Infomatique

24/11/2025

BOEUF BAR HAS ARRIVED LONG LIVE LUIGI MALONE [NEW RESTAURANT ABOUT TO OPEN]

The new establishment is the Boeuf Steak-Burger Bar, and it is part of an established local chain of steakhouses in Dublin.

Information about the Boeuf Restaurant Chain:

The restaurant is an expansion of the popular local steak eatery, Boeuf, which operates several different concepts (often incorporating "Boeuf" in the name) across Dublin.

Restaurant Concept: The new location is branded as the "Boeuf Steak-Burger Bar." This is their fifth location in Dublin.

Menu Focus: The concept focuses on a set menu that includes steak, burgers, and bottomless chicken wings. One featured offer is a set menu for €26.95 which includes a bottomless chicken wing platter, a choice of burger (beef, surf and turf, striploin steak, or chicken), and a complimentary scoop of gelato for dessert.

Location Details: The restaurant is located at the former Luigi Malone's premises at 5 Cecilia Street in Temple Bar, which is right next to Cope Street wher I had my first job back in the 1960s.

Opening: It is scheduled to open from November 27th.

The Boeuf chain operates several other restaurants in the Dublin area, including:
South William Street (The original Boeuf Steakhouse)
Suffolk Street (Boeuf & Coq)
Crow Street (Boeuf & Frites)
Blanchardstown (The Plaza on Main Street)

https://excellentstreetimages.com/December2025PhotoDiary/blog-presentation/single-post/?item=boeuf_steak-burger_bar

23/11/2025

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SITE - PALM TREE SEAT AND STOOLS [MOST DUBLINERS DO NOT NOTICE THIS AS THEY PASS BY]

https://excellentstreetimages.com/AllFormsOfPublicArtCatalog/Published2025/PalmTreeSeatAndStools/index.html =HIDDEN%20IN%20PLAIN%20SITE%20-%20PALM%20TREE%20SEAT%20AND%20STOOLS%20[MOST%20DUBLINERS%20DO%20NOT%20NOTICE%20THIS%20AS%20THEY%20PASS%20BY]-260688-1.jpg

The sculpture is officially known as the "Palm Tree seat and stools" or commonly just the "Statue Palm."

Location: It is situated in the heart of the lively Temple Bar cultural quarter, at 17A, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 RT29.

Artist and Date: It was created by Irish sculptor Vincent Browne and installed in 1992.

Description: It is a striking bronze sculpture that is often referred to as a "seat" because it incorporates stools and benches at its base, inviting passersby to pause and rest.

Significance: The palm tree design is often noted as a symbol of resilience and hope, adding a distinctive and unique artistic touch to the urban landscape of Dublin's most popular entertainment district.

The sculpture is a must-see for visitors and makes for a great photo opportunity as you explore the surrounding area's cobbled streets, traditional pubs, and vibrant atmosphere.

02/02/2025

A SPONTANEOUS VISIT TO DEANSGRANGE CEMETERY [SECOND SESSION - iPHONE IMAGES]

They say the best camera is the one you have with you. Ironically, on this occasion, my preferred camera and lens underperformed.

I hadn't planned to visit Deansgrange Cemetery, so the lens I had with me on the FX30 wasn't ideal. The resulting images were disappointing. Realising this, I also took a series of photographs using my iPhone 12 Pro Max. I dedicate this phone solely to photography, using the Halide Camera app, which consistently delivers good results. These images are presented here.

Deansgrange Cemetery, located in the Dublin suburb of Deansgrange, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, is a large Victorian cemetery and an important part of Dublin's history. Established in 1861, the first burial took place in 1865.

History

The mid-19th century saw a pressing need for new burial grounds in Dublin due to overcrowding in existing churchyards. Deansgrange was created to address this, quickly becoming a popular choice thanks to its spacious layout and attractive landscaping. Designed in the style of a "garden cemetery," its winding paths, trees, and monuments create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

Over the years, Deansgrange has become the final resting place of many notable figures in Irish history, including politicians, writers, artists, and scientists, adding to its historical significance.

Present Day

Deansgrange Cemetery remains an active burial ground, serving the local community. It also attracts visitors interested in history and genealogy. The cemetery is well-maintained and offers a range of services, including burials, cremations, and memorial services.

Key Features and Points of Interest:

Notable Burials: Deansgrange is the burial place of many prominent Irish figures, including:
Politicians: Seán Lemass and John A. Costello (both former Taoisigh)
Writers: Frank O'Connor and Brian O'Nolan (also known as Flann O'Brien)
Singer: John McCormack
Historical Significance: The cemetery offers a glimpse into Dublin and Ireland's social and cultural history, reflected in its diverse monuments and inscriptions.
Garden Cemetery Design: Deansgrange's layout and landscaping exemplify the Victorian-era garden cemetery movement, which aimed to create beautiful and tranquil burial spaces.
Republican Plot: This section commemorates Irish republicans who died in the struggle for independence.
The Palme Graves: This area contains the graves of some of those who perished in the Kingstown Lifeboat Disaster of 1895.

