DUBLIN 8 the magazine
Cover Photograph: Taryn Barling
Photograph: Laura Nadal
Editors’ Note
Dear Reader,
Dublin is known as one of the most historically rich capitals in all of Europe. Culture, people, art, fashion… These are just some of the many characteristics that make it so unique, and the Dublin 8 area combines it all. From music venues, to sporting facilities, and even charity centres, you could find anything you are looking for right here.
The Dublin 8 Magazine is the product of local journalists, designers, photographers, and publicists who aim to understand the community and highlight their impact. The effort and dedication our entire team put into making it come to life are reflected in the stories and the way they are presented to you. We hope this issue inspires you to venture out and get to know the people behind the scenes; every individual has a story, they just need the right space to tell it.
They say it takes a village – and indeed it does. Thank you to our advisor Ryan Brennan, who guided us throughout the process of the magazine production; our contributors, who took the time to share their stories; our team, without whom none of it would have been possible; and to you, Dear Reader, for your interest in our work.
Your Editors
With love, Clara, Louis and Sofia
This magazine was produced by journalism students in Griffith College Dublin. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of the editorial team of the management of Griffith College or any of its employees.
Map: Laura Nadal
Concrete Dreams for Community Skaters
In a rapidly changing city, Weaver Skatepark stands as a gathering spot for locals and skaters
By Louis Knight
In the heart of the Dublin 8 area lies a niche location used daily by people from afar and locally.
That is none other than Weaver Skatepark on Cork Street. “I meet up with my friends here a lot and we all try make an effort to skate together,” says Emilio, a twenty-year-old skater from Dublin.
When it first opened in 2017, the skateboarding community in the whole of Dublin was thrilled. It’s not like it was one of Dublin’s first skateparks, there are plenty of skateparks spread across Dublin such as the ones in Monkstown, Bushy Park, Ballyogan, Clongriffin, Fairview and more.
However, when a new one opens its doors, it is always an exciting feeling for skateboarders. In addition, it is one of the smaller skateparks in Dublin: it consists of a little bowl and mini ramp, a couple of ledges, and a weirdly built hip which is very difficult to skate, especially if you are a beginner or trying to learn a new trick on it.
Nonetheless, the facilities are incredibly fun to use and are much appreciated by the community.
“I love skating mini ramp, so this park is perfect for me. I don’t live close by but I’m here all the time,” Emilio says. It must be noted that the area in which the skatepark is in is an economically disadvantaged area.
Just recently, the children’s playground which is located right next to the skatepark, was set on fire by a group of arsonists. This was the second time that the playground was set on fire. The first time was in 2020, but the damages of the recent
attack were far worse. These acts really highlight the danger of the location, and the status of the area is relevant as when the skatepark first opened: it was a ray of light and hope for Cork Street.
Although the area is still bad today,
Photographs: Anastasiia Novoselova
the skatepark only helps to decrease antisocial behaviour. The youth and general population can now spend their time in the skatepark, rather than participating in anti-social behaviour.
The skatepark has introduced many kids to the world of skateboarding, and it has given them a sense of direction, and a passion for something. It has also introduced them to the skateboarding community in Dublin. As these kids get more involved in the community, they are less likely to be influenced by the crime around them.
Weaver Skatepark has been a redeeming feature for many individuals and the area itself. Dublin City Council’s investment in the park is an acknowledgement to the importance of providing public recreational spaces, especially for young people.
As for many different things, people have certain stereotypes in their head when they think of skaters. You could argue that some are true, but if you go to Cork Street at any given time, you are bound to find a diverse group of people there: from kids to teenagers, to middle aged men and women, skateboarding is not exclusive to a restricted group of people.
If you have ever been to a skatepark yourself as a beginner, you would know that it is almost always a positive experience, and people are supportive and encouraging. This is the case also for Cork Street’s Weaver skatepark. “Everyone gets on with each other and we’re all just trying to do the same thing here which is have fun and get better,” says Daniel, a skater who is local to the area.
