CONTENTS

CONTENTS

2

A

  • AN EMPTY PLINTHIn the heart of the People's Flower Garden, a solitary plinth stands as a silent witness to a bygone era. This classically-styled pedestal once supported a…
  • ANNE DEVLIN SCULPTUREThe decision to erect a statue of Anne Devlin in Rathfarnham, rather than one of Robert Emmet, has been a subject of some debate. Emmet is undoubtedly a more…
  • ART BY CAIZI know nothing about the artist but I did manage to photograph her at work while it was a work in progress but I did not ask her name as I had assumed that the…
  • ARTIST UNKNOWNI stumbled upon this lovely painted cabinet in Clontarf, and it turns out there's a story behind it! A local gentleman told me it was painted by a young…
  • AT THE PANTIBARPantiBar, located on Capel Street in Dublin, is a renowned LGBTQ+ bar owned by the iconic drag queen and activist Panti Bliss, also known as Rory O'Neill.

B

  • BACK LANE JULY 2024This Saint Vincent de Paul night shelter was constructed to designs by Thomas Francis McNamara in 1915 to provide low-cost accommodation for working men
  • BEFORE THE FIREHowever, the bar's promising trajectory was abruptly halted in July 2022 when a devastating fire engulfed the premises, leaving behind a trail of destruction…
  • BELFAST EMPIRE MUSIC HALLThe Belfast Empire Music Hall, located at the junction of Cameron Street and Botanic Avenue, has a fascinating history that dates back to its origins as a…
  • BELFAST JUNE 20162016 was a significant year politically, with the Brexit referendum taking place in June. Belfast voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union,…
  • BELFAST MAY 2017Extracts from the 2017 photo catalogue which was created and published by William Murphy
  • BELFAST STREET ARTIn 2017, Belfast's street art scene was a vibrant mix of political murals, emerging urban art, and growing commercial interest.
  • BLACK AND WHITE HALLThe most prominent statue is a bronze figure of Galileo Galilei, the renowned Italian astronomer and physicist. This statue, created by Pio Fedi, was installed…
  • BOTANIC GARDENSIn 2017, the Botanic Gardens in Belfast were a vibrant and popular destination, offering visitors a mix of historical charm, botanical beauty, and cultural…
  • BROADSTONE PLAZAThe Broadstone Luas stop is a relatively recent addition to the area, opening in late 2017 as part of the Luas Cross City project. This ambitious project…
  • BROKEN BUSBelfast has an extensive bus network, primarily operated by Translink. The Metro service is the main bus service for Belfast, operating throughout the city and…
  • BRONZE COWJackie McKenna's "Ag Crú na Gréine “Enjoying the Sun”" is a life-size bronze sculpture of a cow that has/had graced Wolfe Tone Square in Dublin since its…
  • BROWN THOMAS LANE MURALNew Zealander Askew One collaborated with Irish artist Maser to combine two unique techniques resulting in this amazing mural on Little William Street,…
  • BULLOCK HARBOUR JULY 2022Bullock Harbour, located in the coastal town of Dalkey, County Dublin, is a picturesque working harbour steeped in history. The harbour, sometimes spelled…
  • BUOY PARK IN BELFASTThe collection of maritime buoys that I photographed in 2017 was at the time located in Cathedral Gardens, an area in front of St. Anne's Cathedral in Belfast,…
  • BUSHY PARKBushy Park is a large public park located in Terenure, Dublin, Ireland, bordering the River Dodder. Unlike many other urban parks which feature formal gardens,…
  • BY CLAIRE O'HAGANBy the way, the artist Claire O'Hagan is doing some really interesting things now with oil painting, exploring themes around the body and feminism.
  • BY CLAIRE PROUVOSTClaire Prouvost is a French visual artist who has made Dublin her home. She is known for her large-scale murals and public art installations. Her work often…
  • BY COBAN WALKERWithin the serene landscape of Bushy Park stands Bushy, a captivating sculpture by Irish artist Corban Walker. Initially, the lack of clear signage led to some…
  • BY EILIS O'CONNELLDipping the Other Wing," commissioned by IPUT and installed in late 2024, serves as a focal point within the revitalised park. The sculpture's title is taken…
  • BY ELLEN WEBBAs a traveller of public transport daily, I would love to see this artwork in a place that many buses pass by
  • BY HERBERT SIMMSHerbert George Simms (1898-1948) was a prominent Irish architect who left an indelible mark on Dublin's urban landscape.
  • BY JACK COLEMANTucked beneath the silent, steel arches of Spencer Bridge, a vibrant splash of colour disrupts the industrial monochrome. Jack Coleman's "Sunsoaked Skies," a…
  • BY JESSICA MOLESINIMolesini, originally from Italy, is a Dublin-based illustrator and muralist known for her vibrant colours and playful cartoon style.
  • BY KAT ENNIS - UPDATEThis painted utility box can be found on Conquer Hill, along Clontarf Road in Dublin 3. It offers a unique perspective on the coastal landscape, capturing the…
  • BY MARIA CASTILLOMaria Castillo's artistic journey began in Mexico City, where she was born and raised. Her parents, both painters, instilled in her a deep passion for art from…
  • BY PAT LOUGHRANThis striking sculpture, titled "Meeting", was created by Irish artist Pat Loughran. Selected from the final year of sculpture students at the National College…
  • BY SARAH K RYANll the labels have been removed almost as soon as this cabinet was painted by Sarah so it took me a few days to identify the artist.
  • BY SHAUNA HERONThis piece features a cat relaxing and surveying its kingdom from the comfort of its flower bed.
  • BY ZAPARTONEThis was located on Liberty Lane when I visited in 2022 so it may be long gone. As I had to leave because of anti-social behaviour this is the only usable…

