ROCHE'S STREET
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ALL FORMS OF STREET ARTThe commercialization of street art is a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. It has brought recognition and financial rewards to many… AN EMPTY PLINTHIn the heart of the People's Flower Garden, a solitary plinth stands as a silent witness to a bygone era. This classically-styled pedestal once supported a… ARCHBOLDS CASTLEWhile the castle's origins are linked to the Dungan family, it acquired its current name from the Archbold family, who leased the property in the 18th century.…
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BOOTERSTOWNNature enthusiasts will appreciate Booterstown's proximity to Blackrock Park, a sprawling green space offering scenic walks, a lake, and playgrounds. The nearby… BOOTERSTOWN MARSHBooterstown Marsh and Nature Reserve is a unique and important habitat with an interesting history. The marsh's origins are directly linked to the construction… BOYNE VIADUCTDiscover the history of the Boyne Viaduct in Drogheda, a Victorian engineering marvel designed by Sir John Macneill. Learn about its 1855 construction, the… BUSHY PARKBushy Park is a large public park located in Terenure, Dublin, Ireland, bordering the River Dodder. Unlike many other urban parks which feature formal gardens,… BY ANDY McAndyMc is a Dublin based artist and designer. His works predominately focus on portraiture, in a colourful street art kind of way. BY CIARA JOHNSONThe Great Irish Elk, also known as the Irish Deer or Giant Deer (Megaloceros giganteus), is an extinct species of deer renowned for its colossal size and… BY CLAIRE PROUVOSTClaire Prouvost is a French visual artist who has made Dublin her home. She is known for her large-scale murals and public art installations. Her work often… BY JESSICA MOLESINIMolesini, originally from Italy, is a Dublin-based illustrator and muralist known for her vibrant colours and playful cartoon style. BY MARIA CASTILLOMaria Castillo's artistic journey began in Mexico City, where she was born and raised. Her parents, both painters, instilled in her a deep passion for art from…
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CAPEL STREETExplore the transformation of Capel Street, Dublin’s longest traffic-free thoroughfare. This guide examines the surge in hotel construction, including major… CHARLEMONT PLACEDiscover the transformation of Charlemont Place along Dublin’s Grand Canal. From its 18th-century industrial roots to the modern Charlemont Square development,… CITY CENTRE QUAYSExploring the Dublin Quays with the groundbreaking Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM. This review examines whether this heavy-duty "prime-killer" zoom can replace… CITY QUAYS GARDENDiscover City Quays Gardens in Belfast, a sustainable 2-acre urban park on Donegall Quay. Explore the iconic Gateway Nest sculpture and the "Echoes Below"… COPY OF A STONE TEMPLESantry Demesne Public Park holds within its boundaries echoes of a grand past, most notably through a replica of a once-prominent stone temple. This temple,…
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DALKEY PARISH CHURCHDalkey, once a thriving harbour and fishing centre, experienced a period of decline after the 16th century. The ancient St. Begnet’s Church, dating back to the… DAY OF THE BIG STORMStorm Éowyn, a powerful and unusual weather system, brought significant disruption to Ireland and the UK in late January 2025. On 24 January, businesses in… DROGHEDA STREET ARTRevisit the 2009 street art scene of Drogheda's Bridge of Peace. Discover how the Canon 1Ds MkIII's autofocus issues were finally overcome using DxO PureRaw 6… DUBLIN CASTLE MARCH 2026Explore the authentic history of Dublin Castle, a working government site that defies "Disney" expectations. Discover the moving Veronica Guerin memorial garden… DUBLIN DOCKLANDSThe Dublin Docklands today stand as a testament to the city's maritime heritage and its capacity for reinvention. The area's history serves as a reminder of the… DUBLIN ICON FACTORYThe Icon Factory, a vibrant hub of creativity nestled in the heart of Dublin's Temple Bar, left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape. More than… DUBLIN NORTH"Rougher" vs. "Posher": There's a stereotype that the Northside is "rougher" while the Southside is "posher." Like any stereotype, this is an oversimplification… DUNDRUM VILLAGEDundrum Village is a charming suburb in South Dublin. It's known for its mix of old and new, with a historic village center and the modern Dundrum Town Centre,… DUN LAOGHAIRE BATHSThis blog post explores the captivating history of Dun Laoghaire Baths, nestled in the picturesque seaside town of Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland.…
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EMBRACED LOOPEmbraced Loop is Ireland’s National HIV and AIDS Monument, located in the People’s Flower Gardens, Phoenix Park. Designed by artists Anaisa Franco and Michael… EURO GIANT CEASED TRADINGEuroGiant enters liquidation: Why did the Irish discount giant fail in 2026? Discover the 'perfect storm' of high rents and online competition that led to the…