The park also serves as a spot for non-skaters. As long as they are respectful and do not obstruct people trying to use the skateparks facilities to skate, they are more than welcome. Families, artists, photographers, and even people looking for a break often find themselves sitting on the benches, watching the action go on.
Afterall the skatepark merges into the whole park where there is a green grass area and playground, meaning there is really no line which determines where the skatepark ends. The park has become a social space, and a place where anyone can feel welcome.
The Donore Boxing Club –a Remnant of a Glorious Time
Their main goal is to keep children off the streets and give them a purpose worth fighting for as many children fall into a circle of criminality.
“It was the adrenaline - it’s the buzz, the rush. That’s what I loved.”
Stephen Fitzgerald, coach at Donore Boxing Club
By Marlene Ruhsam
AsTranum (2023) reports in Dublin InQuirer, the community centre in Saint Teresa’s Gardens has been closed and derelict since a fire in 2021.
However, among all the dilapidated buildings, young children can be seen in front of the building complex exerting themselves while completing their training.
A closer look at the scene reveals that these children are members of the Donore Boxing Club and are training to gain new skills that they can apply in their competitions in Dublin, for instance at the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA).
Going back in history, it transpired that the club was founded in 1972 by Thomas Rodney Reid, furthermore, the building once served as accommodation for needy families in society and was owned by the government. It’s been said that the club was very successful in the 1980s and some national champions have even emerged from this club, for instance: Big Joe Egan, Noel Reid and Noel McEvoy.
These days, about 60 people are registered as members of the club, this includes people aged nine to twenty-eight. Based on their age, they have to pay between €20 and €40 to receive 1.5 hours of training three to five times a week, depending on whether or not a competition is coming up. The key values that they get taught are respect, self-control and discipline, which represent life skills.
However, their main goal is to keep children off the streets and give them a purpose worth fighting for, as many children fall into a circle of criminality. Therefore, the boxing club is dedicated to looking after them as well as possible and offering them a goal for a small fee, since many of the children come from underprivileged families. Since the facility doesn’t have much space for their boxing training, they have been fighting for a larger building for years.
“If one kid makes it, that’s a successful job.”
In 2024, the City Council finally confirmed the rebuilding of the flats, including the boxing club, offering them more space.
According to the City Council’s written statement, considerable opportunities for re-development within Dublin should be provided by rebuilding St. Teresa’s Gardens. Therefore, the Land Development Agency claims that the project should result in an estimation of 543 homes, however, they have to await the main contract for construction to be awarded before the end of 2024.
— Donore Boxing Club
— Wall with awards
Photographs: Bob Tait
Photograph: Anastasiia Novoselova
Boxing glove on chair —
Local Pub Hosts Fundraisers for Gaza Medical Aid
Peadar Browns teams up with Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign to raise funds for Gaza’s healthcare crisis.
By Sophia Maddock
Peadar Browns, a beloved pub in the Dublin 8 area, known for hosting rebel, ballad bands and screenings of sports events, is taking a stand for international solidarity. The establishment has partnered with the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) to organise a series of benefit gigs and screenings, aiming to raise funds for medical aid in Gaza, considering the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
They have become the homebase of the Celtic Supporter’s Club in Dublin, their initiative is driven by the pub’s commitment to community and activism. “We’ve been doing these gigs and screenings for a while now, we work in collaboration with organisations supporting the Palestinian cause, they’ll often use our upstairs room for meetings too,” said Li, the manager. The benefit concerts feature local artists whose beliefs align with the pub’s core values of resilience and resistance.
The funds collected from ticket sales for these events are directed to medical organisations providing urgent care in Gaza, where access to healthcare has been severely restricted. Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has been devastated by repeated targeted attacks and the Israeli forces’ siege which blocks the entry of supplies, leaving many without essential medical services.
“We’ve been working around the clock to bring more
awareness to the movement as the situation in Palestine worsens, we need to have a broader outreach and educate others,” said Tom Lonergan, education officer at the IPSC. Every ticket sold is a step toward providing life-saving aid to those in need.
