HEADLESS SOUTH OF THE RIVER

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Streets Of Ireland

Dun Laoghaire As It Was In June 2006 Which Is Twenty Years Ago

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I used an original Canon 5D with a Canon 24-105mm F4 lens

Twenty years ago, Dún Laoghaire presented a stark visual contrast between its grand Victorian maritime ambition and late-twentieth-century urban decay.

Dún Laoghaire Twenty Years Ago (c. 2006)

Two decades ago, a walk along the seafront revealed a town caught in limbo:

The Derelict Baths: The Victorian Dún Laoghaire Baths—closed since 1997—were the seafront’s most notorious eyesore. The site was covered in peeling paint, rust, broken fencing, and graffiti, fenced off from the public while contentious commercial redevelopment schemes stalled.

Fading Ferry Identity: The massive Stena HSS fast-ferry still dominated St Michael’s Pier, but passenger numbers were dropping as Dublin Port captured commercial traffic. The ferry terminal’s vast concrete marshalling yards created a physical and visual barrier between the harbour and the town centre.

Tired Public Realm: Pavements were cracked, street furniture was dated, and the connection between George’s Street (the retail spine) and the waterfront felt severed by heavy road traffic along Queens Road and Marine Road.

Neglected Green Spaces: While the Victorian bandstand and the People’s Park retained their historic charm, the park lacked modern catering amenities and suffered from underinvestment before its major restoration.

What Has Changed Since 2006

Since then, significant public investment has refocused the town from a transit ferry port into a cultural, recreational, and culinary coastal destination.
Restoration of the Dún Laoghaire Baths: After a multi-million-euro project, the site reopened to the public. The Edwardian pavilion was restored to house artist studios and a café, complemented by stepped sea-view terraces, a 35-metre jetty, a bronze statue of Roger Casement, and direct, universally accessible sea access.

The dlr LexIcon: Opened in 2014, this landmark central library and cultural centre sits as an imposing red-brick and granite presence on the skyline, anchoring cultural activity and knitting Moran Park back into the seafront promenade.

Revitalised People’s Park: Comprehensively restored, the Victorian tea rooms were reopened, gardens refreshed, and its Sunday farmers’ market turned into one of south Dublin’s premier weekend food destinations.

The Metals and Active Travel: The historic route connecting the quarries at Dalkey to the harbour (“The Metals”) was upgraded with dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths, tying directly into the Coastal Mobility Route (CMR)—a segregated coastal cycle route that transformed sustainable transport across the seafront.

End of the Ferries: Stena Line permanently discontinued service in 2014. The old ferry terminal ceased industrial operations and transitioned into an incubation hub and enterprise space (the Harbour Innovation Campus), ending the roar of roll-on/roll-off traffic.

Expected and Planned Changes

The town’s development trajectory is moving away from motor-led infrastructure towards climate resilience, harbour access, and urban regeneration.
Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan: Led by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and an international architectural consortium, the “Living Harbour” framework aims to reimagine roughly 50 acres of land and 200 acres of water. Plans focus on opening restricted quayside areas to the public, fostering water-sports hubs, expanding floating pontoons, and building climate resilience.

Reconnection of Town and Sea: Future capital schemes aim to narrow visual and physical road divides, creating continuous pedestrian plazas from George’s Street down through Marine Road directly onto the piers.

Potential Seawater Pool: While the restored Baths omitted an enclosed pool, structural foundations and an open void were preserved under the lower plaza to allow a tidal or heated outdoor seawater swimming pool to be built in a future phase.

Urban Living & Heritage Infill: Ongoing local development plans focus on converting upper-floor commercial buildings into residential apartments and regenerating brownfield plots around the harbour edges to repopulate the town core.

A WALK ALONG WINDSOR TERRACE IN PORTOBELLO

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I USED A SONY FX30 CAMERA

Windsor Terrace, nestled in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant Portobello district, is a handsome Victorian streetscape offering picturesque views of the Grand Canal. This sought-after residential area is characterised by its period architecture, rich history, and proximity to the city centre.

A Glimpse into the Past

The development of Windsor Terrace is intrinsically linked to the expansion of Dublin in the 19th century and the construction of the Grand Canal, which was completed in 1797. The canal spurred residential development in the surrounding areas, and streets like Windsor Terrace were laid out in the early 1800s. The houses, built circa 1845, were speculative ventures, resulting in charming groupings of similar, yet not identical, terraced homes.

The broader Portobello area has a fascinating history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became the heart of Dublin’s Jewish community, earning it the nickname “Little Jerusalem.” This cultural heritage adds another layer to the rich tapestry of the neighbourhood.

