CENTRAL PLAZA DAME STREET

THE TREE OF GOLD AND THE CENTRAL PLAZA

THE TREE OF GOLD AND THE CENTRAL PLAZA [DAME STREET SUNDAY 30 MARCH 2025]

Central Plaza and Dame Street in Dublin represent a significant area of the city, blending historical architecture with modern development. Here's a breakdown:

Central Plaza:

Historical Significance:

Central Plaza is the site of the former Central Bank of Ireland headquarters.
The original building, designed by architect Sam Stephenson, is known for its distinctive architecture, particularly its suspended structure.
It was originally controversial, but has now become an icon of Dublin architecture.

Modern Redevelopment:

The site has undergone extensive refurbishment, transforming it into a mixed-use development.
It now includes offices, retail spaces, and food and beverage establishments.
A key feature of the redevelopment is the rooftop venue, offering panoramic views of Dublin.
It is now a modern hub for shopping, dinning, and working.

Architectural Features:

The building's unique structural system, with floors suspended from central concrete cores, has been preserved and restored.
The location now blends classical and contemporary architecture.

Dame Street:

Location and Significance:
Dame Street is a major thoroughfare in Dublin city centre.
It's a historically significant street, home to various important buildings and landmarks, including Central Plaza.
It's a bustling area with a mix of commercial, cultural, and historical attractions.

Connection to Central Plaza:

Central Plaza fronts onto Dame Street, making it a prominent feature of the streetscape.
The redevelopment of Central Plaza has revitalised this section of Dame Street, attracting more visitors and businesses.
"Tree of Gold" (Crann an Óir):

Sculpture:

"Tree of Gold" is a sculpture by Irish sculptor Éamonn O'Doherty.
It was originally commissioned by the Central Bank in 1991.
The sculpture has been fully refurbished and reinstated in the plaza grounds as part of the Central Plaza redevelopment.
It is a very prominent public art piece, that adds to the aesthetic of the plaza.
Significance:
Its return marks a significant part of the completion of the Central Plaza redevelopment.
It represents a blending of modern redevelopment, with the preservation of cultural art.
In essence, Central Plaza is a revitalised landmark on Dame Street, blending architectural history with modern urban development, and the "Tree of Gold" sculpture adds a cultural and artistic dimension to the space.