April 2024

MILITARY ROAD AND VIEWS FROM THE ROAD

April 13, 2024 by infomatique

PHOENIX PARK APRIL 2024

Military Road: A Historical and Scenic Route in Phoenix Park

Located within Dublin’s sprawling Phoenix Park, Military Road holds both historical significance and natural beauty. Let’s explore its features:

Origins: The name “Military Road” hints at its past. It was constructed in the 18th century to connect the Royal Magazine Fort (where ammunition was stored) to other military installations throughout the park.

Route: Military Road stretches roughly east-west. It begins near the park’s Chapelizod Gate entrance and extends across much of the park’s southern portion. It’s a popular route for cyclists, joggers, and walkers.

Landmarks: Along Military Road, you’ll encounter several notable features:

Cricket and Soccer Grounds: The park boasts numerous sports fields, including cricket and soccer (football) pitches, used by local teams and clubs.
Deer-Keepers’ Lodges: Charming historic lodges once housing the park’s deer-keepers are dotted along the road. These picturesque buildings add to the area’s ambiance.

Wildlife: Unsurprisingly, Phoenix Park’s famous herd of fallow deer are often spotted grazing near Military Road.
Tree-lined Beauty: Mature trees flank much of Military Road, creating a beautiful, shaded canopy for visitors, especially in the warmer months.

Access to Other Attractions: Military Road provides convenient access to other parts of the park, including the Dublin Zoo and the People’s Gardens, making it a great base to explore from.

Additional Notes:

While generally enjoyable for cars, be aware some sections of Military Road can get busy during peak hours.
The road hosts parking areas, making it an easy place to start your Phoenix Park adventure.
If you’re visiting Phoenix Park, a stroll or cycle along Military Road promises a mix of history, natural beauty, and glimpses into Dublin’s park life.

THE OLD HOUSE AT 34 MAIN STREET

April 10, 2024 by infomatique

IS A LARGE UNOCCUPIED OR DERELICT BUILDING IN CAPELIZOD VILLAGE

The old house at 34 Main Street in Chapelizod is a significant historical building.

It’s a detached, three-bay, three-storey early Georgian house over a raised basement, built circa 1740.

The house is well-proportioned and contributes to the eclectic character of Chapelizod.

It was the early childhood home of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, a renowned Gothic horror writer.

The house also features prominently in Le Fanu’s 1863 novel “The House by the Churchyard”.

Unfortunately, due to neglect, the building’s internal floors have collapsed.

A CLUSTER OF DUBLINBIKES DOCKING STATIONS

April 5, 2024 by infomatique

LOWER AND UPPER GRANGEGORMAN

ABOUT THE CANON 1Ds MARK III WHICH I USED TODAY

DublinBikes, a popular bike-sharing service in Dublin, provides convenient access to bicycles for both residents and visitors.

Docking Stations 103, 104, and 105: These three docking stations are strategically placed near the TU campus (Technological University Dublin) in the Grangegorman area. The proximity of these stations suggests that there might indeed be a high demand for bikes in this location. Having multiple stations close together ensures that users can easily find an available bike or return one without having to travel far.

The stations are situated on Upper Grangegorman and Lower Grangegorman, making them accessible to students, faculty, and nearby residents.

The Grangegorman area in Dublin has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years.

Key points about the area include:

TU Dublin Campus: The consolidated Technological University Dublin campus at Grangegorman is a major centre for education, bringing thousands of students and staff to the area daily.

Luas Green Line: The tram line provides fast and convenient public transport connections to the city centre, creating a multimodal transport network.

Regeneration: The wider Grangegorman redevelopment project has revitalised the area with a mix of educational, residential, and some commercial buildings, increasing the population density and need for transport options.

KNOCKMAROON GATE LODGE PHOENIX PARK

April 2, 2024 by infomatique

AND NEARBY

VISIT THE FURRY GLEN

LOWER GLEN ROAD IN PHOENIX PARK

VISIT THE MAGAZINE FORT

CHAPELIZOD GATE TO PHOENIX PARK

Designed by renowned architect Decimus Burton in the 1830s, the Knockmaroon Gate Lodge presents a classic, symmetrical design. It boasts ornate iron gates, octagonal-shaped stone piers, and decorative lamps. Once a gatekeeper’s residence, it now plays a more decorative role at the edge of the park.

The name ‘Knockmaroon’ has its roots in the Irish language and reveals a glimpse into the area’s landscape long ago:

“Cnoc”: This means ‘hill’ in Irish, very likely referring to the raised ground the Knockmaroon Gate is located on.
“Marún”: The meaning of this word is less certain. Some sources translate it as ‘sea pink’, a type of flowering plant. It’s possible this plant once grew abundantly on the hillside. Others believe it may be linked to an old Irish word for ‘sweet herbs’, which could also have thrived in the area.

Despite the translations, the true origins of the name ‘Knockmaroon’ remain slightly shrouded in the mists of time. There is no single definitive record, lending an extra layer of charm to this historic landmark.

The Knockmaroon Gate Lodge is located at the Knockmaroon Gate entrance to Phoenix Park. You can stroll past and admire its architecture. If you’re interested in learning more, the biodiversity centre nearby sometimes includes information on the park’s history, including its gate lodges.

Mount Sackville School is located nearby. The school was founded in 1890 by the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, an order established by Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey. However, the school is named “Mount Sackville” because it was the name of a house that was sold to the nuns. The spirit and values of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey are deeply ingrained in the ethos and educational philosophy of the school. Her dedication to education, her desire to help people of all races, and her devotion to helping those who were suffering are principles that continue to guide the school’s mission and practices. So, while the name “Sackville” relates to the geographical location of the school in Dublin, the influence of Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey is fundamental to the school’s identity and operations.