The dawning of the day

A study of a misty early morning. The wide expanse of the Liffey flowing under the Talbot Memorial Bridge with plumes of smoke from a Guinness ship and the Poolbeg chimleys drifting up to a dawn sky slowly changeing to sunrise. April 1985 Sir John Rogerson's Quay Custom House Quay Dublin Ireland

A Dublin cottage

Yogi a border collie looks over the garden wall of his owners cottage in Beatty's Avenue Ballsbridge. The suburb of Ballsbridge is situated in the Pembroke Estate of Dublin. A three arched bridge built in 1791 was named after the merchant family Ball, who lived in the area. November 2004 Beatty's Avenue Ballsbridge Dublin Ireland

A grand day out

On Custom House Quay a grandfather gently holds the hand of his granddaughter while both watch the activity on the River Liffey. Opposite the Gasometer which was a feature on the Dublin skyline from 1934 until its demolition in 1993. June 1988 Custom House Quay Sir John Rogersons Quay Dublin Ireland

Shadows and light

Shadows and light in Merchant's Arch as an elderly man strolls towards the sunshine on Crown Alley . Sam Stephenson's Central Bank building looms brooding in the distance. Merchant's Arch obtained its name in 1821 from the Merchant Arch Guild Hall for tailors. Frederick Darley architect. June 1986 Merchant's Arch Temple Bar Dublin Ireland

Reflections

Crystal clear reflections of Grattan Bridge and the surrounding area on a hazy summer day. Grattan Bridge connects Capel Street to Parliament Street. Built formerly as Essex Bridge in 1676 named after Arthur Cappell the first Earl of Essex lord lieutenant of Ireland. Rebuilt in 1753, and again in 1852 with the new title of Grattan Bridge, after Henry Grattan the Irish politician and member of the Irish house of commons. Also known as Capel Street Bridge and Essex Bridge. Its distinctive ornate lamp standards are supported by mythological Hippocampus (Seahorses) July 1986 Grattan Bridge Dublin Ireland

Window shopping

On Patrick Street in the Liberties a prospective customer glances into No 24 wardrobe dealers shop window. The bricked up door and corrugated shuttered windows above are an indication of what was to come to this historic and unique part of Dublin, as major redevelopment changed these streets forever. April 1985 Patrick Street Dublin Ireland

Framed in black

Merchant's Arch in Silhouette on Wellington Quay, framing the view from the south side of the Liffey to Bachelors Walk on the north, with the Penny Ha' Penny Bridge partly visible on the left. The black borders of the arch make a stark contrast to the turquoise blue summer sky. June 1986 Merchants Arch Temple Bar Dublin Ireland

Painted from memory

On Cecilia Street the remains of a demolished house are dwarfed by the Central Bank. Someone has painted a mural on what is left depicting the interior. Painted from memory perhaps. June 1985 Cecilia Street Temple Bar Dublin Ireland

Neal's Musick Hall - Image 1

Behind the arched door frame of Kennan and Sons lies the site of Neal's Musick Hall the location in 1742 for the first performance of Handel's Messiah. July 1986 Fishamble Street Temple Bar Dublin Ireland

Neal's Musick Hall - Image 2

Adjacent to the site of the Musick Hall is No 19 a Georgian House occupied by Mr Kennan from 1934. The original steel works were established in the 1790 s. July 1986 Fishamble Street Temple Bar Dublin Ireland

Neal's Musick Hall - Image 3

A wider perspective of the area . Kennan and Sons ceased trading in the 1980 s The Georgian House a listed building was extensively refurbished in the 1990 s to become the new home of The Contemporary Music Centre. July 1986 Fishamble Street Temple Bar Dublin Ireland

Neal's Musick Hall - Image 4

The hill on Fishamble Street and derelict buildings. John Neal's Musick Hall was lost through the ravages of time and circumstance the foundations are now a courtyard. July 1986 Fishamble Street Temple Bar Dublin Ireland

Neal's Musick Hall - Image 5

Sculptor Michael Biggs commemorative bronze plaque taken through the railings of No 19 Fishamble Street. The plaque was unveiled on the 5th October 1959 to mark the 200th annivarsary of George Frideric Handel's death . The inscription reads THIS BRONZE COMMEMORATES THE FIRST PERFORMANCE OF GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL'S ORATORIO MESSIAH , GIVEN IN THE OLD MUSICK HALL IN FISHAMBLE STREET AT NOON ON TUESDAY APRIL 13th 1742 July 1986 Fishamble Street Temple Bar Dublin Ireland

Dancing in the street

On a Sunday morning three girls pass No 65 Denis Darcy's tailor shop, The older girl in the middle happily performing an Irish step dance while making her way down Capel Street. Denis Darcy learned his trade at The School of Tailoring and Textiles, Parnell Square and apprenticed with Lois Copeland snr. Establishing his own business in 1967. The bespoke tailor also branched out into costume design for theatre, film, and t v dramas, retiring after 67 years in 2012 February 1985 Capel Street Dublin Ireland

