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Showing posts from February, 2024

Kings Inn & The Hungry Tree

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Kings Inn & The Hungry Tree Volume 9  ' a remarkable architectural and historical landmark'. The Kings Inn was established in 1541 during the reign of  King Henry VIII, a renowned institution with an extensive history. It was established as a professional association for barristers, the King's Inn has developed into a prominent hub for legal education, housing Ireland's top law school and educating future barristers. Set within a prominent Georgian building, with original distinctive features of the time, such as its elegant proportions, sash windows, and balanced façade. Its grandeur is increased by the use of limestone details and red brick.  It historical past ties with British rule in Ireland representing the power of the monarchy at that time. Before The Kings Inn was established it was the residence of the Viceroy of Ireland. When Ireland regained power (independence in 1921) it became central to the establishment of the Irish legal system. Dublin's archit...

Garden of Remembrance

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A memorial park located in Dublin, the Garden of Remembrance (Irish: An Gairdín Cuimhneacháin) honors “all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom". It is situated in Parnell Square, a Georgian square at the northern end of O'Connell Street, in the northern fifth of the ancient Rotunda Gardens. President Eamon de Valera officially opened the garden in 1966, on the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising. Architect Daithí Hanly (1917-2003) was responsible for the design of the Garden. The centre of the plan contains a large cross-shaped pool , with a tiled mosaic pattern as its base. The tiles show a picture of swords, shields, and spears thrown beneath waves; this is a nod to the Celtic custom of casting weapons into water once a battle had ended. Important objects from the history of prehistoric and medieval Ireland were woven into the structure of the Garden elsewhere; in the railings can be seen the shapes of the Trinity College (Brian Boru) harp, the Loughna...

St. Mary’s Abbey

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St. Mary's Abbey is a historical gem that is tucked away along a small alley off of Capel Street in Dublin. The French Cistercian order of monks founded it in 1147, and it soon became known as the wealthiest monastic monastery in Ireland. Even when Henry VIII dismantled it in 1539 as part of the Reformation, certain traces of its history remain, most notably the chapter house and the adjacent passage. The chapter house, with its vaulted chamber, offers a glimpse into the architectural and cultural heritage of medieval Ireland. As visitors descend the steps into this ancient space, they are transported back in time, surrounded by sandstone ribs and plasterwork that bear testament to centuries of history. Remarkably preserved, the chapter house stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of its creators. Managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), St Mary’s Abbey now serves as a museum, offering visitors a self-guided tour through its storied past. Informative panels de...

The Hugh Lane Gallery

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A moment to appreciate art in the heart of Dublin City Centre,  The Hugh Lane Gallery a "hidden gem in dublin", which features everything from famous paintings to provocative sculptures and multimedia projects, celebrates the variety and diversity of human expression.The gallery's carefully planned exhibition areas will wrap you in an atmosphere of inspiration and creativity as you stroll through them. The spaces are flooded with natural light, which highlights the artwork's beauty and promotes an  atmosphere to appreciate the work around you.  A place of excitement, calm and learning. In one of Irelands impressive architectural buildings with a beautiful new modern wing housing some of the more modern works. It houses modern and contemporary works, from Francis Bacon to Sean Scully. The gallery is located in the magnificent Charlemont House, a Georgian townhouse from the eighteenth century, which offers a rich historical setting for the contemporary artworks on displ...

Kilmainham Gaol Museum

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  Kilmainham Gaol, or Príosún Chill Mhaighneann in Irish, is a moving reminder of Ireland's turbulent past. Built in 1796, it was originally called the 'New Gaol' to distinguish it from its dilapidated predecessor. During its 140-year existence as a prison, it swiftly gained notoriety as a symbol of oppression while operating under the authority of the Grand Jury for County Dublin. Picture: OPW Heritage Ireland Kilmainham Gaol has seen the imprisonment of several well-known individuals who were active in the fight for Irish independence during the course of its history. The walls of this institution bore witness to the dreams and sacrifices of those who battled for a free Ireland, from the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising to innumerable campaigners and rebels.  Kilmainham Gaol has famously severe conditions. Men, women, and even children were imprisoned together in cramped cells without any means of separating them; they endured minimal light and warmth and frequently spen...

The Casino of Marino

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Volume 2 - Suburban Dublin  The Casino of Marino & Javaholics Coffee Company "A wonderful piece of history and Architecture to have on our doorstep" A hidden gem even locals may miss, tucked away out of site its a place not to skip.  I have always admired the Casino of Marino.The symmetry, the proportions, the materials and the setting have intrigued me since I was a child growing up near by. The Casino at Marino is a neo-classical summer house designed by Sir William Chambers in the late 18 th century, located in Marino situated to the north east of Dublin City. It was built for James Caulfield the 4 th Viscount of Charlemont on his estate. The Casino in the time it was built was seen to be in the country side outside of Dublin , it was built for the owner as a pleasure house to escape the busy city centre. The Viscount’s full time residence was in Charlemont house on Parnell street which is now home to the Hugh Lane Gallery another great spot to check out. Charlem...

Dublin Castle

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 Volume 1 Dublin Subculture - Dublin castle & Chez Max Cafe  "Fancy a stroll threw a historic gem of dublin" The epi centre of the city, it is a symbol of Ireland and its historical past.Many people walk threw Dublin castle everyday but do they know the rich history is holds. Its gated at 4 points allowing access from 3 sides, the grounds is the current home to The Chester Beatty Library, The Coach  House gallery, The Print works exhibition centre, a police station and the National Garda Museum. There is daily tours of Dublin Castle which are 8 euro running from 10am to 4pm. Dublin Castle is a massive representation of Ireland's complicated past, with a fascinating history that dates back to its creation by King John of England in 1204. Originally built as a stronghold to demonstrate English supremacy over Ireland, the castle grew and changed over the ages to become a spectacular mansion that represented the shifting political and power dynamics. It had extensive...

Isolde’s Tower

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  Isolde's Tower, a hidden gem in the heart of Dublin's Temple Bar, encapsulates centuries of history dating back to the thirteenth century. Unearthed during the excavation of Essex Quay for apartment construction, this historical treasure provides a glimpse into medieval Dublin's defensive structures. The tower's origin in the thirteenth century was rooted in its primary purpose as a guardian of Norman Dublin against potential invaders using the River Liffey. Serving as a vital part of the city's defense system, Isolde's Tower was strategically positioned to fend off threats, with evidence suggesting the presence of a battery on its western side. As a mural tower, it played a crucial role in the city's defense, allowing soldiers to fire crossbows and other projectile weapons. The tower was interconnected with the city walls, extending to the banks of the Liffey and serving as a protective barrier around reclaimed Irish land. Over the centuries, the tower un...

Sunlight Chambers

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Every day thousands of people cross Grattan Bridge to reach the centres of Dublin's cultural life, but unfortunately few  pay attention to one of the most iconic buildings located in the city centre. At the corner of Parliament Street and Essex Quay, busy people divide their looks between cars and people trying to find gaps along the Quays to reach the opposite side and end up ignoring the three faced building that is trying to tell a history throughout its artwork.  The origins of Sunlight Chamber go back to the English industrialists, William Hesketh Lever and his younger brother James Darcy Lever who together with chemist William Hough Watson,  reinvented the chemical detergent industry. They successfully developed a new recipe that consisted of glycerin and vegetable oil, rather than traditional animal fat. The business achieved immense success and in 1885 they decided to invest in Watson’s soap recipe and opened a factory in Warrington. A village developed around thi...