infomatique

MOORE STREET AS IT IS IN 2024

March 10, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED USING AN APPLE iPHONE 12 PRO MAX

Back in the late 1970s I had great difficult surviving on the pay that I received from my employer and had to purchase the cheapest food available and believed that the place to go to was Moore Street. However, after a week or two I discovered that almost every thing that I purchased went-off within hours of being purchased. I discovered that if I went to certain supermarkets close to closing I could actually get better quality and equally good prices.

Tips for Moore Street Shopping:

Go Early: The freshest produce usually arrives in the morning.
Visually Inspect: Look for signs of bruising, over-ripeness, or mould before buying. Check what is in the bag!
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the traders about the freshness and source of their produce.
Plan Accordingly: Buy what you’ll use within a day, especially with delicate items like berries.
Moore Street offers the potential for good deals, but it also requires a conscious shopper to avoid buying produce that’s too far past its prime. Note: Do not buy bananas not matter how perfect the appear to be.

Moore Street in Dublin is a place where the city’s rich history, vibrant present, and uncertain future all intersect. Here’s a look at this iconic location:

History

A Revolutionary Birthplace: Moore Street’s story is deeply intertwined with Ireland’s struggle for independence. During the Easter Rising of 1916, it became a final stronghold for the Irish rebels. The bullet-riddled buildings serve as a stark reminder of the fighting that once occurred here.

A Bustling Market: For over a century, Moore Street has been the heart of Dublin’s street trading community. The calls of market traders, their colourful stalls, and the aroma of fresh produce have created a unique sensory experience.

Cultural Significance: Moore Street has been immortalised in Irish songs, literature, and films. It holds symbolic importance as a representation of working-class Dublin and the resilience of its people.

Current Status

A Street in Transition: Moore Street is experiencing a period of significant change. The traditional market stalls still operate, but there’s a sense of decline as trader numbers have dwindled.

Gentrification Concerns: Redevelopment plans are in the works, leaving many concerned about the potential loss of Moore Street’s unique character and the displacement of its traditional traders.

The Future

Redevelopment Plans: The proposed redevelopment aims to transform significant sections of Moore Street into a modern retail and cultural quarter.

Preservation Battles: There’s a strong push to preserve the historic elements of Moore Street, particularly its connection to the Easter Rising. Heritage groups are advocating for a sensitive balance between modernisation and preservation of the area’s legacy.

Uncertain Outcome: The future of Moore Street depends on how the delicate balance is struck between progress and historical preservation. The clash between economic development and maintaining the spirit of the street is likely to continue.

Exploring Moore Street

A visit to Moore Street today is a powerful mix of past and present. You’ll find:

Market Stalls: While fewer than before, you can still find stalls selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, and other everyday goods.
Historic Buildings: Look for the terrace where the 1916 rebel leaders made their last stand, with some buildings still showing bullet holes.
Street Art: Explore the area for murals and street art depicting scenes from Moore Street’s history.

DID SOMEONE GET A PRESENT OF A HOUSE?

March 9, 2024 by infomatique

I HAVE NO IDEA AS TO WHY A DOOR ON HENRIETTA STREET IS DECORATED IN THIS MANNER

Henrietta Street: Where it All Began.

Among the most iconic locations for glimpsing the Georgian history of Dublin is Henrietta Street. Dublin’s first Georgian street, Henrietta Street was initially popular with landed and merchant families, and a number of hereditary peers had properties on the street in the mid-18th century.

The houses were built to have rear gardens and mews. Henrietta Street itself is the oldest Georgian street in Dublin and was the model for all the Georgian squares in the city. It was built in the 1750s, largely by Luke Gardiner and then fell into disrepair in the 19th and 20th centuries with overpopulation and poverty. In general the doors here are impressive but as colourful as elswhere in the city.

The Doors of Dublin hold a unique charm, serving as colourful portals into the city’s rich Georgian history. These iconic doors, found throughout Dublin’s elegant squares and streets, offer a delightful architectural symphony.

A Story in Every Door

Each Dublin door seems to hold its own story. Their often bright, bold colours – rich reds, vibrant blues, deep greens – stand as striking contrasts to the stately brickwork of the Georgian buildings they adorn. Beyond mere decoration, the colours had practical origins: in a time before street signs, a bold door colour helped carriages locate the right residence.

The details matter too. Intricate fanlights casting delicate patterns on inner hallways, gleaming brass knockers in whimsical shapes – lions, hands, seashells – and the ornate stonework framing these doorways speak volumes of the era’s craftsmanship.