Four Courts in silhouette

In Silhouette The Four Courts on Inns Quay, across the river on Wood Quay static cranes rise towards the sky. The Liffey gently flows as the sun meets the horizon. April 2007 Inns Quay/Wood Quay Dublin Ireland

Neon smile

Now you see it, now you don't. Mr Why Go Bald has been charming Dubliner's since the early sixties, with his receding and reappearing hair and his sad and happy expressions. Advertising The Universal Hair and Scalp Clinic, South Great Georges Street the dilapidated red yellow and turquoise neon sign was due to be dismantled in the 1990 s, when enlightened individuals The 20th Century Trust intervened contacted the original manufactures Taylor Signs and had Mr W.G.B. restored. Looking better than ever long may he continue to ask the same question Why Go Bald ... why indeed. October 2006 South Great George's Street Dublin Ireland

Strolling

On a sunny day in May visitors to the Spring Show in the RDS stroll around the grounds all lost in their own world, from the young showjumper carefully holding an ice pop and striding to the left, to the more leisurely elderly man with hands clasped behind his back in contemplation, a young couple in deep conversation, and two girls listening to the third in white. The only static figures are to the far right the pair facing the showjumping arena are equally engaged, but a source of distraction is with the seated couple the woman in red gives a backward glance and a curious expression. An action packed study of normality. The RDS Spring Show was a major agricultural exhibition which ran from 1831 - 1992 May 1984 RDS Ballsbridge Dublin Ireland

A Liffey boat race

On a winter's day two rowing boats are evenly matched as they race on the Liffey, The oars impact on water creating ripples and jagged lines. The Ormond Hotel in the background was the setting for Sirens, one of the most musical chapters in James Joyce's literary masterpiece Ulysses. Leopold Bloom follows Blazes Boylan into the Ormond Hotel with the knowledge that Boylan has a rendezvous at four o' clock with Molly Bloom at their home 7 Eccles Street. The Ormond Hotel was established in 1889, redeveloped in 1932, closed in 2005. But is still standing not heeding the Sirens song. February 1985 Ormond Quay Dublin Ireland

The seahorses of Grattan Bridge - Image 1

One of six cast iron lamp standards adorning Grattan Bridge at their base ornate Seahorses stand guard on either side. October 2006 Grattan Bridge Dublin Ireland

The seahorses of Grattan Bridge - Image 2

The view of an illuminated city from Grattan Bridge. October 2006 Grattan Bridge Dublin Ireland

A work in progress

A sketch artist works between the barrels and hoardings in Wood Quay. Across the River Liffey James Gandon's Four Courts. all under a blue sky filled with cumulus clouds. June 1985 Wood Quay Dublin Ireland

Cafolla's for a "one and one"

Basking in neon on Mespil Road, Cafolla's, once the best little chipper in town, a great place for a "one and one" (fried cod and a portion of chips) Giovanni and Annunzinta (Nancy) Cafolla started the business in the late 1930 s, and for many years were given a helping hand by their daughters. The business was sold in 2006 continued as a fish and chip shop owned by another well known name Beshoff Bros, founded by the mighty Ivan Beshoff who as a sailor served on the Russian battleship Potemkin in 1905. Ivan lived to the grand age of 104, his exploits are proudly displayed on the walls of the shop. January 2006 Cafolla's Mespil Road Dublin Ireland

The long haul

Peat briquettes stacked on plastic milk crates and assorted vegetables line the window of Kavanagh's newsagents, with fizzy drinks and Easter eggs behind the glass. While on the road horse drawn goods are also for sale , slowly moving through the streets of Dublin. March 1985 New Bride Street Dublin Ireland

Bookends - Greene's bookshop - Image 1

Browsing through the wooden tables at Greene's bookshop in the final week of a Dublin institution. John Greene's lending library No 16 Clare Street was established in 1843, The Pembrey's acquired the business in 1912. The four storey grade 2 listed premises was built in the late 1700 s. May 2007 Greene's Bookshop Clare Street Dublin Ireland

Bookends - Greene's bookshop - Image 2

A side view of the facade and the glass canopy which was added in 1917. The sub post office had been there since 1886. May 2007 Greene's Bookshop Clare Street Dublin Ireland

Bookends - Greene's bookshop - Image 3

Composite image of John Greene's original shop front lettering. May 2007 Greene's Bookshop Clare Street Dublin Ireland

Bookends - Greene's bookshop - Image 4

Up the winding stairs to the first floor where John Greene lay in repose in 1899. Down through the years many literary legends have visited this unique bookshop some of their portraits are above the counter. If only the old walls and creaking floorboards could speak....what stories they could tell. The business moved to Sandyford in 2007 and sell only online. May 2007 Greene's Bookshop Clare Street Dublin Ireland

Yesterday's bread

A Johnston Mooney & O' Brien electric bread van moves slowly across Saint Patrick's Close. Just like the stone horse trough in the foreground, they are now cosigned to bygone days. April 1985 Saint Patrick's Close Dublin Ireland

