William Murphy

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.

MOORE STREET AS IT IS IN 2024

March 10, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED USING AN APPLE iPHONE 12 PRO MAX

Back in the late 1970s I had great difficult surviving on the pay that I received from my employer and had to purchase the cheapest food available and believed that the place to go to was Moore Street. However, after a week or two I discovered that almost every thing that I purchased went-off within hours of being purchased. I discovered that if I went to certain supermarkets close to closing I could actually get better quality and equally good prices.

Tips for Moore Street Shopping:

Go Early: The freshest produce usually arrives in the morning.
Visually Inspect: Look for signs of bruising, over-ripeness, or mould before buying. Check what is in the bag!
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the traders about the freshness and source of their produce.
Plan Accordingly: Buy what you’ll use within a day, especially with delicate items like berries.
Moore Street offers the potential for good deals, but it also requires a conscious shopper to avoid buying produce that’s too far past its prime. Note: Do not buy bananas not matter how perfect the appear to be.

Moore Street in Dublin is a place where the city’s rich history, vibrant present, and uncertain future all intersect. Here’s a look at this iconic location:

History

A Revolutionary Birthplace: Moore Street’s story is deeply intertwined with Ireland’s struggle for independence. During the Easter Rising of 1916, it became a final stronghold for the Irish rebels. The bullet-riddled buildings serve as a stark reminder of the fighting that once occurred here.

A Bustling Market: For over a century, Moore Street has been the heart of Dublin’s street trading community. The calls of market traders, their colourful stalls, and the aroma of fresh produce have created a unique sensory experience.

Cultural Significance: Moore Street has been immortalised in Irish songs, literature, and films. It holds symbolic importance as a representation of working-class Dublin and the resilience of its people.

Current Status

A Street in Transition: Moore Street is experiencing a period of significant change. The traditional market stalls still operate, but there’s a sense of decline as trader numbers have dwindled.

Gentrification Concerns: Redevelopment plans are in the works, leaving many concerned about the potential loss of Moore Street’s unique character and the displacement of its traditional traders.

The Future

Redevelopment Plans: The proposed redevelopment aims to transform significant sections of Moore Street into a modern retail and cultural quarter.

Preservation Battles: There’s a strong push to preserve the historic elements of Moore Street, particularly its connection to the Easter Rising. Heritage groups are advocating for a sensitive balance between modernisation and preservation of the area’s legacy.

Uncertain Outcome: The future of Moore Street depends on how the delicate balance is struck between progress and historical preservation. The clash between economic development and maintaining the spirit of the street is likely to continue.

Exploring Moore Street

A visit to Moore Street today is a powerful mix of past and present. You’ll find:

Market Stalls: While fewer than before, you can still find stalls selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, and other everyday goods.
Historic Buildings: Look for the terrace where the 1916 rebel leaders made their last stand, with some buildings still showing bullet holes.
Street Art: Explore the area for murals and street art depicting scenes from Moore Street’s history.

DUBLIN 7 COMMUNITIES WITH A UNIQUE BUT DIVERSE HISTORY

February 27, 2024 by infomatique

ARBOUR HILL AND STONEYBATTER

Every time I publish images of Arbour Hill or Stoneybatter it is almost guaranteed that someone will claim that a specific image is not of a location in Arbour Hill/Stoneybatter. On the 24th February I explored a section of Dublin 7 which I have decided to describe as Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter or both. At a later date I will photograph specific streets. There are are about one hundered photographs in the series.

Located on the north side of Dublin’s River Liffey, Arbour Hill (historically known as Cnoc an Arbhair, or “Hill of Corn”) is a neighbourhood steeped in Irish military and social history. Its streets exude the echoes of past struggles and offer a fascinating glimpse into Dublin’s working-class heritage.

Arbour Hill’s most prominent landmark is undoubtedly Arbour Hill Prison. This historic prison has held many notable figures in the fight for Irish independence, and its graveyard serves as the final resting place of the executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, making it a place of pilgrimage for many interested in Irish Republican history. To the south, you’ll find Collins Barracks, now part of the National Museum of Ireland. This former military barracks dates back to the early 18th century.

Several streets within Arbour Hill hold their own unique stories.

Stoneybatter, known for its attractive terraced houses, was once a Viking settlement and played a pivotal role in the 1916 Rising. Aughrim Street, located nearby, was the birthplace of the philosopher Edmund Burke. As you move towards Prussia Street, you’ll pass the former location of the Royal Barracks, another historical military site.

Other landmarks of note include St. Bricin’s Military Hospital, formerly King George V Hospital, and the beautiful Church of the Sacred Heart. This neo-Romanesque church, with its distinctive dome, is well worth a visit for its architecture.

