Zoo, and the Wellington Monument.
Recreational facilities: Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as cycling, playing sports, or exploring the various gardens and walking trails.

The People’s Flower Garden: A Victorian Oasis within the Park

Nestled within Phoenix Park, the People’s Flower Garden is a beautifully manicured Victorian garden spanning 9 hectares. Originally known as the Promenade Grounds, it was opened in the mid-19th century and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Highlights of the People’s Flower Garden:

Victorian bedding schemes: The garden showcases stunning floral displays, reflecting the classic Victorian style of horticulture.
Ornamental lake: A large lake with various waterfowl adds to the serene atmosphere of the garden.
Children’s playground: A dedicated play area provides entertainment for younger visitors.
Picnic areas: Ample picnic spots allow visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The People’s Flower Garden is a true gem within Phoenix Park, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a family outing, or a glimpse into Victorian horticulture, the People’s Flower Garden is a must-visit destination in Dublin.

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