C

  • CABRA TRAM STOP JULY 2022The stop is situated close to Mount Bernard Park, providing a welcome green space for commuters and locals. Pedestrians can easily access the park via the Liam…
  • CAPTAIN NEMOOnboard Nautilus with Captain Nemo Looking at the box from the street we have continuation/connection to the sea, bay and sailing yachts, while looking at the…
  • CELTIC CROSSESThere is a large number of Celtic crosses in Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery, Limerick. It's a common sight in Catholic and non-denominational cemeteries across…
  • CHINESE PAGODABack in 1997 the city council, recognising the importance of China in the global economy, started making links with the world's largest emerging market and made…
  • CHRISTMAS 2024I have always attended a family Christmas dinner away from the city centre, but this year was different, as I was invited to a friend's house and, I must admit,…
  • CHRISTMAS CARDSThe tradition of sending Christmas cards dates back to 1843 in England, when Sir Henry Cole commissioned artist John Callcott Horsley to create the first…
  • CLOCK TOWER GRANGEGORMANThe Clocktower Building, an enduring landmark in Dublin's Lower Grangegorman, stands as a testament to the area's rich and complex history. Originally…
  • CLONTARF BATHSThe Clontarf Baths have a long and interesting history. Built in 1864, they were originally known as the Clontarf Baths and Assembly Rooms. They were popular…
  • CLONTARF GARAGEClontarf Garage is more than just a place where buses park overnight. It's a landmark with a rich history intertwined with the development of public transport…
  • CLONTARF PIERClontarf Boat Slipway, which is a popular spot for launching small boats and kayaks, and also for swimming! It's located right by the Clontarf Yacht & Boat…
  • COLIEMORE HARBOUR JULY 2022Coliemore Harbour is a small, historic harbour that has served as a vital hub for the local community for centuries. Originally a busy fishing port, it now…
  • CONSTANCE SMITH MURALBorn in 1928, Smith became a renowned actress, gracing the silver screen in numerous films throughout the 1950s.
  • COURT HOUSEThe Court of Petty Sessions in Rathfarnham Village, a structure etched with the inscription "COURT OF PETTY SESSIONS ERECTED 1912", stands as a testament to the…
  • CUSACK VAULTThe vault was built for James William Cusack, a renowned surgeon of his time. He served as president of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland three times and…