“It’s very refreshing to see a pub like this, fair play to them for taking such a bold stance. Like not just claiming to stand with a cause, but actively supporting it.”
Michael, a regular customer
The pub’s connection to music and activism is not new; since a change in ownership in 2015, the bar has developed an identity becoming known for their support of Irish cultural and political movements.
According to management staff, it took them a few years to find their feet and the post covid period has been a rocky patch, but despite these challenges, Peadar Browns has continued to host events that celebrate rebellion and unity. These events often draw a vibrant crowd, an intersection of Dublin’s artistic and activist communities.
Patrons have praised the initiative, “It’s very refreshing to see a pub like this, fair play to them for taking such a bold stance. Like not just claiming to stand with a cause, but actively supporting it,” said Michael, a regular customer.
Peadar Browns sets an example of the power of community action, using its platform to amplify relevant causes. They serve as a reminder of how music and sport have the ability to inspire change.
— Peadar Browns
— New look since rebranding in 2015
Photographs: Anastasiia Novoselova
— Branded barrel
Secrets of Portobello: Discovering Dublin 8’s Local Hidden Gems
Every street in Portobello holds a surprise for you
By Andrea Arenas Hernandez
Portobello, in the heart of Dublin 8, is a neighbourhood with a rich history and a very distinct artistic touch. Located just along the grand canal, you can find murals and a lot of places in which you can eat and places where you can get a nice coffee. While most tourists rather the popular areas, Portobello is full of incredible places. The hidden gems that only a local who likes to explore new places tend to discover. This guide is for you if you want to visit the best spots in Portobello to have a nice time. You will find restaurants, coffee shops and shops in Portobello, a unique place in Dublin 8.
The hidden gems in Portobello:
In just one street you can find a lot of places. If you are in Lennox Street, you cannot miss Brindle Coffee and Wine. It is perfect for a coffee in the morning after a walk around the canal, but in the night, it is a lovely place in which you can meet your friends and have a glass of wine. It is a cosy place. They also have board games in case you want to play while drinking your coffee or glass of wine with your friends. If you want to go alone and have a dog, you can bring your dog because it is a pet friendly place.
If you are hungry, in just 3 minutes you can find I Monelli, an authentic Italian restaurant just in front of the grand canal. If the weather is nice, they have tables outside and you will have the perfect view of The Grand Canal. If the weather is not the best, inside is a beautiful place. It’s super cozy and as soon as you enter, you are going to feel a vibe that makes you feel like you just walked into your home. The delicious homemade dishes not only make you feel at home, you will also feel like you’re in Italy because most of the staff is Italian and you will feel like one of them.
If you like doing exercise, Little Bird Yoga Café is a perfect place for you. This place offers yoga classes alongside being a cute and nice café. It is a must for you to try both options after a nice, relaxing yoga class.
Another gem is Hen’s Teeth. It is an art and lifestyle store that is also a gallery space. It has contemporary art, design pieces and photography, often presenting works of the local and international artists, they also do events every weekend. You can always check the upcoming events they have on their social media pages. You cannot miss them.
Walking along the grand canal that runs through Portobello, you will find charming houseboats where you can sit and watch the beautiful swans floating by. A perfect way to relax and enjoy a nice view. If you love bakeries then you need to try something from the Bretzel Bakery who has delicious bread and pastries. With 150 years of tradition, the moment you walk in, you will smell the fresh bread. A must try.
The best way of finding street art is stepping into the streets of Portobello. There are a lot of murals in the street that you can find while walking. Portobello is a walkable area. You don’t need a bus to get to places, you can walk and discover all the streets’ art. In South Richmond Street, you can find murals along the walls - work by the local artists - you can see beautiful portraits and colourful paint.
