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…
  • APPLE STUDIOI have hit on a key point of confusion in the current Mac lineup! With the impressive performance of the M4 Mac mini, it does make one wonder why someone would…
  • 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.
  • AUGUST 2022 VISITThe 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…

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…
  • 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…
  • 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,…
  • 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 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 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 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 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…
  • 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.

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…
  • 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…

F

  • 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 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…
  • 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…
  • FLOWER GARDENNestled within Phoenix Park, the People's Flower Garden is a beautifully manicured Victorian garden spanning 9 hectares. Originally known as the Promenade…
  • 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…
  • 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…
  • GREAT VICTORIA STREET STATIONGreat Victoria Street station primarily served destinations within Northern Ireland, including Derry, Larne, Bangor, and Portadown. This station played a…

I

  • INFIRMARY HILLInfirmary "Hill" in Dublin is more than just a street with a steep incline near the Phoenix Park. While the name reflects the common European practice of…
  • 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…
  • iPAD PROFeaturing a new thin and light design, breakthrough Ultra Retina XDR display, and outrageously fast M4 performance with powerful AI capabilities, the new iPad…
  • 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

  • KILMACUD CHAPELith the growing population, a new church (St. Laurence O'Toole) was built in 1969, and the old Chapel of Ease was eventually deconsecrated.
  • KILMACUD PARISH CHURCHA worker, who suggested I return later, surprised me by referring to it as "Harley's Hanger"! This piqued my curiosity as I attended this church in the 1960s…

L

  • 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 ROADKilmacud and Stillorgan are neighbouring areas in Dublin with a somewhat overlapping identity. It's easy to get confused about where one ends and the other…
  • 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…

M

  • M4 MAC MINIThe new Mac mini is a game-changer, offering a compelling blend of performance, versatility, and affordability.
  • 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…
  • 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…
  • 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 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 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…

N

  • NEW M4 iMACApple's latest iMacs, powered by the impressive M4 chip, have arrived, bringing a significant performance boost and a splash of fresh color. But the excitement…

O

  • OLD DUBLIN ROADThe arrival of the Stillorgan Shopping Centre in the 1960s marked a significant turning point in the area's development. As one of the first shopping centres in…
  • OLD FIRE STATIONOne building that recently caught my attention is the old fire station on Dorset Street. For years, it was obscured by the Dorset Street Flats and Mary's Place…

P

  • 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 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…
  • 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

  • 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…
  • REVIEWSSony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: A Beast with a Bite The Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is a lens that commands attention. It's a hefty, premium optic that promises exceptional…
  • 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…
  • 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;…
  • 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…
  • STILLORGAN SHOPPING CENTREStillorgan Shopping Centre, now rebranded as Stillorgan Village, holds a unique place in Irish retail history. Opened in 1966, it was the first shopping centre…
  • 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 BLACK CHURCH AND NEARBYLocal legend has it that if you walk around the Black Church three times anti-clockwise at the stroke of midnight, you will encounter the Devil himself!
  • 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 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 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…

U

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…
  • 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,”…
  • 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…
  • 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…