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William Murphy

FEATURES A SMALL ENCLOSED GREEN SPACE

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HALLIDAY SQUARE

O’DEVANY GARDENS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Halliday Square, constructed by the Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company (DADC) in the late 19th century, is a unique residential square nestled in the heart of Stoneybatter, Dublin 7. Unlike typical artisan dwellings of the era, which were characterised by cramped living spaces and tiny yards, Halliday Square offered its residents a communal green space enclosed by railings. This green space served as a shared garden for tenants, providing a much-needed oasis in the dense urban landscape.

The square comprises two-story terraced houses, simple in design yet functional, built to accommodate the working-class families of the time. While not architecturally elaborate, the houses’ uniformity and the central green create a distinct sense of community and shared space.

History of Halliday Square and the Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company:

The DADC was established in 1876 to address the dire housing conditions faced by Dublin’s working class. The company aimed to provide affordable, well-built housing for artisans and labourers. Halliday Square, one of their many projects, reflects this mission, offering decent housing with a unique communal amenity.

Stoneybatter, the neighbourhood where Halliday Square is situated, has a rich history dating back to Viking times. Known for its uncommon road surface, “Bothar na gCloch,” meaning “road of the stones”, Stoneybatter evolved into a bustling industrial centre in the 19th century.

The DADC’s efforts, including the construction of Halliday Square, contributed to the improvement of living conditions for many workers in the area. While Stoneybatter experienced a period of decline in the mid-20th century, it has since undergone a revitalisation, becoming a vibrant neighbourhood known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Halliday Square remains a testament to Stoneybatter’s industrial past and the social housing initiatives of the late 19th century. It stands as a quiet, enduring landmark, offering its residents a tranquil haven within a thriving urban community.

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.

A GATEWAY TO DUBLIN’S HISTORY AND PARKLANDS

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PARKGATE STREET

MORE ABOUT PARKGATE STREET
MORE ABOUT PHOENIX PARK

Parkgate Street, located in Dublin 7, embodies a unique blend of history, culture, and urban green space. This historic thoroughfare serves as a gateway to the sprawling Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks, while also boasting notable landmarks and a vibrant atmosphere.

IN THE PAST THEY COULD BE ACCESSED FROM PHOENIX PARK OR FROM INFIRMARY ROAD

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UNUSED PUBLIC TOILETS

PUBLIC TOILETS IN DUBLIN

In 2021 I came across the following by Councillor Ray McAdam: Dublin City Council is contacting the Office of Public Works to establish what the long-term plans are for the unused public toilets along Infirmary Road beside the 46 Dublin Bus stop.

44 NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD

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APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN UNOCCUPIED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS

O’DEVANY GARDENS AROUND THE CORNER
QUEEN STREET FLATS IN STONEYBATTER

2018 Squatter Issue:

In March 2018, the property at 44 North Circular Road, owned by Havbell Designated Activity Company, was illegally occupied by squatters. The High Court subsequently granted an injunction, compelling the occupants to vacate the premises.

Current Status (June 2024):

Currently unoccupied, the property is on the market for sale or rent.

Additional Information:

This distinctive group of three terraced, double-pile, two-bay, two-storey houses with raised basements stands out among its North Circular Road neighbours due to its unique half-timbering, an increasingly popular fashion in early twentieth-century suburban housing. Retaining much of its original character, its substantial proportions complement the broad, tree-lined North Circular Road.

The road itself was laid out in the 1780s to provide convenient access routes to the city centre. Development was gradual over the following century, with the far western and eastern ends being the last to see construction.

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