18/11/2024

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH [CLONTARF ROAD AND CHURCH GATE AVENUE]

St John the Baptist Church on Clontarf Road is a Catholic church with a rich history dating back to the 19th century.

History & Architecture

Early Years: The church was designed by renowned Dublin ecclesiastical architect Patrick Byrne. The foundation stone was laid in 1835, and it opened in 1838, though it wasn't fully completed until 1842.
Growth and Expansion: The church underwent significant expansion in 1895, thanks to the generosity of Mr Owison Allingham. He funded a 17-foot extension, a new high altar, pulpit, altar rails, sacristy, and bell tower. His sister, Miss Allingham, decorated the church's interior.

Parish Priests: Several notable parish priests have served St John the Baptist, including Fr Callanan (died 1846), Rev Cornelius Rooney (1846-1878), and Fr Patrick O'Neill (1879-1909). Fr Edward McCabe, a curate under Fr Callanan, went on to become Cardinal Archbishop of Dublin.

Parish Changes: The parish boundaries have shifted over time. Initially, Clontarf was part of a union of eight parishes. In 1879, this was split, with Clontarf then including Killester, Coolock, and Raheny. In 1909, Clontarf became a separate parish. With the growing population, chapels-of-ease were opened: St Anthony's in 1927 and St Gabriel's in 1956. These became independent parishes in 1966 but were reunited with St John the Baptist in 2009.

Holy Faith Sisters: In 1890, the Sisters of Holy Faith established a convent and schools for girls and junior boys in Clontarf at the invitation of Fr O'Neill.

.gallery .com

18/11/2024

ST ANTHONY'S CHURCH ON CLONTARF ROAD [AND WHAT WAS ONCE CLONTARF TOWN HALL]

St Anthony's Church on Clontarf Road (and what was once Clontarf Town Hall)

Many 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, a structure that once served as the town hall.

St Anthony's parish, Clontarf, was formed in 1966 when it separated from the historic Parish of Clontarf. The parish, located in the Fingal South East deanery of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin, is served by a Church of St Anthony of Padua, built in 1975.

This modern church succeeded an older building of the same name which initially served as a chapel-of-ease. This older church, a protected structure, had previously been the Town Hall for Clontarf during the brief period when the district was incorporated as a town under the control of local Commissioners.

The parish encompasses the part of Clontarf from the junction of Howth Road with Clontarf Road, extending south of the Parish of Killester and then dividing the district along the line of Castle Avenue. This area includes the Garda station, a secondary retail area, and localities such as Seafield.

Interestingly, within the parish bounds, there was once a holy well, named for either St. Philip or St. Dennis. Located in the vicinity of The Stiles Road, this well is no longer visible.

St Anthony's Hall: A Building with a Rich History

St Anthony's Hall, previously known as St Anthony's Parish Church (Irish: Eaglais Pharóiste Naomh Antaine) and, before that, Clontarf Town Hall (Irish: Halla an Bhaile Cluain Tarbh), is a former ecclesiastical building and, even earlier, a municipal building on Clontarf Road. Today, it serves as a parish hall for St Anthony's Parish Church.

From Town Hall to Place of Worship

The township of Clontarf appointed town commissioners in 1869 following significant population growth, partly due to the area's popularity as a tourist destination and its development as a residential suburb of Dublin. In the early 1890s, the town commissioners decided to erect a town hall. The site they selected on the north side of Clontarf Road was generously donated by the local landowner, Colonel Edward Vernon, whose seat was at Clontarf Castle.

The new building, designed in the Gothic Revival style by William George Perrott, was constructed in red brick by Robert Farquharson and completed in 1896. The design featured a gabled main frontage facing onto Clontarf Road. The side elevations, each with six bays, were fenestrated by pairs of lancet windows and flanked by buttresses.

In 1899, the town commissioners were replaced by an urban district council, and the building on Clontarf Road briefly served as the meeting place of the new council. However, the town hall ceased to be the local seat of government in 1900 when the urban district was annexed by the City of Dublin.

A Hub of Republican Activity

The Irish republican, Michael McGinn, became caretaker of the town hall in 1901 and also keeper of the town hall library, which was established in the building in 1902. He played a crucial role in facilitating meetings of the supreme council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood at the town hall. It was at one such meeting in January 1916 that the supreme council agreed to a proposal from Seán Mac Diarmada that a rebellion should proceed "at the earliest date possible". At this same meeting, the leader of the Irish Citizen Army, James Connolly, was persuaded to join the rebellion. On 16 April 1916, another republican, Paddy Daly, was questioned in the town hall about his proposal to destroy the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park. The Easter Rising went ahead a week later.