While Arbour Hill doesn’t offer extensive tourist attractions per se, its primary appeal lies in its historical importance and its atmosphere. A stroll through its streets reveals the legacy of Irish nationalism, social struggle, and a resilient working-class community.

There’s some overlap and historical blurring of the lines between Stoneybatter and Arbour Hill, making a completely clear distinction tricky. Here’s what you need to consider:

Historically: Parts of what we now consider Stoneybatter were traditionally included within Arbour Hill. The areas were closely linked, with shared social and working-class histories.

Modern Perception: In recent times, popular perception has shifted. Stoneybatter has emerged as a distinct trendy neighbourhood, with its own identity and a certain “hipster” cachet driven by cafes, restaurants, and a more artistic feel.

No Official Boundaries: There are no formal or legally defined boundaries dividing Stoneybatter and Arbour Hill. Where one begins and ends depends on who you ask.

Useful Landmark: Many locals use Arbour Hill Prison as an informal reference point. Anything to the north and west of the prison is more firmly considered Stoneybatter, while the areas directly around the prison tend to be associated with Arbour Hill.

CHURCH STREET IN DUBLIN HAS A RICH AND COMPLEX HISTORY

February 23, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED USING AN iPHONE 12 PRO MAX

Church Street in Dublin boasts a rich and complex history, stretching back centuries and reflecting various periods of the city’s development. Here’s a glimpse into its past:

Early Beginnings:

The street’s origins trace back to the Viking settlement in Dublin around the 10th century. It likely served as a trade route and evolved alongside the city.
St. Michan’s Church, established in 1095, became a defining landmark. Originally a Catholic church, it transformed into a Church of Ireland church after the Reformation. Its mummified remains attract visitors today.

Transformations and Challenges:

Over time, Church Street transitioned into a residential area, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Tenement buildings became prevalent, housing large numbers of working-class families.

Unfortunately, these tenements often lacked proper sanitation and safety standards, leading to overcrowding and poor living conditions. This culminated in the tragic collapse of two tenements in 1913, claiming seven lives and sparking public outrage.

The disaster ignited a housing reform movement, ultimately leading to improved living conditions and the gradual decline of tenement housing in Dublin.

Modern Day:

Today, Church Street retains its historical charm with a mix of restored Georgian buildings and churches.

The street remembers its past through historical landmarks like St. Michan’s Church and memorials commemorating the 1913 disaster.

The Church Street Disaster of 1913 was a tragic event that highlighted the harsh realities of working-class life in Dublin at the time. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Date and Time: Tuesday, September 2nd, 1913, around 8:45 PM

Location: Two tenement buildings at 66 and 67 Church Street, Dublin

What Happened:

Both buildings collapsed suddenly, engulfing the street in dust and debris. Witnesses described a loud rumbling sound before the collapse. All seven fatalities were residents of 66 Church Street, which was four stories tall and housed 26 people. No. 67, being warned by the initial collapse, managed to evacuate before its own downfall.

The rescue operation lasted through the night, involving firefighters, police, and local residents. A fire briefly interrupted the efforts at midnight.

Casualties and Impact:

Seven people died, including three children, and at least eight were seriously injured.
Over 100 people were left homeless due to the collapse of the two buildings.
The tragedy sparked outrage and public scrutiny of the poor living conditions in Dublin’s tenements.

Causes:

The official inquest revealed that the buildings were structurally unsound and had been flagged for repairs by the Dangerous Buildings Inspector just a month before the collapse.
The repairs were never completed, and the disaster exposed the lack of proper regulations and enforcement regarding tenement housing.

Legacy:

The Church Street Disaster became a catalyst for housing reform in Dublin.
The event led to stricter regulations and improved living standards for working-class residents.
A memorial plaque commemorating the victims was placed on the site of the demolished buildings.

TU CAMPUS AT GRANGEGORMAN

February 22, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 22 FEBRUARY 2024

TU Dublin campus at Grangegorman is the university’s flagship campus and is home to about 20,000 students. It is located in Dublin’s north inner city, about 1 km from Dublin City Centre. The campus is surrounded by Smithfield to the south-east, Stoneybatter to the west, Cabra to the north, and Phibsborough / Broadstone to the north and east.

The campus is a €220 million investment and is the largest investment in Higher Education in Ireland. It brings together many of the university’s activities in one vibrant, cutting-edge campus, providing students with an incomparable educational experience.

The campus is divided into four quads: the Central Quad, the East Quad, the North Quad, and the West Quad.

The Central Quad houses the Business School, School of Culinary Arts, and School of Languages.
The North Quad is home to the School of Science and the School of Health Sciences.
The East Quad primarily focuses on Creative disciplines, including Arts & Design, Media, Music, Drama, Dance, Languages. While it does house some Engineering and Computing modules, these aren’t the main faculties located there.
The West Quad is still under development.