NEW COURTHOUSE COMPLEX
THE NEW COURTHOUSE COMPLEX IN DROGHEDA [ADJACENT TO THE REFURBISHED GARDA STATION]
Drogheda's New Courthouse Complex
Drogheda's new courthouse complex, completed in 2017, is a state-of-the-art facility located at St. Patrick's Well Lane, overlooking the River Boyne. This modern building replaced the previous courthouse that occupied the same site, which had become outdated and inadequate for the town's growing legal needs.
Before the construction of the new complex, Drogheda's courts were housed in a variety of locations around the town, including the old courthouse on the current site and other temporary venues. The consolidation of court services into a single, purpose-built complex has significantly improved efficiency and accessibility for the local community.
The new courthouse complex is situated adjacent to the redeveloped Drogheda Garda Station. This close proximity fosters a strong working relationship between the two essential services, facilitating efficient collaboration and communication in matters of law enforcement and the administration of justice. The redevelopment of the Garda Station has further enhanced the overall effectiveness of the area, creating a modern hub for public safety and legal services.
There is a St. Patrick's Well in Drogheda, though it's not directly related to the courthouse complex. It holds historical and folkloric significance, with a fascinating past intertwined with the legend of St. Patrick himself.
History & Folklore:
St. Patrick's Presence: Local lore suggests that St. Patrick visited this site and left his mark. It's said that the well sprang forth where his staff struck the ground, and a nearby stone bears an unusual groove attributed to the saint's touch. Another stone, shaped like a basin, is said to have served as his drinking bowl and even shaving bowl, with the razor supposedly crafted at a nearby forge.
Miraculous Properties: As with many holy wells in Ireland, St. Patrick's Well in Drogheda is believed to possess healing powers. People traditionally visited to drink the water or bathe in it, hoping to cure various ailments like sore eyes or lips.
Religious Significance: The well was a place of pilgrimage and prayer for centuries. It's said that the marks of St. Patrick's knees are visible where he knelt, along with the footprints of those who gathered to listen to his teachings.
Location:
Situated off the Marsh Road, on the outskirts of Drogheda.
It lies in a marshy area surrounded by trees, creating a secluded and tranquil atmosphere.
Public Access:
The well is generally accessible to the public. However, as it's located on private land, it's advisable to be respectful of the surroundings and any livestock that may be present.
While the courthouse complex and St. Patrick's Well are not directly connected, they both contribute to Drogheda's rich heritage and tapestry of history, faith, and legend.
ST MAGDALEN'S CHURCH
ST MAGDALEN'S CHURCH IN DROGHEDA [NO LONGER ACTIVE]
The story of St. Magdalen's Church reflects the complex interplay of faith, history, and societal change. While its doors may be closed, its legacy endures, a reminder of the Dominican Order's deep roots in Drogheda and the ongoing evolution of religious life in Ireland.
St. Magdalen's Church, Drogheda: A History of Faith and Transformation
St. Magdalen's Church in Drogheda stands as a testament to the enduring presence of the Dominican Order in Ireland, despite its own physical absence. Though the church building no longer functions as a place of worship, its history sheds light on a vibrant community and its evolving role in the town and beyond.
A Flourishing Start:
Founded in 1224 by Lucas de Netterville, Archbishop of Armagh, the Dominican Friary of St. Mary Magdalene quickly gained prominence.
It became a centre of religious and intellectual life, witnessing significant events like the submission of Ulster chiefs to Richard II in 1399.
The friary endured turbulent times, including suppression during the Reformation and damage during the Cromwellian siege of Drogheda in 1649. Yet, the Dominican spirit persevered.
Rebuilding and Rebirth:
In the 19th century, as Catholic Emancipation brought renewed freedoms, the Dominican Order returned to Drogheda. The present St. Magdalen's Church, built in 1878, replaced an earlier chapel and served as a spiritual hub for the growing community.
Attached to a Dominican convent, the church flourished throughout the 20th century, witnessing countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals, marking the milestones of generations of Drogheda residents.
A Changing Landscape:
The late 20th century brought challenges for religious orders across Ireland, including declining vocations and changing societal attitudes. The Dominican convent in Drogheda closed in 2000, and St. Magdalen's Church ceased to function as a place of worship soon after.
Current Status & Future:
The Dominican Order, though no longer physically present in Drogheda, maintains a vibrant presence in Ireland. Their legacy continues through various ministries and institutions, fostering faith and education throughout the country.
The St. Magdalen's Church building is currently owned by the Drogheda Credit Union. While its future remains uncertain, there is hope that it will be preserved and repurposed, honouring its historical and architectural significance.
DERELICT WATER MILL
This late 19th-century, five-story factory building, prominently situated on the River Boyne west of the town centre, has been vacant and unmaintained for several years. While most of the external structure remains, there are clear signs of deterioration including water damage, slipped slates, vegetation growth, broken windows, and vandalism. Although there's no immediate risk of collapse, without urgent repairs, the building's condition will rapidly worsen.
Despite previous development proposals for this site, none have come to fruition. Information about the current status of these proposals and ongoing building maintenance is lacking. Identifying new uses for this building is crucial to prevent further degradation.
A major fire on St. Patrick's Day 2019 significantly damaged the property, reducing the main building to a shell.
Donaghy's Mill, Drogheda: A History
Origins: Built in 1833 as the Westgate Mill.
