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.
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.
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN VISIT THE SAINT HERE IN DUBLIN
Throughout the centuries since Valentine received martyrdom there have been various basilicas, churches and monasteries built over the site of his grave. Therefore, over the years, many restorations and reconstructions took place at the site. In the early 1800’s, such work was taking place and the remains of Valentine were discovered along with a small vessel tinged with his blood and some other artefacts.
In 1835 an Irish Carmelite by the name of John Spratt was visiting Rome. Apparently his fame as a preacher had gone before him, no doubt brought by some Jesuits who had been in Dublin. The elite of Rome flocked to hear him and he received many tokens of esteem from the doyens of the Church. One such token came from Pope Gregory XVI (1831-1846) and were the remains of Saint Valentine.
On November 10, 1836, the Reliquary containing the remains arrived in Dublin and were brought in solemn procession to Whitefriar Street Church where they were received by Archbishop Murray of Dublin. With the death of Fr Spratt interest in the relics died away and they went into storage. During a major renovation in the church in the 1950s/60s they were returned to prominence with an altar and shrine being constructed to house them and enable them to be venerated. The statue was carved by Irene Broe and depicts the saint in the red vestments of a martyr and holding a crocus in his hand. Hand-painted replicas of this statue are available in our Church Shop.
Today, the Shrine is visited throughout the year by couples who come to pray to Valentine and to ask him to watch over them in their lives together. The feast-day of the saint, February 14, is a very popular one.
Throughout the centuries since Valentine received martyrdom there have been various basilicas, churches and monasteries built over the site of his grave
Much of the street art that I saw in Limerick was no longer to be seen when I last visited the city in 2022 as many of the locations had been demolished.
King John’s Castle also known as Limerick Castle is a 13th-century castle located on King’s Island in Limerick, Ireland, next to the River Shannon. Although the site dates back to 922 when the Vikings lived on the Island, the castle itself was built on the orders of King John of England in 1200.
The River Shannon is the major river on the island of Ireland, and at 360 km (224 miles) in length,is the longest river in Britain or Ireland. It drains the Shannon River Basin, which has an area of 16,900 km2 (6,525 sq mi), – approximately one fifth of the area of Ireland.