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TODAY I VISITED CRAMPTON COURT NOTICED THAT THE PAINTED TILES ARE DISAPPEARING

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LOVE THE LANES PROGRAMME BY DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL

During a recent visit to Crampton Court, I noticed the painted tiles, part of Anna Doran’s “Love Lane” installation, are disappearing. On my previous visit, the installation was complete. Doran’s artwork, titled “Love Lane,” combined with the Dublin City Council’s “Love The Lanes” programme, led tour guides to mistakenly refer to Crampton Court itself as “Love Lane.” This misnomer became popular, leading many to believe the lane had been officially renamed, which it hasn’t. The official name remains Crampton Court.

Sadly, the tiles are being stolen and defaced with graffiti-style signatures and comments. Is this the new target for such activity, replacing the once famous “U2 Graffiti Wall” or the recently popular, though arguably damaging, practice of attaching padlocks to the nearby Halfpenny Bridge?

TEMPLE BAR – WHEN TO VISIT THE AREA AND WHEN TO AVOID IT

PHOTOGRAPHS BY INFOMATIQUE

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Temple Bar: A Dublin Dilemma

Temple Bar, a name synonymous with Dublin nightlife, is a complex area, offering both vibrant experiences and reasons for avoidance. A visitor should consider a trip for its unique atmosphere, historical cobblestone streets, and traditional pubs. It’s a place where live music spills out onto the streets, creating a lively, if sometimes chaotic, energy. You’ll find traditional Irish music sessions, a wide array of pubs serving Guinness and local craft beers, and quirky shops selling souvenirs and Irish crafts. For those seeking a taste of Dublin’s social scene, particularly its boisterous pub culture, Temple Bar is a must-see, even if just for a quick wander. The area also boasts some interesting architecture and historical landmarks, although these can be easily missed amidst the revelry.

However, Temple Bar’s popularity is also its downfall. It’s often overcrowded, especially at weekends and during peak tourist season. Prices in pubs and restaurants tend to be higher than elsewhere in Dublin, reflecting its tourist-trap status. The area can feel overly commercialised and lose some of its authentic Irish charm, replaced by a focus on attracting stag and hen parties. Furthermore, the sheer volume of people, particularly in the evenings, can be overwhelming and even intimidating for some. If you’re looking for a quiet, authentic Irish experience, Temple Bar might not be the best choice. You’ll find more genuine and less crowded pubs and restaurants just a short walk away in other parts of the city.

During the daytime, Temple Bar takes on a different character. While still busy, it’s more manageable and can be quite charming. Children might enjoy exploring the cobbled streets, browsing the quirky shops, and perhaps even catching a traditional music session in a pub that welcomes families during the day. The atmosphere is generally more relaxed, and it can be a pleasant place for a stroll. However, after dark, Temple Bar transforms. The focus shifts entirely to drinking and nightlife, and the atmosphere becomes much more adult-oriented. The crowds swell, the noise levels rise, and the area can become quite rowdy. It’s definitely not a suitable environment for children after dark, and even some adults might find it too much.

THE INSTITUTE OF ART, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY DUN LAOGHAIRE

PHOTOGRAPHED 30 JANUARY 2025

The Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire (IADT) is a leading higher education institution in Ireland, specialising in the creative, cultural, and digital technology sectors. It has a strong reputation for fostering creativity and innovation, and its programmes are designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to succeed in these dynamic industries.

History:

IADT’s origins can be traced back to the late 1960s with the establishment of an art foundation course at the Dún Laoghaire College of Art and Design (DLCAD). Over the years, DLCAD expanded its offerings and gained recognition for its excellence in art and design education. In 1997, it was granted institute of technology status and became the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire. This marked a significant milestone in its development, allowing it to further broaden its range of programmes and establish itself as a prominent player in the Irish higher education landscape.

Today, IADT offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, including:

Film and Media: IADT is home to the National Film School, a renowned institution that has produced Oscar, BAFTA, and IFTA-winning alumni. It offers programmes in film and television production, animation, photography, and more.

Art and Design: IADT has a strong tradition in art and design education, with programmes in visual arts, design for film, graphic design, and user experience design.
Technology and Humanities: IADT recognises the importance of technology and humanities in the creative industries. It offers programmes in creative computing, applied psychology, business and digital technology, and arts management.

IADT is committed to providing its students with a cutting-edge learning environment, fostering collaboration and innovation. It has strong links with industry, ensuring that its programmes are relevant and meet the needs of the creative and technology sectors. The institute also places a strong emphasis on research and development, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in its fields of expertise.

IADT has grown significantly since its establishment, with a student population of over 2,500. It continues to evolve and expand its offerings, adapting to the changing demands of the creative and technology industries.

HANOI HANOI IS AN EXCELLENT VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT ON CAPEL STREET

DUBLIN 27 JANUARY 2025

Hanoi Hanoi is a Vietnamese restaurant on Capel Street in Dublin, owned and operated by a Vietnamese family. While the premises has housed various Asian restaurants with different names over the years, it has now returned to its roots, offering an upscale dining experience focused on authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Since reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic, Hanoi Hanoi has focused on dinner service, with restricted opening hours. The menu features classic Vietnamese dishes like pho and bun cha, but with a more refined presentation and ambience.

KOPITIAM AT 53 CAPEL STREET DUBLIN

PHOTOGRAPHED MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2025

Kopitiam, located at 53 Capel Street in Dublin, is a popular Malaysian restaurant known for its authentic street food and vibrant atmosphere.

Here’s what makes Kopitiam special:

Authentic Malaysian flavours: Kopitiam offers a diverse menu featuring classic Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lemak, Char Kway Teow, and Roti Canai, all prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
Casual and inviting ambience: The restaurant has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family.
Affordable prices: Kopitiam offers great value for money with its reasonably priced menu, making it accessible to a wide range of diners.
Halal-certified: The restaurant is Halal-certified, catering to Muslim customers seeking authentic Halal cuisine.
Convenient location: Situated on Capel Street, Kopitiam is easily accessible by public transport and is located in a bustling area with plenty of shops and attractions nearby.