Initial Purpose: A steam-powered flax mill, vital to Drogheda's industrial boom.
Production: Flax spinning and linen production.
Closure of Flax Mill: 1860s, due to rising costs.
Rebirth as Shoe Factory: 1932, Edward Donaghy reopens it as a shoe factory.
Closure of Shoe Factory: 1970s, marking the end of its industrial use.
Dereliction: Remained vacant and neglected for decades.
Fire Damage: A major fire in March 2019 caused significant damage, leaving it a roofless shell.
Current Status: Derelict, structurally unsound, and at risk.
Reasons for Dereliction:
Lack of viable redevelopment plans.
High costs of restoration and repurposing.
Challenges of preserving historical elements.
Potential contamination from industrial past.
MURAL BY NINA VALKHOFF
As the laneway is narrow it was difficult to photograph this large mural in Drogheda when I visited to town a few days ago.
While the people of Drogheda may not have the best mural in the world they do have the best one in Ireland!
The results are in for Street Art Cities best of 2022 global competition and Muralist Nina Valkhoff’s “Étaín” mural has placed 38th out of 100 of the Best Murals across the globe! However, there is still cause for celebration as the mural has ranked highest out of the four Irish nominations
Street Art Cities is the largest street art community in the world.
Forgotten buildings, laneways and entire urban areas can lend themselves to colour and vibrant storytelling when murals are installed and used to ignite old stories, as is the case with Étaín and the five other mythological murals that make up the DRAWDA Urban Art Project.
History Of Meat Market Lane
Origin of the Name: As the name suggests, Meat Market Lane was once the central location for Drogheda's meat market. It housed wooden sheds or "shambles" where butchers sold their wares.
18th Century Relocation: In 1778, a decision was made to move the meat vendors from open stalls on West Street to a more organised space along the north side of Dyer Street. This led to the establishment of the meat market in what is now known as Meat Market Lane.
Transition and Modern Times: Over time, the meat market's function diminished, and the lane evolved into a passage connecting West Street and Dyer Street. In recent years, it has seen revitalisation efforts, including the addition of the "Étaín" mural as part of the DRAWDA Urban Art Project. It now houses some businesses, including a restaurant.
Meat Market Lane runs parallel to West Street, one of Drogheda's main thoroughfares.
It connects West Street to Dyer Street, providing a convenient pedestrian walkway between the two.
It is located close to Drogheda Town Centre, a popular shopping destination.
Significance
Meat Market Lane serves as a reminder of Drogheda's rich commercial history, reflecting the town's evolution over centuries.
The presence of the "Étaín" mural and its connection to the DRAWDA Urban Art Trail highlight the lane's growing importance in Drogheda's cultural scene.
Nina’s mural is part of the DRAWDA multidisciplinary public arts programme, launched in Drogheda, Co. Louth between November 2021, and April 2022, culminating in an Urban Art Trail throughout Drogheda that focuses on key figures and moments from our mythological past.
Nina Valkhoff is a talented muralist and painter based in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She's been creating large-scale murals for over two decades and is known for her distinctive style, often featuring endangered species surrounded by vibrant flora.
Some notable aspects of her work include:
Focus on nature: Her murals frequently depict animals and plants, often highlighting endangered species to raise awareness about conservation.
Large-scale projects: She specialises in large-scale murals that transform urban landscapes, adding colour and visual interest to buildings and walls.
Vibrant colour palette: Her work is characterised by a bold use of colour, creating eye-catching and dynamic compositions.
International recognition: She has created murals in various countries and her work has been featured in the Street Art Cities' "Best of 2022" global competition.
In addition to the "Étaín" mural in Drogheda, some of her other notable works include murals for the STRAAT Museum in Amsterdam and collaborations with institutions like the Mauritshuis museum.
If you'd like to learn more about Nina Valkhoff and her art, you can visit her website or search for her work on social media platforms.
MURAL BY VERA BUGATTI
The Bridge of Peace, Drogheda's second-furthest-west crossing, was constructed in the 1970s as part of an inner bypass. For years, its undercroft was a pilgrimage site for me, capturing the vibrant pulse of street art that bloomed annually each August. Locals proudly proclaimed it the world's longest-running graffiti art event, a canvas for renowned international artists since 1993.
My yearly visits abruptly ceased in 2012, the undercroft's walls disappointingly bare. A return in 2023 brought further dismay; the once-vibrant space lay silent. Yet, as I wandered Drogheda's streets, a delightful surprise awaited. Murals, rivalling Waterford's finest, adorned the town, breathing new artistic life into its fabric.
DRAWDA, a collaborative project between Love Drogheda BIDS, Droichead Arts Centre, and Louth County Council, is the force behind this urban renaissance. Curated by Dee Walsh and mythologist Anthony Murphy, the trail recently welcomed its seventh addition: Vera Bugatti's captivating mural on Dominick Street.
The mural portrays the Cailleach, a powerful figure in Irish mythology, the divine sorceress and mother goddess intertwined with the creation of the land and ancient monuments. Bugatti, an Italian artist with a background in Conservation of Cultural Heritage, seamlessly blends her artistic vision with historical and iconological research.
Her impressive portfolio includes features in numerous street art publications and international projects across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. Bugatti views urban art as an extension of her artistic expression, reflecting on environmental concerns, human disturbances, and social issues.
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