It should be noted that I have included, in this series of photographs, images of a narrow lane that connects North Princes Street to Middle Abbey Street as well as the GPO Arcade. The laneway is named William’s Lane and while many accounts claim that it is no longer shown on maps I checked Google Maps and it is identified. And while no one appears to know why it is named William’s Lane I am suggesting the following – the name William’s Lane may well be linked to a son of King George, potentially William IV who also served as Duke of Clarence. This would align with the naming of Princes Street (discussed below). I had to visit the area a second time as some images were unusable because they showed homeless people who could be identified and that would have impacted on their right to privacy.
Princes Street North, a historic gem off O’Connell Street, offers a fascinating blend of past and present for locals and visitors alike.
Its roots trace back to Henry Moore, 3rd Earl of Drogheda, who initiated development in the northeastern part of the former St. Mary’s Abbey lands. Moore’s influence is still evident today in the names of nearby streets: Henry Street, Moore Street, and (North) Earl Street.
Originally, the street we now know as Upper O’Connell Street was called Drogheda Street. Unlike today’s bustling O’Connell Street, this street was narrower and primarily residential. The section of O’Connell Street extending to the present-day location of the Spire was part of Drogheda Street.
Luke Gardiner’s Transformation:
In the mid-18th century, Luke Gardiner acquired much of the old Moore estates in northern Dublin. Gardiner, known for developing Dublin’s first Georgian street (Henrietta Street), turned his attention to Drogheda Street. He demolished existing housing and replaced it with elegant Georgian townhouses. The street was widened to its current size, allowing for a central mall where affluent residents could promenade and display their finery.
The name changed from Drogheda Street to Sackville Mall or Sackville Street, honouring Lionel Sackville, the Duke of Dorset, who served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Princes Street North Origins
Princes Street North, situated just off O’Connell Street, has a fascinating history. It is believed to have been developed in part by the Dominick family, who played a significant role in shaping the area. [I have had difficulty confirming the Dominick family’s role] Princes Street North derives its name from the sons of King George III. Specifically, it honours the Duke of Rothesay (the title given to the heir apparent to the British throne) and the Duke of York. These royal titles were bestowed upon the sons of King George III during the late 18th century.
Freemans Journal
The office of the Freeman’s Journal was located on Princes Street North in Dublin’s city centre. During the 1916 Easter Rising, the building was heavily damaged.
Today, only one original property on Princes Street remains, preserving its historical significance
Metropole Cinema and Capitol Theatre
Metropole Cinema: Located on O’Connell Street, the Metropole Cinema opened in 1922. It was once a vibrant venue, hosting films and events. The Metropole was taken over by the Rank Organisation in the 1950s and screened popular movies like “Doctor Zhivago” and “Mary Poppins.” Unfortunately, it closed its doors in 1972.
Capitol Theatre: Originally known as the La Scala Theatre and Opera House, the Capitol Theatre stood on Prince’s Street, adjacent to the Metropole Cinema. Designed by architect T. F. McNamara, it featured a 1,900-seat auditorium with two balconies and 32 private boxes. Despite its name, La Scala was primarily a cinema. In 1927, Paramount Pictures took over the lease and renamed it the Capitol. The Capitol hosted live shows alongside film screenings. Notable Irish acts graced its stage. The last stage show occurred in 1953, and it continued as a cinema until 1972.
Demolition and Transformation: Both the Metropole Cinema and the Capitol Theatre were demolished. In their place, the British Home Stores (now occupied by Penneys) was constructed.
The GPO Arcade Is Off Princes Street North
The General Post Office was most famously the rebel stronghold in the 1916 Easter Rising. It, along with much of O’Connell Street Lower, was reduced to a burnt-out shell. The building was only cleared of debris in 1924 when the Free State government approved reconstruction plans, carried out principally by T.J. Byrne and J. Fairweather and reopened in 1929.
The GPO Arcade is an Art Deco-style shopping arcade situated at the rear of the General Post Office (GPO) complex. Accessible from both Henry Street and Princes Street North, this arcade has a unique charm that draws visitors and shoppers. The arcade was built by the Office of Public Works following the 1916 Easter Rising. Its construction aimed to enhance the GPO area and provide a covered shopping space for Dubliners. The GPO Arcade boasts an elegant design with polygonal glazed roofing. Its architecture reflects the Art Deco style prevalent during the early 20th century.