Among the many neighbourhoods in Dublin, Portobello stands out. Walking through the streets and along the canal, you will discover many places. The hidden gems you didn’t even know existed. I invite you to try and enjoy one of these places and discover places by yourself around Portobello, so next time you’re in Dublin don’t forget to experience all the places that this beautiful, incredible neighbourhood has to offer. Who knows, maybe one of these hidden gems might become your favourite spot in the city.
Photographs: Anastasiia Novoselova
— Interior Design of Lenox — Monelli, authentic italian restaurant
— Wine selection at Brindle
A dark, rich, ruby stout with the signature creamy head.
Guinness’s Changing Face
The Guinness brand has struck a chord with a potential new demographic.
The Guinness brand has struck a chord with a potential new demographic. A dark, rich, ruby stout with the signature creamy head.
When you picture this iconic drink, whose hand do you see grabbing that famous logoed glass?
If the nails grabbing the glass are painted black, it might match the description of Anseo local, Mariana.
The 35-year-old moved to Dublin from Brazil in 2019 and has been drinking Guinness since 2020; for Mariana, ordering Guinness is a regular occurrence now. She describes that for most “we arrive here thinking ‘oh Guinness is something from your culture,” then proceeds to add, “Once we try it, we get used to it, then we love it and want to keep drinking it.”
A 35-year-old Brazilian woman is not the image most drawn first when asked ‘who drinks Guinness?’, but on the side behind the bar, have bartenders noticed a change in who drinks this stout?
Who drinks this stout?
When asked if he noticed shifts in who drinks Guinness, Jason, a bartender at Ryan’s on Parkgate Street, in Dublin 8, stated “Not really.” Jason does note, however, “a lack of advertisement,” and that Guinness is not targeting a female audience specifically.
A change has been noted, though, by Guinness themselves: according to a Fortune article by Ryan Hogg, in 2023 there was a 24% increase amongst women who drink Guinness.
Jason expounds on why Ryan’s has such nice pints: their cellar is right below the bar; “I think there is only a pint and a half in the line,” he elaborates, “making sure the draw is small”; in Jason’s opinion, those are the two key factors for nice Guinness.
“The line” refers to the tubes that carry the beer itself to the taps. If you were to have a longer line, the pressure of serving is lowered, and the lower the pressure, the more likely you are to have a flat Guinness.
He even explains that the Guinness Storehouse actually does not serve the best pint, as one would expect.
“I think there’s something like 12 pints going to the line,” therefore he recommends people to stay in the ground floor bar if they want a better-quality Guinness.
Ryan’s in Dublin 8 was voted one of the best Guinness in Dublin and the Blog, The Irish Road Trip, voted Ryan’s in the top 11 in 2024.
Within the world of Guinness, there is a well discussed lore: the infamous two-part pour. This refers to the strategy used by most when serving the stout.
Guinness has created advertisements around this two-part pour with the slogan, “Good things come to those who wait,” being their most notable. This phrase first appeared in 1996 and has been used in several of their advertisements since then.
The two-part pour dates to the 1930s, when Guinness came in two separate kegs. This has to do with the nitrogen levels: one was low-conditioned, and it would be poured first ¾, while the other was a high cask keg and would be used to top up the Guinness.
The debate whether this method of pouring is still relevant today is in full swing, considering that Guinness comes from one keg, some bartenders question the two-part pour.
While interviewing Nora, a customer at the pub Anseo, Max, another customer, jumped in to give his perspective on the matter.
Nora claims: “I think it is a marketing thing…having the Guinness lined up like that makes people want to drink it more.” On the other hand, Max argues: “The two-part pour is important because if you hand someone a straight poured Guinness, they’re going to pour everywhere.”
Guinness is one of Ireland’s most notable prides; it has been an iconic image of Ireland for over 260 years. The brand itself has also kept up with trends well, with its marketing techniques ensuring that it stays relevant and current.
If you are like me, or Mariana, and come from another country, first you try Guinness for cultural participation, then you get used to it, and eventually you love it.
Although sometimes you may need to stick to Guinness 0.0, that delicious stout sticks around.