Architectural Charm

The houses on Windsor Terrace are predominantly two-storey Victorian residences, many of which retain their original period features. These include handsome brickwork, intricate ceiling coving, original fireplaces, and large sash windows that flood the interiors with natural light. The restrained yet elegant facades are often enhanced by decorative fanlights over the doors and cast-iron railings enclosing the front gardens. Many of these properties have been lovingly maintained and, in some cases, modernised to blend period elegance with contemporary living.

Life in Portobello

Today, Windsor Terrace is a prime residential location within the fashionable Portobello neighbourhood. Its tranquil setting along the canal offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, while still being just a short stroll from the vibrant amenities of areas like Camden Street.

The locality boasts a thriving social scene with a wide array of independent cafés, acclaimed restaurants, and traditional pubs. The Grand Canal provides a scenic backdrop for leisurely walks and a cherished local amenity. The area is well-served by public transport, making it an ideal location for those who wish to enjoy the best of city living in a characterful and historic setting.

Notable Connections

While specific famous residents of Windsor Terrace itself are not widely documented, the broader Portobello area has been home to many notable figures, including the playwright George Bernard Shaw and the sixth President of Israel, Chaim Herzog. The area’s rich cultural and artistic associations continue to attract a diverse and creative community.

HARCOURT STREET AREA REDEVELOPMENT – TWO SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS AND MORE

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY INFOMATIQUE FOR PHOTONIQUE

Significant redevelopment is underway near the Harcourt Luas tram stop, particularly around Peter’s Place, where the tram line climbs towards the Charlemont stop. Two projects exemplify this ongoing transformation.

  1. Deloitte Ireland’s New Dublin Headquarters

Deloitte Ireland is consolidating its Dublin operations into a new headquarters building at 1 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. This move represents a major milestone for the firm, bringing together staff from four separate offices into a single, modern location. Harry Goddard, Deloitte CEO, highlighted the significance of this decision for the company’s Irish presence.

A Modern, Sustainable Workspace

The new headquarters, formerly an AIB site, is being redeveloped by Irish Life Assurance. It will provide approximately 160,000 square feet of office space, along with retail areas, a café, and a community facility. The building’s height will vary, ranging from four storeys at the rear to a nine to ten-storey setback at the entrance facing Harcourt Road and Adelaide Road.

Prime Location and Enhanced Amenities

The building’s location on tree-lined Adelaide Road, one of Dublin’s most affluent neighbourhoods, offers excellent access to St. Stephen’s Green and the city’s main attractions. The proximity to the Harcourt stop on the green Luas line provides convenient public transport.

Reflecting the growing trend towards hybrid working and sustainable commuting, the building’s design incorporates:

Reduced Car Parking: The car park has been downsized from 51 spaces to 24.
Extensive Bicycle Parking: 289 bicycle spaces are provided, including provisions for cargo bikes and accessible needs. *. Outdoor Spaces: Variety of outdoor spaces for staff.
Strategic Consolidation

Deloitte’s move to consolidate its approximately 3,000 Dublin-based employees reflects a broader trend of “real estate rationalisation.” This strategy aims to foster greater collaboration and efficiency, particularly relevant in the post-pandemic workplace landscape. Companies are increasingly re-evaluating their real estate needs, optimising space and adapting to new working patterns.

Construction Timeline

Construction commenced in June 2024 with the demolition of the existing office building. The project represents an estimated €49 million investment. Note: It is unusual for construction to commence with demolition, I’ve kept the given dates but check they are correct.

  1. Peter’s Place Apartment Complex

RW Nowlan & Associates are overseeing the development of a 19-apartment complex at Peter Place. Planning permission has been secured for a five-storey residential building, complete with associated site works.

Meeting Housing Needs and Enhancing the Area

This development will contribute to meeting Dublin’s housing needs and aligns with the area’s zoning objective, which promotes residential use and seeks to enhance active residential streets.

To minimise potential impacts on neighbouring properties, the developers have proposed mitigation measures, including:

Angled vertical louvred screens on balconies to reduce overlooking.
Setbacks at higher floor levels to minimise overshadowing.
A Positive Contribution to Urban Revitalisation

The Peter Place site, an infill development, offers a prime opportunity for residential development, benefiting from its location near the Luas tram line. The Luas has significantly boosted property values and urban development in Dublin, and this project aligns with the city’s objectives for residential growth. By carefully considering the site’s context and potential impacts, RW Nowlan & Associates aim to deliver a project that contributes positively to Dublin’s ongoing urban revitalisation.