The Doors of Dublin aren’t just beautiful objects; they hold deeper meaning. They symbolise a period of Dublin’s ascendancy as a cultural and architectural centre. More than that, they became emblems of pride and individuality for homeowners, a testament to a time when craftsmanship and artistry mattered deeply.

Finding the Doors

While Henrietta Street is a must-visit, you’ll find more colourful doors at other locations across the city. Take a stroll around:

Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square: These offer prime examples of high Georgian style.
Mountjoy Square: Here, you’ll find doors with a more weathered aesthetic, revealing the layers of history they hold.

Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply adore charming details, the Doors of Dublin will add another layer of magic to your exploration of this remarkable city.

WESTERN WAY AND WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE HENDRONS BUILDING

March 9, 2024 by infomatique

A WEEK BEFORE ST PATRICK’S DAY 2024

I mentioned St Patrick’s Day because Western Way acts as the staging area for the Parade every 17th of March, and this year will be no exception.

Western Way was created around 1880 as a route linking Constitution Hill to the south-west with Mountjoy Street to the east. Prior to this, in 1845, the Midland Great Western Railway (MGWR) purchased the Royal Canal. They had developed a train station at Broadstone since 1841. This history makes Western Way interesting to those keen on Dublin’s transportation heritage.

Today, Western Way is a busy route, often used as a rat-run due to its convenient location. It sees high traffic, including many buses, likely because of its proximity to Phibsborough Road, the Broadstone LUAS station, the TUI Grangegorman College Campus, and King’s Inn law society.

Western Way features the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, a place of worship for Dublin’s Greek Orthodox community. It also hosts two DublinBikes docking stations, promoting sustainable transport.

A significant feature is the Hendrons Building. Built in the 1940s and originally used by Hendron Brothers Electric Suppliers, this semi-derelict building is now vacant. Its unique architecture and historical significance make it a point of interest. Western Way is also serviced by trams, further enhancing its connectivity as a Dublin transportation hub.

More About Hendrons

The Hendrons Building: A historically significant building in Dublin, located at the corner of Dominick Street Upper and Western Way. It was added to Dublin City Council’s Record of Protected Structures in 2020.

Previous Redevelopment Attempts: Several redevelopment plans have been proposed, including a 280-bedroom co-living scheme ultimately refused by An Bord Pleanála.

Most Recent Planning Application

Submitted: November 16, 2023.
Proposed Development: A 93-unit apartment development (five to seven stories), a café/retail unit, and a public plaza.
Applicant: Phibsborough D7 Development Ltd., controlled by US investment firm Harbert Management Corporation (HMC).
Part V Obligations: Dublin City Council plans to acquire 17 units for social housing.

Current Status

The application is likely under review. Here’s how to track its progress:

Dublin City Council Planning Enquiry Service: [https://www.dublincity.ie/residential/planning/planning-applications/find-planning-application/view-or-search-planning-applications]
Contact Dublin City Council: Find their contact details on the website linked above.
Local Representatives: Reach out to representatives like Neasa Hourigan (Green Party TD Dublin Central) [https://neasahourigan.com/post/hendrons-application/].
Important Considerations

Protected Status: Development plans must respect the building’s protected status.
Community Input: Check for community feedback and potential objections.

DUBLIN 7 COMMUNITIES WITH A UNIQUE BUT DIVERSE HISTORY

February 27, 2024 by infomatique

ARBOUR HILL AND STONEYBATTER

Every time I publish images of Arbour Hill or Stoneybatter it is almost guaranteed that someone will claim that a specific image is not of a location in Arbour Hill/Stoneybatter. On the 24th February I explored a section of Dublin 7 which I have decided to describe as Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter or both. At a later date I will photograph specific streets. There are are about one hundered photographs in the series.

Located on the north side of Dublin’s River Liffey, Arbour Hill (historically known as Cnoc an Arbhair, or “Hill of Corn”) is a neighbourhood steeped in Irish military and social history. Its streets exude the echoes of past struggles and offer a fascinating glimpse into Dublin’s working-class heritage.

Arbour Hill’s most prominent landmark is undoubtedly Arbour Hill Prison. This historic prison has held many notable figures in the fight for Irish independence, and its graveyard serves as the final resting place of the executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, making it a place of pilgrimage for many interested in Irish Republican history. To the south, you’ll find Collins Barracks, now part of the National Museum of Ireland. This former military barracks dates back to the early 18th century.

