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PUNK PIGEONS BY PAUL GONNELLY IS AN EXAMPLE PAINT-A-BOX STREET ART IN CONTEXT

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NEAR 30 MANOR STREET – THE PIGEON HOUSE

On Manor Street in Stoneybatter, a traffic light control box features “Punk Pigeons,” a vibrant piece of street art by Paul Gonnelly. This work, part of the Dublin Canvas ‘Paint-a-Box’ project, is a colourful tribute to the area’s well-known, and often pesky, pigeon population.

The artwork is inspired by a complex local story. A nearby house at 30 Manor Street became informally known as the “Pigeon House” due to a resident who enthusiastically fed the local feral pigeons. Over time, the excess food also attracted rats, leading some to dub it the “Rat House.” Gonnelly’s art playfully references this notorious piece of Stoneybatter history.

This specific location has a history of artistic transformation. “Punk Pigeons” is the latest piece to adorn the box, having replaced Joseph O’Connor’s ‘This is Cowtown’ (2020) and, before that, ‘Batterbricks’ by Cathal McCoy (2015-2020), showcasing the dynamic nature of public art.

A VOID ON MANOR STREET AND THE LONG STORY ABOUT THE STONEYBATTER PIGEON HOUSE

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PHOTOGRAPHED 13 OCTOBER 2025

THE LONG STORY – DISCUSSING THE ISSUE

For over a decade, the terraced house at 30 Manor Street was one of Stoneybatter’s most peculiar and divisive landmarks. Known to everyone as ‘the pigeon house’, it earned its name for a simple reason: it was the centre of a daily feeding ritual that attracted a vast and overwhelming flock of feral pigeons. This activity, kept up for years by a resident, Mr William Garnermann, turned an ordinary house into a local phenomenon, a source of community strife, and a symbol of the clash between individual habits and neighbourly wellbeing.

The story of the pigeon house is a compelling case study of modern city life. It captures the tensions that arise when personal eccentricity meets community standards and shows the limits of city councils in tackling public nuisances. The building’s journey from a notorious nuisance to a canvas for public art, and finally to a prime redevelopment site, mirrors the wider story of urban regeneration sweeping through Stoneybatter, one of Dublin’s most historic districts.

As my photographs show, even with the house now gone, the pigeon problem hasn’t been fully resolved.

The Flock and the Feeder

The identity of 30 Manor Street is tied to one person: William Garnermann. For years, Mr Garnermann would emerge from the house with a bucket of feed, scattering it across the footpath and his front garden. The result was an extraordinary scene of what eyewitnesses called “absolute mayhem”, as hundreds of pigeons swooped down to feed. A 2017 report in the Dublin Inquirer vividly described a man “engulfed by dozens of pigeons”.

This daily feast had consequences. The abundance of food attracted rats, leading some to call it the “rat house”. Residents also noted that food was deliberately left for stray cats. The house itself, described in a property listing as “in need of full refurbishment”, was derelict. This combination of a dilapidated structure and a constant food supply created the perfect storm, allowing the pigeon population to explode.

The issue wasn’t just feeding birds; it was the sheer scale and method. Scattering huge amounts of seed on the ground was indiscriminate and directly supported the local rat population, turning a seeming act of kindness into a public health concern. Mr Garnermann’s persistence, even in the face of community opposition and legal action, suggests a deeply held conviction. While his motives remain private, some locals speculated it was for “religious reasons”, while others thought he was simply a “nature lover”. Whatever the reason, his actions put him profoundly at odds with his community.

RETRO WIND SHELTERS AND OTHER STRUCTURES IN CLONTARF DESIGNED IN 1934 BY HERBERT SIMMS

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2017 LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTIONS BY INFOMATIQUE

Herbert Simms and his Impact on Dublin’s Built Environment

Herbert George Simms (1898-1948) was a prominent Irish architect who left an indelible mark on Dublin’s urban landscape. Appointed as Dublin Corporation’s first dedicated Housing Architect in 1932, he spearheaded a massive public housing programme during a period of significant social and economic challenges. His work, characterised by a blend of functionality and aesthetics, addressed the urgent need for improved housing conditions while also contributing to the city’s architectural identity.

Simms’s tenure coincided with a period of intense slum clearance and urban renewal in Dublin. He oversaw the construction of an impressive 17,000 new homes, responding to the dire living conditions of the working class. His approach was comprehensive, encompassing not just the design of individual buildings but also the wider urban planning context. He was committed to providing high-quality housing that was both affordable and aesthetically pleasing.

One of Simms’s notable projects was the design and construction of a series of distinctive wind shelters along the Clontarf seafront in 1934. These shelters, with their elegant curves and Art Deco influences, serve as a testament to his design philosophy. They not only provide practical protection from the elements but also enhance the visual appeal of the promenade, contributing to a sense of place and identity.