D

  • DALKEYWhile Malahide often claims the title of Dublin's wealthiest area, Dalkey certainly holds its own with a high concentration of well-heeled residents and an air…
  • DERELICT WITH A TIN ROOFOther the addition of fake windows not much has happened to this derelict cottage since I first photographed it in 2016.
  • DERELICT WITH TIN ROOFLimerick City & County Council acquired this site through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) under the Derelict Sites Act 1990. This likely happened because the…
  • DORSET STREET FIRE STATIONThe Dorset Street Fire Station stands as a proud symbol of Dublin's architectural and social history. Its distinctive design, its vital role in community…
  • DUBBER CROSSIn May 2017 I decided to get a bus at random and see where it brought me. I ended up at a place known as Dubber Cross near Charlestown Shopping Centre which is…
  • DUBLIN DOCKLANDSThe Sony NEX-5, released in 2010, was notable for its in-camera panoramic stitching feature, called Sweep Panorama. This allowed users to capture a panoramic…
  • DUNDRUM TRAM STOPSDundrum, a lively suburb in South Dublin, offers a unique choice for arriving by LUAS: the Dundrum stop and the Balally stop. Both connect you to the city…
  • DUN LAOGHAIREI was due to meet up with several friends at Eatokyo on Capel Street. However as I was invited to a "postponed" family Christmas dinner the meet-up has been…

E

  • EATOKYO CAPEL STREETOnline reviews consistently praise the quality of the food and the friendly service. One reviewer described the vegan options as "insanely good," highlighting…
  • EMBRACED LOOPThe Embraced Loop, a poignant HIV and AIDS national monument by Anaisa Franco, resides in the People’s Gardens of Dublin’s Phoenix Park. This powerful sculpture…

F

  • FAMINE MEMORIALThe Famine Memorial, located on Custom House Quay in Dublin, is a poignant and powerful reminder of one of the most devastating periods in Irish history – the…
  • FAMOUS GANTRY CRANESContrary to popular belief, the cranes are not relics of the Victorian era. Goliath, the smaller of the two at 315 feet, was erected in 1969, with Samson…
  • FISHERMEN MURALMagee's murals have a dreamlike quality, drawing you in with their flowing lines and muted colours. In "The Fishermen," the figures almost appear to be sculpted…
  • FISHERMEN MURALA local, self appoint, historian told me that Anne Street is named after Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of King Henry VIII. I decided not to correct him - Anne…
  • FLOWER GARDENNestled within Phoenix Park, the People's Flower Garden is a beautifully manicured Victorian garden spanning 9 hectares. Originally known as the Promenade…
  • FLUDUBLINFluDublin is a supporters' club for fans of the Brazilian football team Fluminense, based in Dublin, Ireland.
  • FLUDUBLINFluDublin is a supporters' club for fans of the Brazilian football team Fluminense, based in Dublin, Ireland.
  • FORMER ORMEAU BAKERYThe Ormeau Bakery, established in 1875 by Robert Wilson, flourished under three generations of the Wilson family
  • FREESTANDING TRANSFORMERI delayed publishing this series of photographs as I could not determine what this structure actually was.

G

  • GALLERY ZOZIMUSAs I have always had an interest in Zozimus I usually watch out for a opportunity to mention him and the statue of a female above the Gallery Zozimus gave me…
  • GEORGE'S DOCKGeorge's Dock, nestled within Dublin's Inner Dock, is a fascinating example of urban regeneration. Its story stretches back to the early 19th century when it…
  • GEORGE HANLEY R.I.P."George Hanley R.I.P. We Miss Your Wit And Wisdom Loved And Missed By All"
  • GOLDENBRIDGE CEMETERYIn May 2017, this historic Dublin cemetery reopened its gates, offering new family burial plots for the first time in nearly 150 years. Prior to this, access…
  • GRAND CANAL QUAYGrand Canal Quay is a dynamic and evolving district nestled within Dublin's Docklands. This vibrant hub seamlessly blends residential, commercial, and…
  • GRAND CANAL SQUAREGrand Canal Square is a striking public space in the heart of Dublin's revitalised Docklands. Situated on the south side of the River Liffey, it forms a key…
  • GREAT VICTORIA STREET STATIONGreat Victoria Street station primarily served destinations within Northern Ireland, including Derry, Larne, Bangor, and Portadown. This station played a…
  • GRESHAM FAMILY VAULTThere is a Gresham family vault in Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin, and it's quite a unique one! It was fitted with a bell to allay the fears of a woman terrified…