The town hall, which had already started showing silent films, reopened after the First World War as a picture theatre in December 1919. After Michael McGinn's death, his wife, Catherine, became caretaker and provided accommodation for republican leaders during the Irish War of Independence.

From Civic Building to Sacred Space

The building was converted into a chapel of ease in 1926. The main frontage facing onto Clontarf Road was refaced in rusticated granite. The new facing featured an arched doorway, dressed with an ashlar granite architrave and enhanced with a carved shield in the tympanum. The entrance was flanked by two small arched windows, and there was a tripartite mullioned window on the first floor.

The building became a parish church in its own right, as St Anthony's Parish Church, in 1966. After a modern Catholic church was built for the parish just to the north in 1975, the original building was converted for use as the parish hall for the area and became known as St Anthony's Hall. The former presbytery at the back of the hall was demolished in 1998.

.gallery
.com

16/11/2024

THE CURRENT STATE OF DORSET STREET FLATS AND ST MARY'S PLACE FLATS [ALMOST TOTALLY DEMOLISHED 15 NOVEMBER 2024]

I last addressed this subject in March 2024 but today I was surprised that all blocks have been demolished (more or less) because I had believed that the block on Upper Dominick Street was to be renovated rather than replaced.

Dorset Street Flats Redevelopment: A New Chapter Begins

The Dorset Street and St Mary's Place flats complex in Dublin's north inner city is undergoing a significant transformation. After years of planning and preparation, the demolition of the existing 1960s-era flats is now complete, making way for a modern and vibrant community.

Project Goals:

This redevelopment project aims to:

Provide 163 new homes: A mix of houses, duplexes, and apartments to meet the diverse housing needs of the community.
Improve the urban environment: Create a safer, more inclusive, and attractive space with high-quality public areas, landscaped streets, and play spaces.
Enhance community well-being: Incorporate community facilities, a crèche, a commercial unit, and a cafe to foster social interaction and support local residents.

Timeline:

Demolition: Completed as of November 2024.
Construction Start: Expected to commence shortly.
Estimated Completion: Q4 2026.
Key Project Features:

Two enclosed courtyards: A modern design approach to promote safety and community interaction.
Mix of housing types and sizes: Caters to a variety of households.
Sustainable design: Incorporates energy-efficient measures to reduce environmental impact.

Challenges and Considerations:

The project has faced challenges, including:

Relocating existing residents: Ensuring that all residents were provided with suitable alternative accommodation before demolition.
Addressing anti-social behaviour: The site experienced anti-social behaviour during the de-tenanting process, highlighting the need for ongoing community support and safety measures.

Meeting sustainability targets: Balancing the need for new housing with EU directives on whole-life carbon emissions in construction.
Looking Ahead:

The Dorset Street Flats redevelopment represents a significant investment in Dublin's north inner city. By replacing outdated and problematic housing with a modern, well-designed community, this project promises to improve the lives of residents and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of the area.

.com

04/01/2024

I photographed the Black Sheep Pub on Capel Street back in February 2012 using a Sony NEX-5 camera.

I used a Sony NEX-5 camera to photograph the Black Sheep Pub on Capel Street back in February 2012

19/05/2023

Current Price $57.99 [19 May 2023]

Ainclu Womens Classic Black Layered Lace-up Goth Lo**ta Dress

31/10/2022

PLANNING FOR SUMMER 2023

Show off your true colors in the bold brushstrokes of vibrant rainbow stripes that adorn this one-piece swimsuit. Equally (if not more) seductive as a bikini, it features a plunging U-shaped neckline that ends just above your belly button, tying at the bust with gold logo grommets for a luxe touc...

13/06/2022

IN CORK RED METAL YOKES ARE BLUE - BLACKROCK HARBOUR IN CORK

This type of generic sculpture is usually red and it came as a surprise to discover one in Cork that is blue especially as the people of Cork appear to have adopted red as their defining colour.

https://excellentstreetimages.com/CorkCity2022PWA/BlueMetalSculptureBlackrockHarbourMay2022/

02/09/2020

MET ÉIREANN BUILDING BUILT IN 1979 AND LOCATED IN GLASNEVIN The Irish Meteorological Centre in Glasnevin is the headquarters of the Irish Meteorological Service. It was designed by Liam McCormick in an unusual pyramid shape with lots of windows to give the best possible view of the sky. Actually the shape of the building was decided for two reasons. Firstly it doesn’t cut off the light from the houses just north of it, St David’s Terrace. [ 101 more words ]

The Irish Meteorological Centre in Glasnevin is the headquarters of the Irish Meteorological Service. Photographed By William Murphy