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FALLEN TREEA reflection on the falling trees in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, exploring the philosophical and physical reasons behind the loss of these giants, from soil… FLOWER GARDENNestled within Phoenix Park, the People's Flower Garden is a beautifully manicured Victorian garden spanning 9 hectares. Originally known as the Promenade… FLOWER GARDENSExplore the history and horticultural beauty of the People’s Flower Gardens in Phoenix Park. From its 1864 Victorian origins to the challenges of modern tree… FLUDUBLINFluDublin is a supporters' club for fans of the Brazilian football team Fluminense, based in Dublin, Ireland. FRANCIS STREETDiscover the complex history and recent upgrading of Francis Street in Dublin’s Liberties. From the long-awaited restoration of the Iveagh Market to the…
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GAS EXPLOSIONEmergency services described it as a 'miracle' that no one was killed when a mid-terrace house at St. Anne’s Square, Blackrock, was reduced to rubble on Friday,… GILFORD ROADDiscover Gilford Road, Sandymount: A journey through the history, architecture, and prestigious residences of Dublin 4. From its Victorian red-bricks and the… GLASNEVIN CEMETERYDiscover Glasnevin Cemetery, Ireland’s National Cemetery and the final resting place of 1.5 million souls. Explore the graves of Michael Collins and Daniel… GLASSHOUSES AT THE BOTANIC GARDENSExplore the historic glasshouses of the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin. Discover the architectural beauty of Richard Turner’s Curvilinear Range… GOAT CASTLEDalkey Castle, also known as Goat Castle, stands on Castle Street in the charming coastal village of Dalkey, south of Dublin. GRAND CANAL QUAYGrand Canal Quay is a dynamic and evolving district nestled within Dublin's Docklands. This vibrant hub seamlessly blends residential, commercial, and… GRAND CANAL SQUAREGrand Canal Square is a striking public space in the heart of Dublin's revitalised Docklands. Situated on the south side of the River Liffey, it forms a key… GREY HERONA Grey Heron was spotted perching on a Land Rover in Chapelizod, Dublin. Discover why these elegant birds choose urban vantage points, where they nest in…
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HENRIETTA PLACEDiscover the history of Henrietta Place, Dublin—from its origins in the linen trade and Georgian grandeur to its era of tenements and modern status as a traffic…
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INTERESTING DOORThe large door next to 19 Lord Edward Street, featuring a bronze Viking longship, may be an entrance to the Home Response flats complex. While information about…
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LARGE CRANERelive the historic May 2009 installation of Dublin's Samuel Beckett Bridge. Discover the engineering precision required to transport the Calatrava-designed… LIFFEY PARKAmong these urban green spaces is Liffey Park, a picturesque stretch along the River Liffey that meanders through Dublin's heart. This photographic series… LIFFEY STREET AREADiscover the stunning transformation of Lower Liffey Street and the iconic Ha'penny Bridge. This blog explores Dublin's latest pedestrianisation efforts, the… LITTLE SHIP STREETExplore the hidden history of Dublin’s Little Ship Street and Werburgh Street. From the "Defence of the Castle" art panels to 1,000-year-old Viking discoveries…
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MARTELLO TOWER 15Blackrock Park's landscape reveals several layers of history. A fine example of Victorian landscape design, the park features a bandstand, lake, and pavilion,… MAUREEN KELLY FOXOriginally 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… MILESTONE ON ROCK ROADYesterday I attended a lecture about Quantum navigation so the milestone on Rock Road caught my attention. 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…
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NEWMARKET AREA AND NEARBYExplore the 2026 status of Newmarket Square, Dublin. From the completion of the major public realm revamp to the latest in Build-to-Rent developments like 18… NEW PLAY AREAIn late 2023, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council officially opened the highly anticipated adventure play space in Blackrock Park. This exciting new facility…
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ONE EATOKYO LEFTEatokyo, a long-standing Japanese restaurant on Capel Street, has sadly closed. While no official reason has been publicly given, their website only lists…