H

  • HARCOURT STREET TRAM STOPBusConnects is a significant programme by the National Transport Authority (NTA) aimed at overhauling the bus network in the Dublin Metropolitan Area. This blog…
  • HENRY ROEDespite its remarkable success, Roe & Co. faced a series of challenges that ultimately led to its decline. Instead of simply listing the factors, let's explore…

I

  • INGRAM FAMILY VAULTWhile the specific Ingram family associated with the memorial requires further investigation, research reveals several prominent Ingram families with ties to…
  • INSCRIBED IN STONEIt's important to remember that while graffiti is often seen as vandalism today, it has a long and complex history that reflects the human desire to communicate…
  • INSCRIBED IN STONEIt's important to remember that while graffiti is often seen as vandalism today, it has a long and complex history that reflects the human desire to communicate…
  • IVEAGH GARDENS 2022The gardens were privately owned for much of their history. They were created in the 1860s by the Guinness family as part of their estate.

J

  • JAFFE MEMORIAL IN BELFASTThe Jaffe Memorial Fountain, a gilded cast-iron structure, stands as a unique monument in Belfast's Victoria Square Shopping Centre. Commissioned in 1874 by…

K

  • KILKENNY CASTLEKilkenny Castle, a prominent landmark in County Kilkenny, Ireland, boasts a rich and complex history spanning over 800 years. Its strategic location on the…
  • KILKENNY CASTLE ESTATEKilkenny Castle's grounds offer a captivating experience, even without venturing inside the castle walls. Here's why you should consider a stroll through this…
  • KILKENNY MAY 2017Kilkenny, a charming medieval city in southeast Ireland, boasts a wealth of historical sites, including St. John's Cemetery. This ancient burial ground, located…
  • KILKENNY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHKilkenny Presbyterian Church, as a name, can be a source of confusion as it refers to two distinct buildings with a shared history.
  • KILKENNY SEPTEMBER 2022Kilkenny boasts a long and complex history, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 6th century . The city's street names often reflect this historical…

L

  • LADY DESART BRIDGEThe Lady Desart Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge replaced an earlier suspension bridge built by Lady Desart in 1912. This original bridge was constructed to ensure…
  • LIBERTY HALLThe current Liberty Hall, designed by Desmond Rea O'Kelly, was built to replace an older structure that was destroyed by fire during the Irish Civil War in…
  • LIBERTY PLAZAIn 2015, the Tivoli Theatre ceased operations due to financial difficulties, marking the end of an era for Dublin's entertainment scene.
  • LIMERICK 2022My last visit to Limerick was in June 2022 but as I have found it difficult to get suitable accommodation at reasonable cost much too much time has passed since…
  • LOVE ME SOThis double-walled piece, completed in 2013, depicts a woman gazing at her childhood self. It's a haunting image that speaks volumes about the lasting impact of…
  • LOVE ME SO MURALMcConaghy, who signs his work as DMC, is an Irish artist who prefers the freedom of the streets to the confines of a gallery. Known for his striking murals in…
  • LOWER KILMACUD ROADIn August 2022, I took the Luas tram to the Kilmacud stop and walked to Stillorgan. Based on my experience, this wasn't a good idea especially when carrying a…
  • LUKE KELLYWhen first encountering the imposing Luke Kelly sculpture on Guild Street, one might overhear, as I did, a passerby remark, "Look at him with the big Irish head…