The reason why Guinness is such a beloved drink is because it is perfect for every occasion and for everyone to enjoy.
A great debate align the glass at a 45 ° angle fill the glass until the top of the harp logo let the Guinness settle
First Part Second Part
By Louise Calkins
Photograph: Louise Calkins
Local Brews Over Big Chains: The Coffee Culture of Dublin 8
A look at how independent cafés are keeping Dublin 8 unique amidst a booming café culture.
By Nathalie
“Dublin 8 has a unique sense of community that really drew me in. It is an area with so much character, and I felt there was a need for a place offering high-quality coffee at great value.”
— Craig McCarthy, Owner of
In Dublin 8, a unique coffee culture thrives, resisting the corporate chains taking over much of the city. Known for its vibrant community engagement, these cafés serve as true community hubs rather than just coffee stops, embodying Dublin 8’s commitment to local businesses.
In recent years, Dublin has experienced an influx of major coffee brands such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee, yet Dublin 8 has emerged as a zone that remains largely unaffected by this trend. Residents in this area favour establishments that embody a distinctive personality and offer a personalised experience, a feeling that is clear in its vibrant café culture.
At the forefront of this movement is Boom Coffee, established by Craig McCarthy when he was just 24. What began as a single café in Inchicore has now expanded to Francis Street, all while maintaining a community-driven approach that values quality over quantity. “Dublin 8 has
“Our goal is to be more than just a coffee shop. We want to be part of the neighbourhood.”
Boom Coffee
a strong local identity. People appreciate independent Irish-owned businesses and prefer places that offer a personal touch,” McCarthy explains. To him, Boom Coffee is not just about the product; it is about creating a place
The original Dublin 8 face: A story of community and growth.
for people to connect and feel at home.
“Our goal is to be more than just a coffee shop. We want to be part of the neighbourhood,” McCarthy says, highlighting his team’s commitment to sustainable practices and their partnership with local artists and suppliers. Boom Coffee even provides used coffee grounds to neighbourhood gardens, underscoring its focus on giving back.
In 1997, Jorinde Rolsma and her partner Conor discovered a small shop space in Dublin 8, a typewriter repair shop, and saw an opportunity to create something entirely new for the area.
With just £5,000 each, they opened Bite of Life, which would become one of the area’s first independent cafés.
“We did not have a business plan or a clear vision, just a love for coffee,” says Rolsma, who recalls the early days when architects from Fumbally Court would queue outside, eager to try their coffee.
Rolsma’s café has evolved into a vibrant hub for locals, students, and tourists, all drawn to its welcoming atmosphere. “Locals are a big part of our café,” she notes, as many return daily, sharing stories and building connections.
Originally expecting mainly tourists, Rolsma and her partner were surprised by the steady mix of Liberty College students, nearby workers, and locals. “Soon we found ourselves with a lovely mix of people from all around.” This community-centred approach has been key to the café’s success in a neighbourhood loyal to independent businesses.
This loyalty has been tested as big franchises explore expansion options in Dublin 8, but Rolsma remains confident. “There is plenty of choice when it comes to good-quality cafés. A big chain might try, but I like to think the locals and those working in D8 are not ‘sheep’ and will stick with the real thing,” she adds.
Why Dublin 8 prefers local: A community perspective.
Bite of Life —
— Boom Coffee
Miranda
Why local cafés matter: Building a unique coffee culture.
Dublin 8’s preference for local coffee shops reflects the broader values of the community. According to research on small business impact, communities with a high concentration of independent shops often experience greater cohesion, creating a network of local support that benefits the entire area.
In Dublin 8, this connection is particularly evident, with cafés like Boom Coffee and Rolsma’s establishment prioritising quality coffee, ethical sourcing, and friendly, familiar service over fast, impersonal transactions.
McCarthy’s approach at Boom Coffee embodies this dedication to quality. In addition to managing both café locations in Inchicore and Francis Street, McCarthy roasts all of Boom Coffee’s beans himself.