CUFFE STREET ON A REALLY WET DAY

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LEGACY PHOTO CATALOGUE FROM 2022

Cuffe Street, a Dublin thoroughfare running from St. Stephen’s Green to Kevin Street Lower, holds a story of change and evolution mirroring the city’s own. While it may appear unassuming today, its history is interwoven with architectural shifts, urban planning decisions, and social housing initiatives.

Early Days:

First appearing on maps in 1728, Cuffe Street was named for James Cuffe. Even earlier, Herman Moll’s 1714 map shows buildings along its north side. By 1756, it was known as “Great Cuffe Street” on John Rocque’s map of Dublin. The early 1700s saw the construction of predominantly gable-fronted houses, known as “Dutch Billys.” These distinctive dwellings were later modified during the Georgian and Victorian periods, contributing to the street’s evolving architectural character.

A Changing Landscape:

The most dramatic transformation occurred in the mid-20th century. Dublin Corporation’s road widening schemes, intended to modernise the city’s infrastructure, led to the demolition of many of Cuffe Street’s historic buildings. This drastic intervention resulted in the current dual carriageway and tree-lined appearance, prioritising traffic flow over the preservation of architectural heritage.

The Lost Buildings:

Among the casualties of the road widening was 49 Cuffe Street, once home to the Bricklayers’ and Stonecutters’ Guild. Originally built as St. Peter’s Parish Savings Bank, the building was later expanded and repurposed. Despite efforts to save its façade, it was demolished in 1985. As of 2021, the remaining elements are reportedly held in storage by Dublin City Council.

Another significant loss was the Winter Garden Palace, a prominent landmark at the corner of Cuffe Street and St. Stephen’s Green. This historic pub, dating back to the 1860s, was a meeting place for Fenian groups and played a role in the 1916 Easter Rising. Compulsory purchase orders in the 1960s led to its demolition in 1975, along with surrounding residential and retail areas.

The Ardilaun Centre and the Iveagh Garden Hotel:

The site of the Winter Garden Palace and its neighbouring buildings was redeveloped by MEPC plc in the late 1970s. The resulting office complex, named the Ardilaun Centre, was designed by Costello, Murray and Beaumont and built by Sisk Group.

The Iveagh Garden Hotel now stands where the Ardilaun Centre once stood. It was built in the late 2000s by the O’Callaghan Hotel Group and opened in 2009. While initially facing some planning delays, it eventually began operation and remains a prominent feature at the eastern end of Cuffe Street.

Cuffe Street Today:

Cuffe Street today reflects the complexities of Dublin’s urban development. The road widening schemes, while intended to modernize the city, resulted in the loss of much of its historic character. The presence of social housing projects underscores the city’s efforts to address housing needs, while also contributing to the street’s less commercial atmosphere.

Though lacking the vibrancy of some neighbouring streets, Cuffe Street remains an integral part of Dublin’s urban fabric. It’s a place where the past lingers amidst the present, offering a glimpse into the city’s ongoing transformation.

MONKSTOWN VILLAGE

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SEPTEMBER 2024

Recently Monkstown Village was upgraded as described:

An improvement scheme has been completed for Monkstown Village which aims to improve road safety, traffic management and the public realm.

The min objectives of the scheme include:

Raised signalised and uncontrolled crossing points
A raised area in the centre of the village
Two way section in front of the church
One way (and left only) in front of Goggins
One way on Clifton Avenue (towards the sea)
Build outs to slow vehicle turning movements
Narrowing of the carriageway through the village
Additional parking on Clifton Avenue
Upgraded surfaces
Landscaping

Public Reaction and Success of the Monkstown Village Improvement Scheme

The Monkstown Village Improvement Scheme has generally been met with positive public reaction and is considered a success in achieving its objectives.

Improved pedestrian safety: The raised crossings and narrowed carriageways have made the village considerably safer for pedestrians, which has been widely praised.
Enhanced village atmosphere: The landscaping and upgraded surfaces have created a more pleasant environment, encouraging people to spend more time in the village.
Traffic calming success: The build-outs and one-way systems have successfully reduced vehicle speeds and improved traffic flow.
Increased footfall: Businesses have reported increased footfall, suggesting the scheme has boosted the local economy.
Some initial concerns: There were some initial concerns about the changes to traffic flow and parking, but these seem to have largely subsided.
Overall, the Monkstown Village Improvement Scheme is a good example of how thoughtful urban design can enhance both the safety and attractiveness of a village centre.