M

  • MANCHESTER MARTYRS MEMORIALWithin the hallowed grounds of Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery, amidst the weathered headstones and solemn monuments, stands a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment…
  • MANOR STREETtoneybatter, once a gritty working-class neighbourhood, is now one of Dublin's trendiest spots. And right at its centre, like a main artery pumping life into…
  • MARROWBONE LANE FLATSThe large social housing complex on South Summer Street in Dublin 8 is known as Summer Street South.
  • McCLURE STREET AND CAMERON…In May 2017, I explored an unfamiliar area of Belfast, walking along McClure Street and Cameron Street, their boundaries blurring into one another.
  • MEMORIAL TO THREE PRIESTSThis memorial features a fascinating inscription! It commemorates three priests, likely brothers, with impressive careers. Here's a breakdown of the Latin and…
  • MINI CLUBMANFirst Generation (1969-1980): The original Clubman was introduced as a slightly larger and more practical version of the classic Mini. It featured a squarer…
  • MISSING PERSONSThe "Monument To Missing Persons" is a deeply moving sculpture that captures the profound sense of loss and longing associated with the disappearance of a loved…
  • MOLLY MALONEThe bronze statue of Molly Malone, a buxom fishwife pushing a cart, currently resides on Suffolk Street, having been moved from its original location on Grafton…
  • MOTHER REDCAPS JULY 2024Mother Redcap's, a former market and pub complex situated on Back Lane, holds a unique place in Dublin's history.
  • MOUNT ANVILLE SCHOOLLocated near St Laurence O'Toole's, Mount Anville Primary School boasts a rich history dating back to 1831 when a school was first established on Kilmacud Road.…
  • MOUNT JEROME CEMETERYThe use of "v" instead of "u" in inscriptions on older cemeteries and graveyards in Britain and Ireland is linked to historical changes in the English language
  • MOUNT ST LAWRENCELocated in the South Liberties area of Limerick City, Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery stands as a poignant testament to the city's history. Since its consecration…
  • MURAL BY LAURA O'HAGANO'Hagan, inspired by a desire to provide comfort during challenging times, initially sketched "Lumen" with this guiding principle. The mosaic serves as a…

N

  • NORTH WALL BRIDGESThe North Wall Quay Bridges comprise two sets of early 20th-century Scherzer rolling lift bridges situated on the north side of the River Liffey in Dublin.

O

  • O'CONNELL STREETToday, the 8th December, I walked along O'Connell Street and, using my iPhone 12 Pro Max, photographed at random and until I encountered a number of very happy…

P

  • PANO IMAGESTechnically, implementing panoramic stitching in a DSLR wouldn't have been significantly more difficult than in a mirrorless camera. Both types use digital…
  • PARISH CHURCH AUGUST 2022The parish of St. Laurence O'Toole, Kilmacud, was established in 1964, encompassing the areas of Kilmacud and Stillorgan. Prior to this, the local church for…
  • PEOPLES FLOWER GARDENThe People's Flower Garden, also known as the Victorian Walled Garden [not an accurate description], is a charming and historically significant part of Phoenix…
  • PEOPLES PARKThe People's Park stands as a testament to Limerick's history and community spirit. Originally a private park for the residents of the affluent Pery Square, it…
  • PHOTO BLOGSA collection of Headless WordPress Sites
  • POISE BY ANGELA CONNEREvoking a sense of tranquility, 'Poise' is a captivating kinetic sculpture by renowned British artist Angela Conner.
  • PRISON SCULPTURESOne of the most striking pieces, entitled "The Space Between", features the silhouettes of a man, woman, and child.
  • PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENSDublin is renowned for its abundance of well-maintained and well-managed public parks and green spaces, offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of…
  • PUMPING STATIONNot just a pumping station: This building, located at the junction of Vernon Avenue and Clontarf Road, actually houses three things:

Q

  • QUEENS UNIVERSITYThe difference in terminology between Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin is rooted in historical and cultural factors, rather than any…

R

  • RATHFARNHAM VILLAGEAs Rathfarnham continues to evolve, it is poised to remain a vibrant and engaging destination for both residents and visitors. Its rich history, its picturesque…
  • REALLY TALL SCULPTUREI have fact-checked the information provided in various accounts and corrected the height of the sculpture, which is 39.3 metres, not 35.3 metres as sometimes…
  • RECLINING FIGUREThis striking bronze sculpture, "Reclining Figure", by Frederick Edward McWilliam (1909-1992), was relocated in 2013 from the David Keir Building quadrangle to…
  • RED BRICK WALLThese images, captured in May 2017 and remastered in July 2024, showcase the vibrant street art scene in Belfast. They feature the works of two renowned…
  • REPUBLICAN PLOT 2022The Republican Plot and the High Cross are not merely historical relics; they are living memorials. The ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance the site…
  • RISK OF FLOODINGThis article delves into the history of flooding in Rathfarnham Village, Dublin, specifically examining Church Lane, Woodview Cottages, and Rathfarnham Mill.…
  • ROBERT POTTER MP MEMORIALRobert Potter was a prominent figure in Limerick politics during the early 19th century. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Limerick City from 1832 to…
  • ROCHES STREETAs Christmas is approaching it might be a good idea to discuss Limerick ham.
  • RUSSELL MEMORIAL FOUNTAINBoth Limerick and Belfast boast ornate Victorian fountains that have become cherished landmarks, each with a unique history and story to tell. While visually…

