Fotonique

BISMARCK COFFEE ON PRUSSIA STREET

April 3, 2024 by infomatique

DO YOU GET THE JOKE

Coffee Shop and Community Space: Bismarck is a relatively new coffee shop located on Prussia Street in the Stoneybatter area of Dublin 7. It’s focused on high-quality coffee and pastries.

Unique Vibe: It has a minimalist, industrial-style aesthetic. They also have a dedicated reading space with books for borrowing, which adds a cozy touch.

Positive Reception: While it’s still fairly new, reviews and social media posts seem positive about Bismarck. People mention the good coffee, friendly staff, and chill atmosphere.

Possible Reference to Otto von Bismarck: The name “Bismarck,” combined with being on Prussia Street, likely references the famous Prussian statesman Otto von Bismarck. It’s a quirky and historical touch.

KIRWAN STREET IN STONEYBATTER

April 3, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED USING A VERY OLD CANON CAMERA

Kirwan Street is located in the historic Stoneybatter neighbourhood on the Northside of Dublin. It’s known for its charming rows of artisan cottages.

Kirwan Street and many of the surrounding streets were developed by the Dublin Artisan’s Dwellings Company in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This organisation aimed to provide better housing for working-class families.

The street is named after an important family in the city of Galway, though the precise connection to Dublin is uncertain.

Kirwan Street features primarily small, terraced “artisan cottages”. These houses provide a quaint and historic charm that is increasingly sought-after.

The neighbourhood of Stoneybatter has undergone gentrification in recent years, making it a more popular area to live.

Kirwan Street offers a blend of traditional Dublin atmosphere with easy access to amenities and the city centre.

I am working my way through my old cameras and today it was the Canon 1Ds MkIII.

I had forgotten how to set up this camera and had forgotten that for best results I should avoid auto-focus as it was a constant source of problems in the past. Today the camera with a Sigma 24-105mm lens froze twice before I remembered to switch to manual. Also because I had selected ISO100 the photographs were underexposed so I pre-processed the files using DXO PureRaw4.

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.

CHAPELIZOD GATE AND ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL IN PHOENIX PARK

March 30, 2024 by infomatique

EASTER WEEK 2024

My original intention was to photograph the Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park, but things didn’t go according to plan. Finding myself at the Chapelizod Gate instead, I decided to explore the area near what is now St. Mary’s Hospital.

1833 – Chapelizod Gate Lodge: A Gem of Park Architecture: Located at the Chapelizod entrance to the vast Phoenix Park in Dublin, stands the charming Chapelizod Gate Lodge. Designed in 1833 by renowned architect Decimus Burton, it’s widely considered one of the most attractive structures within the park.

St. Mary’s Hospital, located in Phoenix Park, Dublin, offers stroke rehabilitation to patients of all ages. It also provides inpatient rehabilitation and residential care to older persons. As a multidisciplinary community hospital, it offers outpatient services through its Day Hospital.

A Rich History: From Military School to Healthcare

The buildings that now house St. Mary’s Hospital were originally constructed for the Royal Hibernian Military School. Founded in 1769 as the Hibernian Asylum by the Hibernian Society (a philanthropic organisation), the school aimed to support the children of soldiers. In 1922, amidst political change, the school relocated to Shorncliffe, England, and the buildings were handed over to the newly formed Irish Government.

The Irish Army initially used the buildings as a hospital. In 1948, it was transferred to the Dublin Health Authority and became a Chest Hospital. Since 1964, the facility has provided care for older patients, offering accommodation for dependent individuals.

Modernisation and Expansion

St. Mary’s Hospital recently underwent a major renovation in late 2020, upgrading its facilities to modern healthcare standards. Its inpatient capacity has increased from 48 to 101 sub-acute rehabilitation beds, further supporting regional acute hospitals. Phase 2 of the infrastructure upgrade will expand and modernise the hospital’s x-ray department.

The Phoenix Park Community Nursing Unit (PPCNU), located on the same site, provides residential care to older adults with 150 beds.

The Impact of COVID-19

Sadly, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic affected St. Mary’s Hospital and its patients. In April 2020, the HSE confirmed that 21 patients had died at the hospital since the beginning of the month, all of whom tested positive for COVID-19.