These shelters, along with other structures like the bandstand and toilets, were part of a broader effort to improve public amenities and promote outdoor recreation. Their construction reflected a growing awareness of the importance of public spaces and the need for accessible leisure facilities for all.

Simms’s architectural legacy extends beyond Clontarf. His work can be seen in various housing projects across Dublin, including the iconic Oliver Bond flats and Pearse House. These buildings, with their distinctive brickwork and carefully considered layouts, continue to provide much-needed housing while also serving as reminders of Simms’s contribution to the city.

Simms’s impact on Dublin’s built environment lies not just in the quantity of housing he delivered but also in the quality of his designs. He demonstrated that public housing could be both functional and beautiful, enhancing the lives of residents and contributing to the city’s architectural heritage. His work continues to inspire and influence architects and urban planners today, serving as a reminder of the power of design to improve lives and shape communities.

https://streetphotos.gallery/Excellent_Picture_This_2017/WindSheltersByHerbertSimms/index.html

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH – CLONTARF ROAD AND CHURCH GATE AVENUE

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2017 LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTIONS BY WILLIAM MURPHY

St John the Baptist Church on Clontarf Road is a Catholic church with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.  

History & Architecture

Early Years: The church was designed by renowned Dublin ecclesiastical architect Patrick Byrne. The foundation stone was laid in 1835, and it opened in 1838, though it wasn’t fully completed until 1842.  
Growth and Expansion: The church underwent significant expansion in 1895, thanks to the generosity of Mr Owison Allingham. He funded a 17-foot extension, a new high altar, pulpit, altar rails, sacristy, and bell tower. His sister, Miss Allingham, decorated the church’s interior.

Parish Priests: Several notable parish priests have served St John the Baptist, including Fr Callanan (died 1846), Rev Cornelius Rooney (1846-1878), and Fr Patrick O’Neill (1879-1909). Fr Edward McCabe, a curate under Fr Callanan, went on to become Cardinal Archbishop of Dublin.

Parish Changes: The parish boundaries have shifted over time. Initially, Clontarf was part of a union of eight parishes. In 1879, this was split, with Clontarf then including Killester, Coolock, and Raheny. In 1909, Clontarf became a separate parish. With the growing population, chapels-of-ease were opened: St Anthony’s in 1927 and St Gabriel’s in 1956. These became independent parishes in 1966 but were reunited with St John the Baptist in 2009.  

Holy Faith Sisters: In 1890, the Sisters of Holy Faith established a convent and schools for girls and junior boys in Clontarf at the invitation of Fr O’Neill.  

EXPLORING DUBBER CROSS AREA AND NEARBY – THE DAY THAT I GOT LOST

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LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTION 2017

Charlestown was the homeland area name and much of the land there was owned by Mr. Melvin, the farmer. The locals that I encountered remembered the area well when it was all fields and distinctly rural.

In May 2017 I decided to get a bus at random and see where it brought me. I ended up at a place known as Dubber Cross near Charlestown Shopping Centre which is very close to the runways at Dublin Airport. You may notice landing jets in some of the images.

Charlestown Shopping Centre located in the northern end of Finglas. It opened in October 2007 and has two of the centre opened in October 2015. The second phase included a nine screen Odeon cinema and a Leisureplex which includes a Bowling alley and Quasar. However, I decided to explore the local area and to some extent got lost as my camera did not have GPS and my iPhoned had shutdown. To the best of my knowledge I photographed parts of Charlestown, Meakstown and Dubber Cross.

For those unfamiliar, townlands are ancient divisions of land, often with fascinating histories. Meakstown and Dubber Cross, nestled in northwest Dublin, are no exception. Meakstown sits east of the busy N2, while Dubber Cross lies just west, across the road. Both areas have witnessed significant changes over the years, evolving from rural landscapes to suburban neighbourhoods.

Dubber is in the Civil Parish of Santry, in the Barony of Coolock, in the County of Dublin. During my visit I meet a mother and her children and she told me that she was there to show the children their new house which was at the end of the lane. According to Google Maps the name of the lane is ‘Dubber Cottages’ but when I checked the sales information for Dubber House it was described as being located at the end of ‘Dubber Lane’. If her new house is Dubber House it is impressive.

Historically, Meakstown was known as “Baile Maidheac” in Irish, possibly meaning “Mac’s town”. Records show the area was once home to a substantial house and demesne lands, hinting at a more affluent past.

I had been lead to believe that Dubber Cross, derived its name from the Irish “Tobar na Croise” (Well of the Cross), a holy well that once existed nearby. However, after further research I believe that this is incorrect as there is a location named Tubber Cross in Ireland and it’s a village located on the border of County Clare and County Galway. Tubber Cross is known for its historical connections, including a holy well and St. Michael’s Church.  

Today, both Meakstown and Dubber Cross are predominantly residential areas. Since my 2017 visit, further development has taken place, with new housing estates and amenities springing up. Despite this modernisation, pockets of green space remain, offering a welcome respite from the urban bustle.

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