S

  • SACRED HEART CHURCHThe Sacred Heart Church in Limerick city has undergone some changes in recent years and especially since I last photographed it in April 2022.
  • SCULPTURE BY ORLA DE BRIThis striking sculpture, "The Bastard Son of Sisyphus", by Orla de Brí, is located in Park West, Dublin. It offers a contemporary interpretation of the Greek…
  • SHOPPING CENTREI recently came across an online comment lamenting the disappearance of Stillorgan Shopping Centre, now replaced by "Stillorgan Village." I share the sentiment;…
  • SIR RICHARD MORRISONSir Richard Morrison (1767-1849) was a prominent Irish architect who left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Ireland during the 18th and 19th…
  • SLEEPING PATTERNS MURALSSleeping Patterns murals by the Church of Best Ever. This particular mural no longer exists but the second one of the pair is still to be seen on the wall of…
  • SLEEPING PATTERNS MURALSWhen I photographed this in June 2016 I was not aware that the site would be demolished to make way for the Opera Square development.
  • SMALL DERELICT SITEBelfast's issue of dereliction is multifaceted and stems from various historical, infrastructural, economic, and social factors.
  • SNOW COVEREDOn November 27, 2010, I ventured into St. Stephen's Green, my camera capturing the scene in stark black and white. The air was crisp, the ground blanketed in a…
  • ST ANTHONY'S CHURCHMany are familiar with Saint Anthony’s Church on Clontarf Road, but fewer realise that the current parish church is actually situated behind an older building,…
  • STILL A WORK IN PROGRESSThe revitalisation project on Francis Street in Dublin did experience some delays and was still a work in progress in June 2022 due to several reasons
  • STILLORGAN AND KILMACUDKilmacud derives its name from the Irish "Cill Mochuda," meaning the church of Mochuda. Mochuda, a figure from Munster, is linked to the monastery of Lismore in…
  • STILLORGAN ORCHARD AUGUST 2022The Stillorgan Orchard ceased trading as a pub in early 2023. It was not sold as a going concern, but as a site for redevelopment. This has indeed caused…
  • STILLORGAN ORCHARD AUGUST 2022The Stillorgan Orchard ceased trading as a pub in early 2023. It was not sold as a going concern, but as a site for redevelopment. This has indeed caused…
  • ST JOHN'S CEMETERYThe first thing you'll notice about St. John's Cemetery is the distinctive orange/brown hue of its gravestones. This unusual colouring sets it apart from many…
  • ST KIERAN'S CEMETERYSt Kieran's Cemetery,on Hebron Road in Kilkenny, is a significant landmark that reflects the city's evolving relationship with death and remembrance
  • ST PETERS CHURCHAs a woman objected to me photographing within the church I was unable to properly photograph the windows by Harry Clarke which is a pity as that was the…
  • ST PETERS LANE MURALSSt Peter's Lane is a small, somewhat forgotten lane in Phibsborough, Dublin 7. Connecting Cabra Park and St. Peter's Road, it's tucked away in a network of…
  • STRENGTH IN FRAGILITYThe Mural: EMIC's mural is a vibrant and poignant depiction of hope and solidarity. It portrays individuals supporting each other, symbolising the…

