Ireland

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.

CAPEL STREET – THE RECONFIGURATION WORK HAS BEGUN AT THE LIFFEY END OF THE STREET

April 3, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 2 APRIL 2024

Below I have include a description of the proposal that is now being implement and the end of the street that is nearest Grattan Bridge.

https://bslarch.com/work/capel-street-interim-landscape

BSLA are working with teams from Dublin City Council’s Environment and Transport Department and their Parks Department to improve Capel Street in response to the current daytime traffic free environment. We want to improve the public realm, so the street becomes an even better place to shop, trade and live.

The new elements must not alone to look good but act to slow down cyclists and encourage more people onto the centre of the street.

The measures being considered make many more points of access from the pavement to the street. All of these need to be available to wheelchair users and alongside elements retained that will assist a guide dog or tapping cane. We are planning to meet with various groups across a range of disability representation in order that efforts already made (based on previous consultations elsewhere) can be improved upon further.

Alongside the fine historic buildings, the community of shops, cafes, businesses and residents are really what provides the magic, but we feel that another offering can be made that will improve the place for all of these. What we are offering derives from a series of consultations, which will continue through the life of the project. Our task is to translate these proposals into reality on the ground and do so in a rather short period of time. Furthermore, we want the new elements to be capable of re-use such as being transported elsewhere so that in any future permanent scheme, these elements will not be wasted.

We are at the stage where we are consulting on the first set of co-ordinated proposals and testing them amongst various stakeholders while at the same preparing costs to see how much can be done in the first phase. The scheme will be modular in nature so that it can continue to be rolled out beyond this initial phase. The northern section of the street from Ryders Row to Mary Street will likely see the start of the roll out during this summer.

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.

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.

RUSSELL STREET CONNECTING THE NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD TO CLONLIFFE ROAD

March 15, 2024 by infomatique

VIA JONES’ ROAD

Russell Street is located in Dublin’s North inner city.

Russell Street boasts the distinction of being the childhood home of famed Irish writer Brendan Behan. His early life in a house on the street shaped his writing and gave the area a literary connection.

Georgian buildings along the street offer a whisper of Dublin’s past, with their classic proportions and elegant details. While not as grand as some Dublin streetscapes, they reveal an enduring element of the city’s architectural history.

At its heart, Russell Street is a residential neighbourhood. It has a mix of apartments and houses, where everyday Dublin life unfolds.

You won’t find tourist-focused businesses here. However it is home to a variety of businesses and attractions that make it a noteworthy destination.
Russell Street Bakery: This bakery is a popular spot on Russell Street. Known for its delicious baked goods, it has received excellent reviews from customers.
ASAP Couriers: Located on Russell Street, ASAP Couriers is a courier company that provides services in Dublin.

Russell Street is well-connected by public transportation. Bus routes 15, 33, 41, 7A, and H2 pass near Russell Street. The Connolly train station and Parnell light rail station are also within walking distance

Bloody Sunday Bridge

This bridge, crosses the Royal Canal, and it connects Russell Street to Jones’s Road and to be honest I did not know that it was named “Bloody Sunday Bridge”. The last time I was in the area I was told that it was Clonliffe Bridge.

Bloody Sunday Bridge, formerly known as Clonliffe Bridge, is a Dublin bridge with a sobering name that commemorates a dark day in Irish history.

Bloody Sunday 1920: The bridge’s name is a direct reference to the tragic event of November 21st, 1920, known as Bloody Sunday. During the Irish War of Independence, British forces opened fire on a crowd at a Gaelic football match taking place in Croke Park. 14 people were killed, including Jerome O’Leary and Patrick Robinson, two young boys shot dead at the bridge.
Remembrance: The renaming of the bridge serves as a permanent reminder of the innocent lives lost on that fateful day, ensuring this sorrowful chapter of Irish history is not forgotten.

Croke Park’s Shadow: Bloody Sunday Bridge lies near Croke Park stadium, crossing the Royal Canal on the route that many GAA fans would take as they approach the stadium.
Constant Reminder: This location near Croke Park is particularly poignant. The bridge is a somber symbol for those attending sporting events, serving as a reminder of the bloodshed that occurred just steps away.
Act of Acknowledgement: While there are other memorials for Bloody Sunday, the act of renaming an everyday, frequently used bridge further embeds this tragedy into the fabric of Dublin life and collective memory.

Visiting the Bridge:

Plaque Unveiling: In 2023, a plaque was officially unveiled marking the renaming of the bridge. This plaque serves as a point of reflection for visitors.
Quiet Contemplation: Unlike some larger memorials, Bloody Sunday Bridge offers a space for quiet contemplation. You can pause and consider the history of the location while observing everyday Dublin life flowing around it.
Bloody Sunday Bridge demonstrates the power of renaming as a way to confront the past and honour those lost. It turns a seemingly ordinary structure into a potent symbol of remembrance, weaving Irish history into the very streets of Dublin.