AT THE HEART OF THE IMMA

18/02/2024

A Historic Setting: IMMA is housed within the stunning 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham. This grand building, modeled on Les Invalides in Paris, offers a unique backdrop for contemporary art with its long corridors, expansive courtyards, and rich history.

Architecture as Art: The building itself is a highlight. Notice the symmetry, the imposing facades, and the graceful cloisters that provide a sense of serenity.

Current and Ongoing Exhibitions (Please note: These change frequently, so check IMMA's website for an up-to-date schedule)

Permanent Collection: IMMA has a substantial collection of modern and contemporary art. While you might not see everything on display, there's likely a rotating selection of highlights.

Experiencing IMMA

Beyond the Exhibitions: IMMA also boasts beautiful formal gardens, a café, and a shop. Include time to explore these aspects.

Events and Workshops: The museum hosts regular events like artist talks, family programmes, and workshops. Check their calendar for enriching activities during your visit.

NORSEMAN PUB

18/02/2024

Situated in Dublin's popular Temple Bar district, the Victorian bar and partitions are over 120 years old.

Back in the late 1960s I worked for ITG an Hi-Fi importer and distributer which explains why I became an Electronics Engineer. Back then Temple Bar was no way like what it is today.

The name "Temple Bar" is generally thought to come from the Temple family, who built a house and gardens in the area in the early 1600s.

In the 18th century, Temple Bar became a centre for commerce and industry, with a customs house, warehouses, taverns, and brothels.

However, by the 19th century, the area had begun to decline, and by the 20th century, it was in a state of disrepair. When I worked there it was at best "run down".

In the late 20th century, Temple Bar was revitalised as a cultural and tourist destination. The cobbled streets and original architecture were preserved/restored, and many pubs, restaurants, and shops were opened.

Temple Bar is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dublin but in general it is an area that I avoid [mainly because of the prices charged by pubs and restaurants]. 

I came across a claim that the Temple Bar Pub was one of the oldest in Dublin but when I challenged this claim I received the following information:

"I apologise, while the Temple Bar pub is a popular and iconic establishment in Dublin, it is not one of the oldest pubs in the city. In fact, there are several pubs with claims to that title, depending on how you define "oldest."

Here's a breakdown of some contenders:

Officially oldest: The Brazen Head holds the official title of Dublin's oldest pub, with evidence of an inn operating on the site since 1198. The building you see today dates back to 1754.

Oldest licensed premises: The Norseman claims to have the oldest pub license in Temple Bar, dating back to 1696.

Early establishment: The Palace Bar, established in 1823, holds the title of being one of the oldest pubs specifically in the Temple Bar area itself.

UNUSUAL SIGN IN TEMPLE BAR

18/02/2024

This caught my attention a few days ago because I overheard a child asking what does "our onion only in truth" mean. I was aware of the sign but,  to be honest, I thought that it was a statement by some of religious cult or organisation and never got around to discovering the story behind the large metal arch. Also I had difficulty photographing in the past.

Temple Bar Gallery & Studios marked an anniversary by organising a large-scale public artwork commission funded  by public donations. If the campaign raised €14,000 then Garrett Phelan would install an arch made from  steel on the roof of Temple Bar Gallery.

Irish artist Garrett Phelan’s art practice directly engages the audience with immersive site-specific drawing projects, FM radio broadcasts, sculptural installations, photography and animation. 

D'OLIER CHAMBERS

18/02/2024

I may have said that this was D'Olier House in the past but it is in fact D'Olier Chambers which is a bit more posh. 

With its form, scale, and elaborate terracotta embellishment, this building is a striking addition to the streetscape. It is prominently sited overlooking the junction of D’Olier Street, Fleet Street, College Street, Pearse Street, Townsend Street and Hawkins Street. 

D’Olier Chambers was designed and built by the Irish architect J.F. Fuller as the southern branch of Gallagher & Company, tobacco manufacturers. Fuller specified that J.C. Edward’s best buff terracotta and facing bricks were to be used. 

This is one of a number of late Victorian commercial buildings in Dublin which make extensive use of terracotta, providing textural and tonal variation with the brown brick of the façade. The pedimented breakfronts, surmounted by elaborately detailed chimneystacks, create a remarkable silhouette, and lend diversity to the architectural character of the area.