T

  • TAILOR'S LANE JULY 2024In 1792, Tailor's Hall, situated on Back Lane, became the meeting place for the Catholic Committee
  • THE BACK LANEIn James Joyce's "The Dead," Back Lane serves as a wry reference point for Gabriel Conroy's humorous anecdote about his grandfather.
  • THE BACK LANE JUNE 2022In James Joyce's "The Dead," Back Lane serves as a wry reference point for Gabriel Conroy's humorous anecdote about his grandfather.
  • THE CAMPUSThe difference in terminology between Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin is rooted in historical and cultural factors, rather than any…
  • THE GATE LODGEThere were actually two gate lodges associated with Belfast Botanic Gardens, both with interesting histories
  • THE GIFT OF LIFEIn the tranquil setting of Belfast's Botanic Gardens, the Gift of Life Candle sculpture stands as a poignant tribute to the selfless individuals who have given…
  • THE MAIN GLASSHOUSEThe main glasshouse at Belfast Botanic Gardens is the Palm House. It is one of the earliest examples of a curvilinear cast-iron glasshouse and predates the…
  • THE MANOR CINEMAOn 10 May 1920, the Manor Cinema opened on Manor Street, Dublin. Managed by George Fagan, the silent films it offered had strong musical accompaniment from a…
  • THE MAOI SCULPTUREIt was presented to the City of Dublin by the Government of Chile in November 2004 as a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations.
  • THE MILL HOUSELocated on Lower Kilmacud Road, the Mill House has been a fixture in Stillorgan since its establishment in 1967 by Patrick Joseph Freeney. Operating initially…
  • THE MILL HOUSELocated on Lower Kilmacud Road, the Mill House has been a fixture in Stillorgan since its establishment in 1967 by Patrick Joseph Freeney. Operating initially…
  • THE OLD BANDSTANDDespite its years of neglect, the Bushy Park bandstand is not forgotten. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in its potential, with plans for its…
  • THE SON OF PROTAGORASMTO is a renowned street artist known for his politically charged murals in cities around the world. His true identity remains a mystery, adding to the allure…
  • TRIBUTE HEADDame Elisabeth Frink's "Tribute Head" is a poignant bronze sculpture located in the historic Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland. This article delves into…
  • TWO KILKENNY PUBSThe closure of The Black Cat and David Campion's serves as a reminder of the need for adaptability and innovation in the pub industry. Publicans must respond to…

U

  • UNUSUAL POST BOXhis Post Box caught my attention today because it is different in a number of ways so I decided to check if there was any information available:

V

  • VICTORIAN BANDSTANDThe bandstand, like its twin in Woodvale Park, is a testament to the popularity of outdoor music and entertainment in the early 20th century. These structures…
  • VICTORIAN SHELTERThe only information that I could find that related to the shelter was that there is an active charity with a mission to protect and maintain the Botanic…
  • VILLAGE POST OFFICEThe closure of the Rathfarnham post office can be primarily attributed to the unfortunate passing of the long-serving postmaster, Donal Bermingham .
  • VISUAL WASTEDean Kane, better known as "Visual Waste," has been an integral part of Belfast's burgeoning street art scene since at least 2017, when I first photographed his…
  • VOLVO FIRE ENGINEThe Volvo FM-330 SRT SRP (Specialist Rescue Pump) with registration number ERZ-9062, built by Browns, and call sign Romeo Tango 190 is a specific type of fire…

W

  • WAR MEMORIALThe War Memorial at Queen's University Belfast stands as a poignant tribute to the members of the university community who lost their lives in World War I and…
  • WAS MCCLURE DEPARTMENT STOREThis attractive building at the junction of McClure Street and Ormeau Road, formerly known as McClure's Department Store, has been converted into offices. This…
  • WELLINGTON OBELISKThe Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park, a towering obelisk marking the Dublin skyline, stands as a somewhat ironic tribute to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of…
  • WHY THIS NAMEThe name comes from the resemblance of the number “1” to an eye, specifically the shape of the letter “I.” So when the bingo caller announces “Kelly’s Eye,”…
  • WILLIAM DARGAN BRIDGEThe bridge is a cable-stayed bridge, meaning the deck is supported by cables running directly to a central tower or pylon. This design allows for longer spans…
  • WILTON TERRACEWilton Terrace is a collection of former townhouses dating back to 1841. Originally envisioned as part of a grand scheme by Arthur Neville around 1830, the…
  • WIND SAIL SCULPTUREAs you stroll along the promenade, you'll encounter the striking "Wind Sail Sculpture", created by Derry-born artist Eamon O'Doherty in 1988. Sadly, O'Doherty…
  • WOODGATE MEMORIALThis memorial commemorates Thomas Woodgate, a 14-year-old boy from Callan, County Kilkenny, who tragically perished aboard the RMS Leinster when it was…
  • WRITTEN IN STONEMount St Lawrence graveyard, located in the South Liberties, has been the primary place of burial in Limerick City for all strata of society since its opening…