Legacy of the Royal Hibernian Military School

In 1922, the Royal Hibernian Military School moved to Shorncliffe, Kent, England, due to the changing political landscape in Ireland. It was eventually merged with the Duke of York’s Royal Military School (DYRMS) in 1924. The colours of the RHMS and other memorials can still be found in the DYRMS chapel in Dover, England, where the school continues to operate.

THE MAGAZINE FORT IN PHOENIX PARK

March 30, 2024 by infomatique

THERE IS MUCH INFORMATION AND A COMPLICATED STORY

About 17 years ago, I mentioned the Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park, but for various reasons, I did not have the opportunity to visit and photograph it until today [30 March 2024].

The Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park, Dublin, is in poor condition due to years of disuse and lack of maintenance. Built in 1735, it was used by British forces to store gunpowder and ammunition.

After the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1922, the Irish Defence Forces took it over. However, the site was demilitarised in the 1980s and has fallen into disrepair.

The fort opened for guided tours in 2016 as part of the Decade of Centenaries, but these have since been discontinued. The exact date of closure to the public is unknown.

In October 2021, the Office of Public Works (OPW) announced plans to renovate, restore, and protect the building. Dublin City Council granted planning permission in August 2022, and the OPW appointed the main contractor for the conservation works in May 2023.

The first phase of works is ongoing and should be completed by mid-2025. This phase includes stabilisation and structural repairs to the rampart walls, roof, and vaulted magazine store buildings. It also involves conservation refurbishment works to the bakery and minor drainage works surrounding the Magazine Store Buildings.

The OPW has extensive plans for the restoration and redevelopment of the Magazine Fort. The entire site will be repaired and restored for public access. The officers’ and sergeants’ quarters will be turned into visitor and staff facilities, including a visitor reception, tea room, and locker room. The Bakery Building will become an exhibition space, and the magazine vaults will also house exhibitions featuring immersive audio-visual installations. However, a timeline for public access is not yet available.

Over the years, this post has attracted some communications, examples of which I include below:

About 16 years ago, I received the following message: “Well, if you would like the name of that one Military Policeman (MP), his name was Michael Murphy, my grandfather. A proud Irishman who was dishonourably discharged for this event – even after fighting for the IRA in the flying columns and with Michael Collins during the Irish War of Independence and being presented with the Civil War medal by Collins himself. He was there when they opened fire on the Four Courts, an event that led to the end of the Civil War and the freedom we all enjoy today in the 26 counties. I am a proud grandson of [an Irishman], and I will not let history forget. Sláinte, Mick”

14 years ago, I received the following message from Patrick Murphy: “I too am a grandson of (MP) Michael Murphy, and I, along with my cuz Michael, would like to make it understood that our Grand Dad was a hero of Ireland. We wish for his rank and name to be restored and would like any help in this matter. His dishonourable discharge is wrong, and we want it removed.”

2 years ago, I received the following message: “My grandfather Michael Murphy was the bravest man I know. He loved and fought for his country alongside Michael Collins and his fellow Irishmen. I am proud of what he did for his country. Michael Murphy’s name should be in the history books for his involvement in the Christmas Raid on the Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park. Proud Granddaughter, Teresa Murphy”

The Christmas Raid

Date: December 23rd, 1939
Target: The Magazine Fort in Dublin’s Phoenix Park (primary ammunition storage for the Irish Army).
Goal: The IRA aimed to seize weapons and ammunition for a renewed campaign against British rule in Northern Ireland.
Outcome: Initially successful, the IRA seized over a million rounds of ammunition. However, several IRA members were captured, and much of the weaponry was recovered.

Michael Murphy’s Role [disputed]

Irish Army soldier stationed at the Magazine Fort.
Allegations of complicity in the raid due to an IRA informant within the fort. His exact involvement is disputed.
Arrested, courtmartialed, found guilty of aiding the IRA, and dishonourably discharged.
Campaign to Restore His Reputation

Murphy’s family maintains his innocence, arguing wrongful conviction and insufficient evidence.
The family believes he was scapegoated to deflect from the Irish Army’s embarrassment.
Petitions to the Irish government for case review have occurred over the decades. Some renewed interest exists, but no official review or change in status to date.