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PEARSE STATIONExplore the rich history of Pearse Station, formerly Westland Row. From its 1834 origins as the world’s first commuter line to its future under the DART+… PHOENIX FOLLYThe Phoenix Folly draws inspiration from that 1747 monument in Phoenix Park, commissioned by the 4th Earl of Chesterfield. This column, topped with a mythical… POND AREADiscover the Victorian elegance of the People’s Flower Gardens in Phoenix Park. At its heart lies the 1864 ornamental pond, a picturesque sanctuary for swans… PORTOBELLO HARBOURThe name Portobello, meaning "beautiful harbour", has a curious origin. It is derived from the Spanish colonial port of Portobelo in Panama, captured by the… PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENSDublin is renowned for its abundance of well-maintained and well-managed public parks and green spaces, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of… PUBS AND RESTAURANTSThe pub and restaurant scene in Ireland is incredibly diverse, ranging from traditional, cosy pubs serving hearty Irish fare to modern gastropubs and fine…
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ROBERT EMMETRumours circulated that the wall displaying the Robert Emmet memorial plaque had been demolished and replaced by builders' hoarding. To verify this, I visited…
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SAINT PATRICKS DAY 2026Experience St Patrick’s Day 2026 in Dublin, featuring Grand Marshal Vogue Williams and the "Roots" themed parade. Discover the history of St Patrick’s Blue, the… SALTWATER LAKEThe lake is the dominant feature within Blackrock Park, a green space managed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Its shape is organic in outline,… SALTWATER LAKEThe lake is the dominant feature within Blackrock Park, a green space managed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Its shape is organic in outline,… SAMUEL BECKETT BRIDGEIn May 2009, the Samuel Beckett Bridge completed its 628-mile journey from Rotterdam to Dublin. Transported as a single 2,500-tonne assembly on a sea-going… SANDYCOVEMany years ago, I photographed an official sign that read "FORTY FOOT MEN ONLY". My account of the area should explain why this was considered amusing. SANDYMOUNT TOWERMartello Tower No. 16 in Sandymount is officially on the market for €1.5 million. Often confused with the James Joyce Tower in Sandycove, this historic… STEPHENS GREEN WAS WATERLOGGEDThis situation in St Stephen's Green is a stark reminder of the profound impact of extreme weather events on our urban environment. It highlights the… ST MARY'S PRIORYDiscover the dual history of St Mary’s Priory in Drogheda, from its 13th-century monastic origins to its industrial life on Old Abbey Lane. Explore why this…
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TEMPLE BARExplore the hidden side of Dublin’s cultural quarter. Discover the history of Crampton Court, famously rebranded as "Love Lane" by artist Anna Doran. Home to… THE MAGDALENE TOWER IN DROGHEDADiscover the Magdalene Tower in Drogheda, a striking 14th-century Gothic belfry and the sole survivor of a grand Dominican Friary. Learn about its unique… THE OLD BANDSTANDDespite its years of neglect, the Bushy Park bandstand is not forgotten. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in its potential, with plans for its… THE OLD BATHSExplore the history and beauty of Sandymount Strand, Dublin’s most famous literary beach. Learn why it’s a "strand," its role in James Joyce’s Ulysses, the… THE REAL SANTA CLAUSEI am discussing this church because a person that I met on my last visit to Francis Street mentioned that this church was dedicated to Santa Clause.… THE SHORTEST STREET IN DUBLINSEO Extract: Discover Palace Street, famously known as the shortest street in Ireland. Located in the heart of Dublin, this historic thoroughfare serves as the… THE TEMPLE BAR AREAHappy St Patrick's Day! As we find ourselves in the heart of the 2026 celebrations, Dublin has once again transformed into a sea of emerald, though the city’s… TIVOLI STREET ARTIn the years leading up to its demolition, the Tivoli car park had become an unlikely hub for Dublin's vibrant street art scene. Its walls, once drab and…
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ULVERTON ROADUlverton Road was created as an alternative route to Harbour Road, connecting Dún Laoghaire and Bullock Harbour with Dalkey Village. Its wide expanse and… USHER MONUMENTThe Usher Memorial, also known as the Usher Monument, is a historical landmark located in Dundrum, Dublin, Ireland. It commemorates Dr Isaac Usher, a respected…
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WAR MEMORIAL PARKThe gardens are primarily dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the Great War (1914-1918). However, they also honour all Irishmen who… WELLINGTON OBELISKThe Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park, a towering obelisk marking the Dublin skyline, stands as a somewhat ironic tribute to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of…
ROCHE'S STREET