Medieval Origins: Liffey Street traces its roots back to Dublin’s medieval period. It formed a significant route connecting the city centre to the River Liffey’s quays, a bustling hub of trade and commerce.
Commercial Importance: Over centuries, Liffey Street evolved into a major commercial thoroughfare. It was lined with shops, warehouses, and businesses catering to the city’s growing population.
Architectural Variety: The architecture along both sections of Liffey Street presents a mix of styles. You can find Georgian buildings, Victorian structures, and more modern additions, reflecting the street’s changing face through the ages.
Upper Liffey Street Redevelopment, which was announced in January 2023 and has now been, more-or-less, been completed.
Project Overview:
Objective: To enhance the pedestrian experience and create a more vibrant urban environment. Cost: Approximately €6.5 million. Timeline: Construction began in January 2023 and has recently been completed.
Key Features:
Pedestrian Plaza: A new pedestrian plaza was developed beside the iconic Ha’penny Bridge on Liffey Street. This is a bit misleading as it is Lower Liffey Street that is closet to the bridge. [I suspect that the source of the information did not realise that “lower” means closer to the river and “upper means further from the river]
Upgraded Environment:
Liffey Street Upper [the Plaza] : Closed to traffic, this section now features benches, bicycle stands, and trees. Liffey Street Lower: Upgraded to create a more “pedestrian-friendly” environment. Currently, Liffey Street Lower is open to southbound traffic from Abbey Street to the quays. According to some reports the final configuration will mean that traffic on Abbey Street, including cars exiting the Arnotts car park, will no longer be able to access the quays via Liffey Street Lower. Instead, vehicles will need to turn right onto Strand Street and continue to Capel Street to reach the quays at Grattan Bridge. [Getting accurate information that I can verify has been impossible]
Completion Date:
The project was to be completed by the end of the year following its commencement in January 2023. It would appear that is not yet fully complete and this is especially true for lower Liffey street.
Pedestrian access was maintained during the construction period.
Background:
The idea for a Northside plaza emerged after the refusal of the College Green plaza project by An Bord Pleanála in 2018. Unlike the College Green scheme, the Liffey Street project was progressed through Dublin City Council’s internal planning process. The plans underwent public consultation and were approved by city councillors in September 2019. Although initially scheduled for mid-2020 completion, work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This revitalised space now offers Dubliners and visitors a pleasant area to stroll, rest, and enjoy the cityscape.
I THOUGHT THAT I HAD MADE AN ERROR BY REFERRING TO IT AS CABRA PARK LANE IN THE PAST
It’s a small lane connecting Cabra Park and St. Peter’s Road and it is situated in Phibsborough which is frequently described as a vibrant neighbourhood on Dublin’s Northside.
Previously known as Cabra Park Lane. The recent name change to St. Peter’s Lane is a reference to the nearby St. Peter’s Church, a prominent landmark on the North Circular Road. As a matter of interest there another location for street art on the Southside named Peters Place near Charlemont Tram Stop.
Was An Urban Art Hub
St. Peter’s Lane had gained a reputation as an open-air canvas for street artists and one could expect find vibrant murals, stencils, and other forms of street art adorning its walls, making it an interesting spot for photography enthusiasts. Back before the Covid-19 lockdowns the artwork was ever-changing, so you might find something new on every visit!
Ambiance
The combination of street art and older surrounding architecture once gave the lane a unique and somewhat bohemian atmosphere and as it was much less known than other similar locations it offered a more “local” experience.
How to Find It
If you’re exploring Phibsborough, St. Peter’s Lane is easy to find off St. Peter’s Road or along Cabra Park. Online maps will guide you precisely, and websites like Excellent Street Images (my site) feature extensive photography of the lane’s artwork.
Additional Notes
According to a not so current tourist guide “due to its growing popularity as an artistic spot, expect to encounter other people appreciating or photographing the artwork. However, Like any urban environment, be mindful of your surroundings”.
Today there were three elderly women who appeared lost and somewhat horrified by the condition of the complex of lanes and I was the only photographer.
Someone asked the following question online on the same day as I visited Francis Street
[Question] I am an American and I plan to attend the Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin I am bringing four young children, and my husband. Some friends recommended that I stay at a hotel on Francis Street but others told me that it is not safe at night. What is your recommendation []
Here is the response: While Francis Street in Dublin has a rich history and is known for its antique shops, there are some valid concerns about staying in the area with young children, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. [Note: I am not sure about some of the alternatives that were suggested]
Concerns about Francis Street:
Reputation: Parts of Francis Street and the surrounding Liberties area have a historical reputation for social problems like drug use and petty crime. While the area has undergone changes, these elements can still be present.
