URBAN EXPRESSION BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

There Is Much To See Here

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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.  

PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY JANAN ABIR – LOCATED ON MOREHAMPTON ROAD NEAR VICTORIA AVENUE

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PHOTOGRAPHED 7 FEBRUARY 2025

PHOTO GALLERY SUITABLE FOR MOBILE DEVICES

Victoria Avenue is a charming, quiet street located in the heart of Donnybrook, Dublin 4. It’s known for its beautiful redbrick Victorian and Edwardian houses, many of which have been lovingly maintained and retain their original period features.

Here’s what makes Victoria Avenue a desirable location:

Prime Location: Situated just off Morehampton Road, residents enjoy easy access to the vibrant villages of Donnybrook and Ranelagh. These areas offer a wide array of amenities, including boutiques, cafes, restaurants, delicatessens, and shops.  

Proximity to Herbert Park: The 32-acre Herbert Park is a stone’s throw away, providing residents with a beautiful green space for leisurely walks, picnics, and recreational activities.

Excellent Schools: The area boasts a superb selection of Dublin’s premier schools and colleges, including UCD and Trinity College, making it an ideal location for families with children.  

Excellent Bus Service: Victoria Avenue benefits from frequent and reliable bus routes passing through Donnybrook and Ballsbridge, providing easy access to the city centre and other areas of Dublin. This is the primary public transport option for residents.

Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its central location, Victoria Avenue maintains a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it a sought-after residential area.

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.

SAFE HOME OR SLAN ABHAILE IF YOU ARE SPEAKING IRISH

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PAINT-A-BOX AT THE OVAL IN PALMERSTOWN

Artist: Andrew McCarthy
Artwork Title: ‘Safe Home’
Location: ‘The Oval’, Palmerstown, Dublin 14
Year: 2018
Council: South Dublin County Council

McCarthy aimed to create a piece deeply connected to the local area. As a former pupil of a nearby primary school, his memories of walking home in his old snorkel jacket and carrying a heavy schoolbag inspired him. The simplicity of those days comes through in the artwork. Now an adult living in the area, McCarthy also observes that the track can become heavily congested as it sits before the final set of lights leading to the N4 motorway. This element is also captured in the work.

The boy depicted in the piece walks in the direction of the track, and the ‘Slain Abhaile’ symbolises a wish for a safe journey home for everyone.

Biography:
Andrew McCarthy works as a Graphic Designer for Freeney’s Graphics. His specialisation lies in vehicle and wall graphics, a profession he greatly enjoys. Many of his designs can be seen on vehicles throughout Dublin. With a lifelong passion for drawing and painting, McCarthy is presently working on a collection of original pieces. He anticipates launching his own website by the end of the summer.

The Oval at Palmerstown is a crèche and Montessori school located at 2 Palmerstown Avenue, Dublin 20. It is committed to the best interests of children, respecting their rights, needs, and interests.

The Oval Crèche and Montessori School offers a variety of programs including a Toddler Room, Pre-Montessori, Montessori, and After-School programs. They also participate in the ECCE Government Preschool Scheme, which applies to children aged between 3 years 2 months and 4 years 6 months on 1st September in any given year.

The school’s ethos is centred around happy children, friendly caring staff, happy parents, and positive interactions. They aim to support the learning and development of each individual child by providing an integrated, balanced, broad, and stimulating curriculum.

The Oval Crèche and Montessori School is based in Palmerstown, Dublin, and is easily accessible for local residents. It provides a safe, secure, and stimulating environment that embraces all children and values their race, gender, age, disability, culture, class, and religion.

A SPORTING CHANCE BY AIDAN BUTLER

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PAINT-A-BOX AT MARINO CASINO

This vibrant artwork by Dublin artist Aidan Butler adorns a Traffic Box near Marino Casino, drawing inspiration from the rich sporting and gaming heritage of the surrounding area. Butler cleverly incorporates motifs associated with Gaelic games (GAA) from nearby St. Vincent’s and Parnell Park, the historic Marino Casino, and Clontarf Golf Club. His design features a dynamic scrolling pattern with repeated colours and shapes, perfectly complementing the unique structure of the Traffic Box. A silhouette of the Dublin city skyline and the elegant Casino itself are also woven into the composition.

It’s important to note: While the artwork references gaming motifs, the Marino Casino was never used as a gambling establishment.

About the Artist:

Aidan Butler is a self-taught professional artist who has lived and worked in Dublin 9 for many years. His impressive portfolio includes state commissions, and his work is held in numerous corporate and private collections. Butler is also a skilled designer, creating posters, book covers, and logos.

The Marino Casino:

Often mistaken for a folly, the Casino at Marino is a delightful 18th-century summer house nestled within the grounds of Marino House in Dublin, Ireland. Designed by renowned Scottish architect William Chambers for James Caulfeild, 1st Earl of Charlemont, this exquisite building is a prime example of Neo-Classical architecture. Construction began in the late 1750s and was completed around 1775. Interestingly, despite his pride in the design, Chambers was never able to visit the finished Casino due to his commitments in England.

The name “Casino” derives from the Italian word “Casa,” meaning “house,” and its diminutive form signifies “little house.” It’s crucial to understand that this term predates the modern association with gambling. Lord Charlemont, captivated by Italian culture after his nine-year Grand Tour, chose the name for this charming addition to his estate, which he had named after the town of Marino in Lazio, Italy.

WHAT A HOOT PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART BY ALAN MAC ARTHUR

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PHOTOGRAPHED 22 OCTOBER 2024

This striking paint-a-box mural, located on Malahide Road near Griffith Avenue, features a captivating long-eared owl, a native Irish species. Artist Alan McArthur cleverly uses geometric patterns to evoke the owl’s feathers, capturing the essence of its silent nocturnal flight.

A Dublin-based graphic designer, McArthur honed his distinctive geometric style through his work as deputy creative director at Ashville Media and various freelance projects. He graduated from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in 2004 with a degree in Visual Communications.

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