This level of care, he believes, is what keeps his café relevant and respected by the community. “I roast all the coffee myself, which ensures we maintain the highest quality in every batch,” he explains, noting that this hands-on approach sets Boom Coffee apart from larger chains that often prioritise volume over quality.
Resilience and adaptability: Local café in a changing Dublin.
As Dublin 8’s coffee culture grows, café owners like McCarthy and Rolsma face challenges from the city’s rapid development. Rising rents and mounting competition make it harder for independents to expand. Yet, they remain optimistic that Dublin 8’s strong sense of identity and respect for local businesses will keep supporting them.
“There is always the chance of big chains moving in, but I am confident that our focus on quality and relationships will keep us going,” says McCarthy. He adds that Boom Coffee’s commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices resonates with customers who prioritise supporting ethical, locally owned businesses.
For visitors exploring Dublin, a tour of the coffee shops in Dublin 8 offers a welcome break from the familiar chain cafés. Each café here has its own story, and every cup represents a meaningful connection between the owner and the community.
Whether it is the freshly roasted beans at Boom Coffee or the Italian-style brews at Rolsma’s café, Dublin 8’s independent coffee scene encourages people to slow down, enjoy the moment, and support local businesses.
As Dublin 8 grows, its café culture serves as a testament to the power of community and the appeal of independence. Thanks to the dedication of café owners like McCarthy, Rolsma, and Conor, along with the neighbourhood’s strong local loyalty, Dublin 8 remains a place where character and connection truly come first.
A coffee culture with character.
Photographs: Anastasiia Novoselova
Boom Coffee —
— Bite of Life Support
“We are committed to fostering a sense of community and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.”
– Gary Walsh, Marlet Property Group Marketing Executive.
Property Group Introduces a Range of Housing in Dublin 8
Following five years of development and construction a new residential apartment has been completed close to the Guinness Brewery
Tolocals from the Liberties area, the construction site at the Grand Canal Harbour was an ongoing development since 2019 and was concluded in September 2024. The location is a new addition to the surrounding area which includes six block buildings, with an overall total of 596 apartments with additional retail space, amongst other services. From the total number of living quarters, 482 of these are one bed whilst the remaining 114 are providing residents with two bedrooms. The company has assigned 111 apartments to social housing to ensure “a portion of the development is dedicated to providing affordable housing options for the community” said Gary Walsh, Marketing Executive for the Marlet Property Group. Additionally, the location offers a thirteen-storey building that contributes to the modern outlook inserted in the environment.
Concerns of congestion around the area involving a variety of transportation including cars, coaches, horse-drawn carriages, and bikes has been brought into question for the new development.
A comment from a local resident has described that the extension to the footpaths resulting in narrower roads has created challenges in relation to navigation. Because of this, horse drawn carriages and
By Lottie Heaven
large coaches in the vicinity are manifesting delays due to slower driving conditions, “I’ve noticed the increase in traffic and congestion in the local area since the buildings have been built.”
In rebuttal to the statement above, Marlet Property Group has assured that due to an independent traffic assessment which was involved in the planning application process, the result is as follows: “The study found that the development would not significantly impact local traffic conditions,” said Walsh. Furthermore, leading to the discovery that tenants of the accommodation have no access to private parking. Alternatively, the company has implemented 773 bike parking spaces as it aligns with the city’s broader goals to promote sustainable and eco-friendly modes of transport.
While the modern landscape provides housing for new residents in the Liberties area, the probability of an increase in population, traffic and foot traffic for the district is likely. The South Inner City Community Development Association (SICCDA) has failed to respond to a request to comment about the development in relation to the community’s perspective of the new neighbourhood.
Photographs: Mariia Maksymova
QA &
NOT SO RARE AS HEN’S TEETH
Meet Greg, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Hen’s Teeth, to learn more about this culture filled space in Blackpitts.
Hi Greg, can you tell us more about what Hen’s Teeth is and its story?