Sunrise

Smoke billows from the Poolbeg Chimneys as dawn breaks on a silhouetted city. The sky burns crimson and gold. April 1985 Sir John Rogerson's Quay Dublin Ireland

"Only 40 Paces From O' Connell Bridge"

Behind the metal shutters the sale banners remain stuck to the shop windows announcing a sale that has come and gone. To the left the real estate agents, tan orange and black hording declares entire premsis for sale. Built in the early part of the 19th century Mcbirney's department store was a major feature for many years with Dublin shoppers, located on 14 - 18 Aston Quay, their famous slogan, "Only 40 Paces From O' Connell Bridge" could be seen pasted on the sides of buses and in the newspaper adverts of the time, Mcbirney's closed in 1984. But a new lease of life was brought to the old building when Richard Branson acquired the property and for almost two decades the virgin megastore on Aston Quay was their flagship store in Ireland. sold again in the 2000's the ground floor is now a supermarket. April 1985 McBirney's Aston Quay Dublin Ireland

The parting on the quays

Strangers pass on a cold day in Winter, walking by the old buildings that housed antique shops in the 1980 s. The tail of an out of focus Seagull in the foreground gives the impression of being attached to the man on the left, gently towing him along the quays. February 1985 Lower Ormond Quay Dublin Ireland

Front runner in the slow lane

An elderly lady passes the advertising hoardings and the Youth & Music Centre in Upper Kevin Street. In the background the spire of Saint Patrick's Cathedral the largest church in Ireland founded in 1191. April 1985 Upper Kevin Street Dublin Ireland

T. H. Barnwell - Image 1

By the looks of things you may not have given much for the survival of number 4 Castle Street, having fallen into disrepair over the years, and the final tenant to use the premesis as a business shoemaker Thomas H Barnwell passing away in 1985. The last Georgian House standing on Castle Street was saved from demolition by The Dublin Civic Trust in 1996. With great care and attention to detail the merchant townhouse was beautifully restored and is now a listed building. April 1986 N0 4 Castle Street Dublin Ireland

T. H. Barnwell - Image 2

From across the street, a side view of the old merchant townhouse, and the precarious nature of its condition. April 1986 T. H. Barnwell No 4 Castle Street Dublin Ireland

Checked out - Royal Hibernian Hotel - Image 1

The Royal Hibernian Hotel was located in Dawson Street for two centuries, presidents, princesses, politicians, stars of stage and screen have visited or stayed. The three roomed Lafayette Restaurant was famous in its day, but changeing fortunes in the 1970s brought an end to the oldest hotel in Ireland, closing its doors for good in 1982, razed to the ground the following year for a shopping mall The Royal Hibernian Way. September 1983 Royal Hibernian Hotel Dawson Street Dublin Ireland

Checked out - Royal Hibernian Hotel - Image 2

September 1983 Dublin Ireland

Checked out - Royal Hibernian Hotel - Image 3

September 1983 Dublin Ireland

Checked out - Royal Hibernian Hotel - Image 4

September 1983 Dublin Ireland

Checked out - Royal Hibernian Hotel - Image 5

September 1983 Dublin Ireland

Checked out - Royal Hibernian Hotel - Image 6

September 1983 Dublin Ireland

A dental impression

An enterprising artist inspired by René Magritte's surrealist painting The Son of Man, decorates the shutter's of No 222 Sharkey's Denture Repairs with a distinctive finish. What lies behind the shutter's ? October 1983 Parnell Street Dublin Ireland

The final chapter - Parsons bookshop - Image 1

Partially built on Baggot Street Bridge and Mespil Road Parsons in its day was a beacon for Dublin's bohemian society. May O' Flaherty on the good advice from her friend the poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh turned her new venture into a book shop. Ably assisted by Mary King and her loyal staff in the 1950 s, Parsons became the meeting place where writers, poets, and painters convened. Patrick Kavanagh, Brendan Behan, Flann O' Brien were three of many who visited on a regular basis. With increased competition from larger bookstores, May finally decided to call it a day 1989, and another chapter closed in Dublin's literary history. Februray 1989 Parsons bookshop Upper Baggot Street Dublin Ireland

The final chapter - Parsons bookshop - Image 2

February 1989 Dublin Ireland

Eye on you - Image 1

Looking onto Harcourt Road the unique facade of Stein Opticians. Mendel Stein's shop was the last one standing In 1983 when developers were building an office block (The Harcourt Centre) . The proprietor refused compensation until he was found a new premises in the area and the guarantee of the preservation of the wonderful eye facade. In the meantime work started, and on completion the incongruous results resembled Steins Opticians buried under a mountain of cold red bricks and glass. Mendel Stein won the day however, the opticians were duly relocated to Grantham Street. June 1983 Stein Optician Harcourt Road Dublin Ireland

Eye on you - Image 2

A wider perspective of Steins Opticians and the Harcourt Centre. June 1983 Stein Optician Harcourt Road Dublin Ireland

A cut above

The vintage display boards in the window of No 9 Henry hairdressers hark back to another era. When " A Cold Wave was a curl's best friend". October 1983 Parnell Street Dublin Ireland