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Streets Of Dublin

THE NUMBER 9 BUS SERVES ST MOBHI ROAD

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4 OCTOBER 2024

I had not intended to explore Mobhi Road today but as the number 9 bus was stuck in traffic I decided to get of the bus and explore the immediate area and Griffith Avenue which is nice to visit at this time of the year.
St. Mobhi was a 6th-century Irish bishop and abbot. He founded a monastery in Glasnevin, which is now the site of Mobhi Park. St. Mobhi is also known for his work as a scholar and poet.

The No. 9 bus service in Dublin operates between Charlestown and Limekiln Avenue, providing a convenient route through the city. Here are some of the major stops along the route:
Charlestown Shopping Centre
Beneavin Road
Botanic Road
O’Connell Street
South Circular Road
Limekiln Avenue
The bus runs every 20 minutes, making it a reliable option for daily commutes. The service starts at 06:20 and runs until 23:20 on weekdays.

THE RISE 4 OCTOBER 2024

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OFF GRIFFITH AVENUE

My second time to visit this street off Griffith Avenue and not much has changed.

While The Rise might be described as a “quiet cul-de-sac” in some property listings, my earlier suspicions that it functions as a rat-run seem well-founded. It appears to offer a tempting shortcut between Griffith Avenue and Ballymun Road for those seeking to avoid the busier thoroughfares. However navigating this narrow, winding street, particularly with parked cars lining the kerbs, presents a challenge and a potential hazard for both drivers and pedestrians, especially with children playing.

It’s a classic urban conundrum: the desire for convenient access versus the need for safety and tranquillity in a residential area. Perhaps this explains the 30km/h speed limit, a measure aimed at mitigating the risks associated with this “shortcut” temptation.

HENRIETTA STREET AND KINGS INNS WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP

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A NUMBER OF VISITS DURING SEPTEMBER 2024

Henrietta Street and King’s Inns are inextricably linked, sharing a rich history and architectural significance.

King’s Inns, Ireland’s oldest school of law and the country’s only Inn of Court, occupies a prominent position at the top of Henrietta Street.
The impressive neoclassical building on Henrietta Street, designed by James Gandon, is the heart of King’s Inns and houses its main functions.
Additionally, King’s Inns owns several other properties on Henrietta Street, including the library building and some Georgian houses, further solidifying its presence on the street.
The park, situated behind the main building, adds a touch of serenity to the legal institution and provides a green space for students and staff.

WOLFE TONE STREET WAS ONCE KNOWN AS STAFFORD STREET

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY IN AUGUST 2024

Wolfe Tone Street, once known as Stafford Street, is steeped in historical significance due to its association with Theobald Wolfe Tone, a prominent figure in Irish history.

Wolfe Tone House: Occupies the site of Tone’s birthplace and the Stafford Printing Works. Its presence serves as a tangible reminder of Tone’s legacy and the area’s historical connection to printing and publishing.

Saint Mary’s Church Graveyard: Although now transformed into Wolfe Tone Memorial Park, the site once served as the final resting place for many Dubliners. The park’s redesign pays homage to Tone while also providing a green space for the community.

Recent Park Redevelopment: The recent redevelopment suggests an ongoing effort to revitalise the area and maintain its relevance to both historical commemoration and contemporary recreation.

The section nearest Upper Abbey street has witnessed a significant transformation, transitioning from an industrial hub to a site of modern development.

Twilfit House: Once the Irish headquarters of the corset manufacturer Leethems, this building represented a shift towards larger-scale industrial production in Ireland. Its demolition marks the end of an era.

Architectural Significance: The building’s late Art Deco style added a unique aesthetic element to the streetscape. Its loss prompts a reflection on the balance between preservation and progress.

Premier Inn Development: The construction of a new hotel on this site exemplifies the ongoing commercial development in Dublin. While it caters to the growing tourism industry, it also sparks debate about the preservation of historical buildings.

Leprechaun Museum Relocation: The museum’s relocation, while a short distance away, does signify the changing dynamics of the area and the pressures that commercial development can exert on existing businesses and attractions. However, it is important to recognise that the museum, while a popular tourist destination, caters to a specific niche and does not represent a traditional cultural institution in the same vein as museums or historical sites that preserve a community’s shared heritage. Its relocation, therefore, highlights the challenges faced by businesses reliant on tourism in the face of urban development, even if they are not traditional cultural establishments.

WESTBROOK MOTORS CAR SHOWROOM PARKGATE STREET

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AS IT WAS IN JUNE 2024

ABOUT PARKGATE STREET
THE MOTOR TRADE IN DUBLIN AND ELSEWHERE
ABOUT THIS UNOCCUPIED SHOWROOM

I have passed this site a number of times and I always thought they it was not well maintained but today it appeared to be derelict but when I checked their site is was shown to be operational and many Google searches indicated that it was operational but eventually I found a Google Maps entry, with a slightly different address, that showed the site to be Permanently Closed.

I eventually came across the following notice which was published in May 2019

“Motor Showroom close to Courts and Heuston Station “ripe for development”, subject to planning permission for a range of uses including residential, shared living, aparthotel, hotel, retail or offices. Tenants Westbrook Motors and The Natural Bakery Company will continue to trade there until the expiration of their leases towards the end of 2022. The whole plot is producing an annual rental income of €153,900 with the option to increase this with the letting of vacant offices.”

I am beta testing a service that conducts some in depth research for me and they replied as follows:

You are absolutely correct! Westbrook Motors at Parkgate Street seems to have either moved or consolidated their operations. Their website now redirects to their location at: Unit 6D Rosemount Park Road, Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 D11 NR20. This could explain why the Parkgate Street location appears closed, despite their website still being active.

Westbrook Motors has a rich history in Dublin.

Joseph Clarke started his career as an apprentice mechanic with Westbrook Motors on Parnell Street over 50 years ago. In 1980, Joe bought the business and, through hard work and dedication, grew it until he retired in 2010.

Their website mentions the Parkgate Street location but does not specify when it opened or closed. However, the information you found about the 2019 notice indicates it was in operation until at least the end of 2022.

Today, Westbrook Motors continues to operate from their Blanchardstown location, offering new and used car sales, servicing, and repairs.

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