Nighttime activity: The area can get lively at night, especially during events like St. Patrick’s Day, which may not be the most suitable atmosphere for young children.
Limited amenities: Depending on the specific hotel, you may find fewer child-friendly amenities and attractions in the immediate vicinity. Why you might consider staying elsewhere for St. Patrick’s Day
Crowds and noise: The parade route passes through the city centre, and areas surrounding it will be extremely crowded and noisy, which can be difficult to manage with young children.
Safety concerns: While direct risk may be low, large crowds and celebrations can increase the chance of minor issues like getting separated from children.
Alternative Areas to Consider:
Here are some more family-friendly areas of Dublin, still within a reasonable distance of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities:
Temple Bar: Lively, but with lots of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. A bit closer to the parade route. Ballsbridge: A more upscale area with parks and a calmer atmosphere. Good public transport connections to the city center. Smithfield/Stoneybatter: These neighborhoods on the north side of the River Liffey offer a mix of historic charm and trendy spots, with a bit more space than the city center.
About Francis Street:
Francis Street is a historic street in the Liberties area of Dublin. It’s known for its antique shops and its proximity to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. While it’s an interesting area to visit during the daytime, it may not be the most suitable for a family stay during a major festival.
Overall Recommendation
For a comfortable and safe family experience during St. Patrick’s Day, I’d recommend opting for a hotel in one of the alternative areas mentioned above. This gives you better access to the festivities while providing a more suitable environment for your young children.
I was asked by a follower why do I use a Canon 5DMKIII considering I am, in general, a Sony user.
A few years ago my local camera dealer, who knew that I had a collection of Canon Lenses, phoned me to ask me if I was interested in an unused Canon 5DIII at a good price. Apparently someone won a 5DIII in a competition but as they had no real interest in photography the stored in on a shelf and forgot about it. I accepted the opportunity to borrow it for a week and really liked it. I indicated that I would purchase it if I could get a GPS unit and as luck would have it there was one available immediately.
Before I continue I should mention that I recently came across the following claim – “Battery life for the 5DMkIII isn’t as good as newer mirrorless cameras”. As my experience is the complete opposite I decided to fact check this claim and I received the following response:
You’re right! Generally, DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark III tend to have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras due to their optical viewfinders. The CIPA ratings support this:
Canon 5D Mark III: Approximately 950 shots per charge. Sony a7 III: Approximately 610 shots (viewfinder) or 710 shots (LCD). This demonstrates the Canon 5D Mark III’s battery advantage in this specific comparison. It’s important to note that Sony has made significant advancements in battery technology, and newer Sony mirrorless models might offer CIPA ratings closer to, or even exceeding, DSLRs.
Key Points:
DSLRs often boast longer battery life due to their optical viewfinders. CIPA ratings provide the most reliable comparison for battery lifespan. Always consider your specific shooting habits as heavy live view or video use will reduce battery life regardless of camera type.
While the Canon 5D Mark III is an older camera model (released in 2012), there are still several reasons why it might be a worthwhile purchase, especially if you can find it used at a good price:
Pros
Image Quality: The full-frame sensor delivers excellent image quality with great dynamic range, good low-light performance, and pleasing colors. Build Quality: It has a rugged, weather-sealed body, ideal for demanding environments. Reliable Autofocus: The 61-point autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for its time. Value: The used market offers significant savings compared to its original price, making it a great value proposition. Battery Life: Battery life is better than many newer mirrorless cameras. Legacy Lens Compatibility: Seamless compatibility with Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses.
Considerations
Before buying a Canon 5D Mark III, here’s what you should consider:
Outdated Features: It lacks modern features like 4K video, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and a high-resolution tilting screen. Lower Resolution: The 22.3-megapixel sensor might be limiting if you need to crop heavily or make large format prints.
Used Market: If buying used, carefully inspect the camera for wear and tear, and check the shutter count (the number of photos it has taken). Who Is it Right For?
The Canon 5D Mark III is a great option if you:
Are budget-conscious: You can find excellent deals in the used market. Need a workhorse camera: It’s robust and reliable for various shooting situations. Value DSLR benefits: It offers great optical viewfinder experience and excellent battery life. Don’t need the latest technology: If you don’t require the newest bells and whistles, the 5D Mark III delivers fantastic image quality at a reasonable price.