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CLONTARF AND SCOTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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MARINO AREA OF DUBLIN

History

1861: The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland initiates a mission to establish a church in Dublin for its expatriates.  
1888: The Ormond Quay and Scots Church merges with the Clontarf congregation. Construction begins on a new church designed by architect Thomas Drew.  
1890: The new church on Howth Road is completed and opened.  
2003: The Ormond Quay and Scots Church votes to merge with the Clontarf Presbyterian Church, forming the Clontarf & Scots Presbyterian Church as it’s known today.  

Why is it so named?

The name reflects the union of two congregations:

Clontarf: Refers to its location in the Clontarf area of Dublin.
Scots: Signifies its historical connection to the Scots Church, which itself was founded by Scottish Presbyterians in Dublin.
Location

The church is situated on Howth Road in Clontarf, Dublin 3.  

Current Status

The Clontarf and Scots Presbyterian Church remains an active Presbyterian congregation.  
It offers various services, including Sunday worship, Bible studies, and community events.  

EXPLORING THE TOLKA ESTUARY GREENWAY – SECTION THREE

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SONY FX30 PLUS ZEISS BATIS 85MM 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. 

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. 

THE PUB THAT MOVE FROM THE SOUTH SIDE TO THE NORTH SIDE

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THE BERNARD SHAW

The Bernard Shaw, a beloved Dublin institution, made a significant move in 2020 from its original location on South Richmond Street to Cross Guns Bridge in Glasnevin.

Why the Relocation?

The primary reason for the relocation was the expiration of the lease at the South Richmond Street location. Rather than facing an uncertain future there, the Bernard Shaw team took the opportunity to secure a larger space with greater potential for expansion and development.

Comparison of Locations

Old Location (South Richmond Street)

Central location with good accessibility
Smaller space with limited room for growth
Strong association with the city’s cultural scene
New Location (Cross Guns Bridge)

More spacious, allowing for a larger beer garden, food stalls, and event areas.
Further from the city center, but still well-connected by public transport
Opportunities for new ventures, like the Eatyard food market.
Overall Impact

The relocation of the Bernard Shaw sparked a mix of emotions among Dubliners. Some lamented the loss of a landmark in its original location, while others embraced the new and expanded possibilities. Ultimately, the move allowed the Bernard Shaw to evolve and thrive in a larger space, continuing to offer its unique blend of food, drinks, music, and events to a loyal clientele.

THE NEW SECTION OF THE ROYAL CANAL GREEN WAY

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PHIBSBORO TO DRUMCONDRA

New Bridge on the Royal Canal Greenway: Progress and Challenges

The recent installation of a new walking and cycling bridge between Phibsborough and Drumcondra marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the Royal Canal Greenway Phase 3. This bridge, part of a larger €30.8 million project, will allow users to seamlessly switch from the south to the north bank of the canal, enhancing connectivity and accessibility along the 2.1km route.

History and Delays of the Royal Canal Project

The Royal Canal, completed in 1817, was initially intended for commercial transport but fell into decline with the advent of railways. The vision to transform it into a greenway emerged in the early 2000s, aiming to create a continuous off-road route for cyclists and pedestrians.

However, the project has faced numerous delays due to various factors, including:

Land acquisition and legal complexities: Securing necessary land rights and navigating legal challenges have been time-consuming.
Environmental concerns: Mitigating the project’s impact on the canal’s delicate ecosystem and addressing concerns about potential flooding have required careful planning and adjustments.
Funding constraints: Securing adequate funding for such a large-scale infrastructure project has been an ongoing challenge.
Utility diversions: The need to relocate or accommodate existing utilities, such as gas and electricity lines, has caused unforeseen delays and additional costs.

Current Status and Future Outlook

Despite these challenges, the Royal Canal Greenway project has made substantial progress in recent years. Phase 1 and 2, covering sections from Maynooth to Blanchardstown and Ashtown to Sheriff Street, are already open to the public.

Phase 3, currently under construction, is set to connect North Strand Road to Phibsborough Road. While initial completion was targeted for Q2 2025, recent updates suggest potential delays pushing the completion date back to at least Q3 2025 due to unforeseen issues with the canal quay wall and utility diversions.

Once completed, the Royal Canal Greenway will provide a vital link for active travel across Dublin, encouraging sustainable transport and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Design Choices: Path Switching and Width Variations

The decision to switch the greenway cycle path from one side of the canal to the other at the new bridge is likely driven by a combination of factors:

Optimal route: The switch might offer a more direct or efficient route, avoiding obstacles or challenging terrain on one side.
Land ownership and access: The availability of land or existing infrastructure on each side could influence the path’s alignment.
User experience: The switch might provide better views or a more varied experience for users.

Width variations along the cycle path can be attributed to several factors:

Existing constraints: Space limitations due to bridges, buildings, or other structures might necessitate narrower sections in certain areas.
Cost considerations: Widening the path in all sections might be prohibitively expensive.
User volumes: Sections with lower anticipated user volumes might be designed with narrower paths to optimise space and resources.
While these variations might pose minor inconveniences, they are often unavoidable in such complex infrastructure projects. Overall, the benefits of the completed Royal Canal Greenway are expected to far outweigh these minor drawbacks.

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