NORTH OF THE RIVER AS EXPERIENCED BY THE URBAN CARTOGRAPHER

Original Images By William Murphy

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ABBEY STREET AND NEARBY – UPPER, MIDDLE AND LOWER

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PHOTOGRAPHED USING THE HALIDE APP

There seems to be a LR bug or a problem with the Halide Camera App – I say this because all of my recent iPhone photographs have a pink tint that is difficult to correct.

The Three Sections of Abbey Street in Dublin

Abbey Street, a prominent thoroughfare on Dublin’s Northside, stretches approximately 1 km from the Customs House in the east to Capel Street in the west, where it continues as Mary’s Abbey. The street is divided into three distinct sections:

  1. Abbey Street Lower (East End)

Beginning at the Customs House and Beresford Place, Abbey Street Lower features a mix of historic and modern buildings. It’s home to the iconic Abbey Theatre, a cultural landmark central to Ireland’s theatrical heritage. The street’s lower end is also marked by a vibrant commercial scene, with shops, cafes, and restaurants catering to locals and visitors alike.

  1. Abbey Street Middle

The middle section of Abbey Street connects the lower and upper parts, characterised by a bustling atmosphere. The Luas Red Line stop at Jervis Street adds to the dynamism, making it a convenient access point for exploring the city. Several notable establishments, including the Irish Life Mall and Arnotts department store, lie within this section.

  1. Abbey Street Upper (West End)

Transitioning towards Capel Street, Abbey Street Upper retains its lively character with a blend of commercial and residential buildings. It leads to the Jervis Street Shopping Centre, a popular retail destination. This section also encompasses the historic St. Mary’s Abbey site, lending a touch of historical significance to the area.

EXPLORING ALL SECTIONS OF THE TOLKA ESTUARY GREENWAY

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I USED AN iPHONE 12 PRO MAX

There seems to be an LR bug or a problem with the Halide Camera App – I say this because all of my recent iPhone photographs have a pink tint that was difficult to correct.

Today I had planned to attend the opening of a new Indian restaurant in the Portobello area of the city but for technical reasons the opening had to be rescheduled for Thursday so as I had plenty of time to spare and thought that it would be a good idea to explore the Tolka Estuary Greenway section of the Dublin Port Greenway and it proved to be an excellent decision even if I had the wrong camera and the wrong lens.

As there was no relevant signage on Alfie Byrne road I had difficulty finding the Tolka Estuary Greenway. I started by crossing the Eastpoint Causeway that crosses the Tolka River and then follow a waterfront path that leads to Bond Road where the entrance to the new Dublin Port Greenway. There is a second entrance beside the New Custom House on Promenade Road and the final entrance is at Terminal Road South/North. I met a number of people who were unaware of the waterfront walkway and therefore failed to find the Tolka Estuary Greenway – it is not at all obvious.

The Dublin Port Greenway, specifically the Tolka Estuary Greenway section, has recently opened to the public and is generating quite a buzz. This new greenway offers:  

Stunning Views: It provides access to previously unseen vistas of the Clontarf seafront, Bull Island, and Howth, showcasing the beauty of Dublin’s coastline.  
Improved Access: The greenway significantly enhances access to Dublin Port’s ferry terminal, offering a safer and more continuous route for cyclists and pedestrians, especially those traveling to and from the ferries.  
Environmental Sensitivity: The project was designed with the environment in mind, featuring low-level lighting to minimise disturbance to wildlife and incorporating landscaping with native trees.  
Connectivity: The greenway connects to the Royal Canal Greenway, providing access to the city centre and the Southside of Dublin, furthering the network of cycling and walking paths in the city.  
The opening of this greenway is a significant step forward for Dublin. It not only offers a scenic route for recreation and commuting but also promotes sustainable transport and improves access to key areas of the city.
As Dublin continues to develop its cycling infrastructure, the Dublin Port Greenway stands as a prime example of how such projects can enhance the city’s liveability and connectivity.

The Tolka Estuary Greenway is actually a part of the larger Dublin Port Greenway project.  

Dublin Port Greenway is a broader initiative aimed at improving cycling and pedestrian access throughout the Dublin Port area. It will eventually include multiple routes and connections, creating a network of greenways within the port.  

Tolka Estuary Greenway is a specific section of the Dublin Port Greenway, running along the northern edge of the port, offering views of the Tolka Estuary and Clontarf. It’s the first phase of the Dublin Port Greenway to be completed and opened to the public.  

So, while they are related, the Tolka Estuary Greenway is a specific completed section of the larger and still developing Dublin Port Greenway project. 

FEATURES A SMALL ENCLOSED GREEN SPACE

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HALLIDAY SQUARE

O’DEVANY GARDENS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Halliday Square, constructed by the Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company (DADC) in the late 19th century, is a unique residential square nestled in the heart of Stoneybatter, Dublin 7. Unlike typical artisan dwellings of the era, which were characterised by cramped living spaces and tiny yards, Halliday Square offered its residents a communal green space enclosed by railings. This green space served as a shared garden for tenants, providing a much-needed oasis in the dense urban landscape.

The square comprises two-story terraced houses, simple in design yet functional, built to accommodate the working-class families of the time. While not architecturally elaborate, the houses’ uniformity and the central green create a distinct sense of community and shared space.

History of Halliday Square and the Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company:

The DADC was established in 1876 to address the dire housing conditions faced by Dublin’s working class. The company aimed to provide affordable, well-built housing for artisans and labourers. Halliday Square, one of their many projects, reflects this mission, offering decent housing with a unique communal amenity.

Stoneybatter, the neighbourhood where Halliday Square is situated, has a rich history dating back to Viking times. Known for its uncommon road surface, “Bothar na gCloch,” meaning “road of the stones”, Stoneybatter evolved into a bustling industrial centre in the 19th century.

The DADC’s efforts, including the construction of Halliday Square, contributed to the improvement of living conditions for many workers in the area. While Stoneybatter experienced a period of decline in the mid-20th century, it has since undergone a revitalisation, becoming a vibrant neighbourhood known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Halliday Square remains a testament to Stoneybatter’s industrial past and the social housing initiatives of the late 19th century. It stands as a quiet, enduring landmark, offering its residents a tranquil haven within a thriving urban community.

IN THE PAST THEY COULD BE ACCESSED FROM PHOENIX PARK OR FROM INFIRMARY ROAD

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UNUSED PUBLIC TOILETS

PUBLIC TOILETS IN DUBLIN

In 2021 I came across the following by Councillor Ray McAdam: Dublin City Council is contacting the Office of Public Works to establish what the long-term plans are for the unused public toilets along Infirmary Road beside the 46 Dublin Bus stop.

44 NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD

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APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN UNOCCUPIED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS

O’DEVANY GARDENS AROUND THE CORNER
QUEEN STREET FLATS IN STONEYBATTER

2018 Squatter Issue:

In March 2018, the property at 44 North Circular Road, owned by Havbell Designated Activity Company, was illegally occupied by squatters. The High Court subsequently granted an injunction, compelling the occupants to vacate the premises.

Current Status (June 2024):

Currently unoccupied, the property is on the market for sale or rent.

Additional Information:

This distinctive group of three terraced, double-pile, two-bay, two-storey houses with raised basements stands out among its North Circular Road neighbours due to its unique half-timbering, an increasingly popular fashion in early twentieth-century suburban housing. Retaining much of its original character, its substantial proportions complement the broad, tree-lined North Circular Road.

The road itself was laid out in the 1780s to provide convenient access routes to the city centre. Development was gradual over the following century, with the far western and eastern ends being the last to see construction.

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