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All Photographs Supplied By William Murphy

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THE LUAS TRAM STOP ON HARCOURT STREET

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OUTSIDE WHAT WAS ONCE AN IMPORTANT TRAIN STATION

Harcourt Street is a vibrant and historic street located in Dublin’s city centre, known for its diverse architecture, cultural attractions, and lively atmosphere. But it’s not just about history! Harcourt Street is also famous for its buzzing nightlife, with popular nightclubs like Copper Face Jacks and Tripod drawing crowds, especially on weekends. This adds to the energetic atmosphere of the street, particularly in the evenings.

The street is also home to a significant landmark in Dublin’s transport network: the Harcourt Street Luas stop.

The Tram Stop

The Harcourt Street Luas stop is situated directly in front of the former Harcourt Street railway station, a grand Victorian building that once served as the terminus for the Dublin to Bray railway line. The station, which opened in 1859 and closed in 1958, has been repurposed and now houses a variety of commercial and residential spaces.

The Luas stop itself is a modern addition to the street, having opened in 2004 as part of the Green Line. It features an island platform, a rarity for Luas stops, which is flanked by tracks running in lanes reserved for trams. Road traffic must travel on the western side of the street.
 
The stop is a major transportation hub for the area, connecting passengers to various destinations along the Green Line, including Broombridge, Parnell, and Sandyford. It also provides easy access to other modes of transport, such as Dublin Bus and the Dublinbikes bike-sharing scheme – you’ll find a Dublinbikes docking station on nearby Clonmel Street.

Key features of the Harcourt Street Luas stop:

Accessibility: The stop is fully accessible, with ramps and lifts for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments.
Real-time information: Digital displays provide up-to-the-minute information on tram arrivals and departures.
Ticket machines: Passengers can purchase tickets at the station using ticket machines or the Luas app.
Security: The stop is monitored by CCTV cameras for passenger safety.

Points of interest near the Harcourt Street Luas stop:

National Concert Hall: A premier venue for classical music concerts and other cultural events.
Iveagh Gardens: A beautifully landscaped park offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle. The entrance to the gardens is on Clonmel Street, a short street just off Harcourt Street.
Grafton Street: A popular shopping destination with a wide variety of high-street stores and boutiques.
St. Stephen’s Green: A large park in the heart of Dublin, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.

A HISTORIC STATION CONNECTING THE PAST WITH THE PRESENT

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CARLOW TRAIN STATION

Carlow Train Station: A Historic Hub Connecting Past and Present

Carlow Train Station, situated in the heart of Carlow Town, is a vital transport link and a landmark steeped in history. The station first opened its doors in 1846, as part of the Great Southern and Western Railway’s expansion, ushering in an era of improved connectivity for the region.

Over the decades, Carlow Station has witnessed significant transformations. The original station building, a charming example of Victorian architecture, has been lovingly preserved and now houses the station’s ticket office and waiting area. The station’s platforms and facilities have also been modernised to meet the demands of 21st-century travel.

Today, Carlow Station serves as a key stop on the Dublin-Waterford intercity route, connecting the town to major cities and facilitating both commuter and leisure travel. It’s also a popular gateway for exploring the scenic beauty of County Carlow and its surroundings.

The station’s popularity remains strong, with thousands of passengers passing through its doors each year. Its central location, convenient access to local amenities, and regular train services make it an attractive option for both residents and visitors.

Whether you’re embarking on a journey to Dublin, Waterford, or simply exploring the delights of Carlow Town, Carlow Train Station is a welcoming and well-connected transport hub. It stands as a testament to the enduring importance of rail travel in Ireland and the ongoing efforts to enhance passenger experience and connectivity throughout the country.

A VERY DISTINCTIVE RED TRAM PROMOTING KFC

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AN EXAMPLE OF FULL BODY ADVERTISING REFERRED TO AS WRAPPING

Advertising on trams, including full body wraps like the KFC promotion shown in some of my photographs, is quite common in Dublin and many other cities around the world. It’s a popular form of out-of-home advertising due to the high visibility and reach it offers. Trams travel through busy areas and are seen by a large number of people, making them effective advertising platforms.