Several streets within Arbour Hill hold their own unique stories.

Stoneybatter, known for its attractive terraced houses, was once a Viking settlement and played a pivotal role in the 1916 Rising. Aughrim Street, located nearby, was the birthplace of the philosopher Edmund Burke. As you move towards Prussia Street, you’ll pass the former location of the Royal Barracks, another historical military site.

Other landmarks of note include St. Bricin’s Military Hospital, formerly King George V Hospital, and the beautiful Church of the Sacred Heart. This neo-Romanesque church, with its distinctive dome, is well worth a visit for its architecture.

While Arbour Hill doesn’t offer extensive tourist attractions per se, its primary appeal lies in its historical importance and its atmosphere. A stroll through its streets reveals the legacy of Irish nationalism, social struggle, and a resilient working-class community.

There’s some overlap and historical blurring of the lines between Stoneybatter and Arbour Hill, making a completely clear distinction tricky. Here’s what you need to consider:

Historically: Parts of what we now consider Stoneybatter were traditionally included within Arbour Hill. The areas were closely linked, with shared social and working-class histories.

Modern Perception: In recent times, popular perception has shifted. Stoneybatter has emerged as a distinct trendy neighbourhood, with its own identity and a certain “hipster” cachet driven by cafes, restaurants, and a more artistic feel.

No Official Boundaries: There are no formal or legally defined boundaries dividing Stoneybatter and Arbour Hill. Where one begins and ends depends on who you ask.

Useful Landmark: Many locals use Arbour Hill Prison as an informal reference point. Anything to the north and west of the prison is more firmly considered Stoneybatter, while the areas directly around the prison tend to be associated with Arbour Hill.

CHURCH STREET IN DUBLIN HAS A RICH AND COMPLEX HISTORY

February 23, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED USING AN iPHONE 12 PRO MAX

Church Street in Dublin boasts a rich and complex history, stretching back centuries and reflecting various periods of the city’s development. Here’s a glimpse into its past:

Early Beginnings:

The street’s origins trace back to the Viking settlement in Dublin around the 10th century. It likely served as a trade route and evolved alongside the city.
St. Michan’s Church, established in 1095, became a defining landmark. Originally a Catholic church, it transformed into a Church of Ireland church after the Reformation. Its mummified remains attract visitors today.

Transformations and Challenges:

Over time, Church Street transitioned into a residential area, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Tenement buildings became prevalent, housing large numbers of working-class families.

Unfortunately, these tenements often lacked proper sanitation and safety standards, leading to overcrowding and poor living conditions. This culminated in the tragic collapse of two tenements in 1913, claiming seven lives and sparking public outrage.

The disaster ignited a housing reform movement, ultimately leading to improved living conditions and the gradual decline of tenement housing in Dublin.

Modern Day:

Today, Church Street retains its historical charm with a mix of restored Georgian buildings and churches.

The street remembers its past through historical landmarks like St. Michan’s Church and memorials commemorating the 1913 disaster.

The Church Street Disaster of 1913 was a tragic event that highlighted the harsh realities of working-class life in Dublin at the time. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 2nd, 1913, around 8:45 PM

Location: Two tenement buildings at 66 and 67 Church Street, Dublin

What Happened:

Both buildings collapsed suddenly, engulfing the street in dust and debris. Witnesses described a loud rumbling sound before the collapse. All seven fatalities were residents of 66 Church Street, which was four stories tall and housed 26 people. No. 67, being warned by the initial collapse, managed to evacuate before its own downfall.

The rescue operation lasted through the night, involving firefighters, police, and local residents. A fire briefly interrupted the efforts at midnight.

Casualties and Impact:

Seven people died, including three children, and at least eight were seriously injured.
Over 100 people were left homeless due to the collapse of the two buildings.
The tragedy sparked outrage and public scrutiny of the poor living conditions in Dublin’s tenements.

Causes:

The official inquest revealed that the buildings were structurally unsound and had been flagged for repairs by the Dangerous Buildings Inspector just a month before the collapse.
The repairs were never completed, and the disaster exposed the lack of proper regulations and enforcement regarding tenement housing.

Legacy:

The Church Street Disaster became a catalyst for housing reform in Dublin.
The event led to stricter regulations and improved living standards for working-class residents.
A memorial plaque commemorating the victims was placed on the site of the demolished buildings.