The technique used to apply full body advertisements on trams is called “wrapping.” It involves:

Design: The advertisement is designed to fit the specific dimensions of the tram, ensuring it covers the entire body seamlessly.
Printing: The design is printed on a large, high-quality vinyl material using specialised printers.

Preparation: The tram is thoroughly cleaned and any existing advertisements are removed.

Application: The vinyl wrap is carefully applied to the tram’s body, ensuring it adheres properly and there are no air bubbles or wrinkles. This process requires skilled technicians and specialised tools.

Finishing: The edges of the wrap are trimmed and sealed to ensure a smooth and professional finish.

The process of removing a full body advertisement is relatively straightforward. The vinyl wrap is peeled off, and any adhesive residue is cleaned off the tram. The tram is then ready for a new advertisement or its original livery.

The frequency of these full-body advertising campaigns can vary depending on the advertiser and the contract with the transport company. Some campaigns might last for a few weeks, while others might run for several months.

TODAY I GOT THE 26 BUS AND EXPLORED LUCAN ROAD

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CHAPELIZOD ON THE SOUTH BANK OF THE RIVER LIFFEY

VISIT CHAPELIZOD
VISIT PALMERSTOWN VILLAGE

Exploring Chapelizod and the Origins of “Lucalizod”

I recently took the 26 bus to Chapelizod, a village on the south bank of the River Liffey. My route took me along Lucan Road, the R112 slip road, the Chapelizod Bypass, and eventually Old Lucan Road, ending in beautiful Waterstown Public Park.

The “Lucalizod” Connection

A few weeks ago, I overheard someone say “Lucalizod” on the bus and dismissed it as a mispronunciation of the energy drink Lucozade. However, I later discovered a fascinating connection: James Joyce merged the names of Lucan and Chapelizod into “Lucalizod” within his novel Finnegans Wake.

A Bit About Lucan

Let’s sidetrack for a moment to learn about Lucan. This suburban town in County Dublin lies 12 km west of Dublin’s centre, nestled along the River Liffey. Famous for the Strawberry Beds, Lucan Weir, and the River Griffeen, it straddles South Dublin with parts extending into Fingal. Lucan is easily accessible from the N4 and M50 motorway (Junction 7).

History of Lucan

Lucan’s popularity soared after a sulphurous spa was discovered in 1758. It quickly became a trendy weekend getaway from Dublin, leading to significant development. By 1795, the area boasted a ballroom and hotel. Much of Lucan village dates back to a major redevelopment around 1815. Lucan was even once a terminus of the Dublin city tram line serving both Lucan and Leixlip.

Lucozade Explained

Speaking of mispronunciations, Lucozade is a British soft drink and energy drink brand now owned by Suntory. Originally called “Glucozade”, it was created in 1927 as an energy drink for those feeling unwell and was primarily sold through pharmacies. Its classic slogan, “Lucozade aids recovery”, lingers from this era. In the 1980s, it became popular as a sports drink and is now widely available throughout the UK.

ASHTOWN TRAIN STATION ON THE ROYAL CANAL

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PHOTOGRAPHED USING A ZEISS BATIS 135mm LENS

I tried to take advantage of the unusual lighting and multiple reflecting surfaces at the railway station and the fact that I had a Zeiss Batis 135mm lens which compressed the view.

The Dublin-Sligo railway passes through the area and it is served by Ashtown railway station, which opened on 1 August 1902. Stopping at Ashtown is the Western Commuter service, which runs frequently between Maynooth and Pearse Station in the city centre. The area is also served by the 120 Dublin Bus route, which terminates at the railway station, and by the 37, 38, 39 and 70 routes, which pass nearby on the Navan Road.

The Broombridge LUAS Green Line station (adjacent to the railway station) opened in December 2017. A new railway station, called Pelletstown, was opened in September 2021, lying between Broombridge and Ashtown stations.