G. Hen’s Teeth is a cultural and private events space in the heart of Dublin 8.
We opened in 2015 as an online art store, and the name came from the saying “rare as Hen’s Teeth”, due to its limited-edition prints. It has since developed due to the changing world around us, so we’re a full-time events space now with food, art and music at the heart of what we do.
What was your motivation to create this place and why Blackpitts?
G. To express myself, first and foremost and do something I care about, and to work with interesting people whose work I loved.
We moved into our Blackpitts space in November 2019, and we wanted it to be more than just a store or a cafe. We wanted it to be a hangout spot, a place to kick back and have a good time — where good food, music and art meet.
“Where good food, music and art meet!”
L.
Do you have an overarching philosophy — how do you select the artists/clients?
G. There’s a playfulness that runs through everything we do, I guess. I feel like whether it’s a DJ booking, an art show or a pop-up dinner there’s a through line. A certain energy that connects it all, or at least I hope there is.
— Yu Su Cooks Dinner & Listening Experience
Sukar Event —
Food at Hen’s Teeth —
L.
Why do you think there is a lack of spaces for cultural and private events in Dublin, or in Ireland in general?
G. Because Ireland is a tough place to do business in. We’re a fully independent business, and the past four years have been a bloodbath for us. COVID-19 was tough, but post-COVID has been punishing. It’s hard to maintain a space like ours, it requires a lot of self-sacrifice.
We’ve also got countless empty commercial units and very few cultural spaces. It’s policy that isn’t being enacted properly. We were told we were going to have lots of new cultural spaces (5% rule) within new developments, but it didn’t happen. It’s a problem where developers are being told they have to give over 5% to culture, but they don’t know how to connect those dots, so you literally have spaces within new builds that are sitting empty and nobody in government is holding developers to account. A good idea poorly executed.
L.
What do you think of the general redevelopment of the area around Blackpitts?
G. I have mixed feelings. There’s an interesting creative quarter that is developing in the area with The Garden, Hen’s Teeth, The Fumbally and Throwing Shapes new studio. All interesting independent spaces. But Newmarket Square feels like it has had its heart ripped out, and we’ve got more hotels incoming. I have very little faith that interesting cultural spots will be given priority when filling new vacant units.
L.
Do you feel supported in hosting events, whether by public feedback or by any Irish Government support?
G. We were recently awarded the Noise Mitigation Grant from the Government to acoustically treat our space to make it better suited to live events. Shout-out to Give Us The Night for lobbying the Government there. That aside, not really.
By our punters, yes, 100%. We’ve undergone some pretty massive shifts in our programming since moving into space in 2019, and people have always come with us and showed support.
L.
Do you have any anecdotes related to the company/a particular evening? A ‘souvenir’ engraved in your memories?
G. There are so many good memories. We spent a weekend with Matty Matheson hosting him for his first cookbook launch in Dublin back in 2019. We worked with Honey Dijon on a neon exhibition in London in early 2020, but the highlight is probably our Pub Snug exhibition with Fatti Burke. That was a lot of fun, and I kind of feel like it encapsulates our space and vibe.
L.
What does the future hold for Hen’s Teeth?
G. It’s tough out there for small businesses, so not looking too far ahead is practical right now. Making sure we’re running a cultural space with purpose and a business that makes sense is pretty much the goal for the foreseeable future. Keep doing fun stuff well and make sure folks are safe, well-fed and watered.
Only the best is wished for the future of Hen’s Teeth!
By Laura Nadal
Photographs: Mark McGuinness - Hen’s Teeth
Styled by Heart: Real Fashion from Blackpitts
“Comfort isn’t just about how clothes feel — it’s about feeling good in what you wear, knowing it’s chosen with care.”
By Jack Mitchell
In Blackpitts, Dublin 8, fashion speaks in coordinated textures, thrifted finds and memories stitched into every garment. Over here, personal style is less about trends and more about comfort, longevity, and responsibility.
I met with the locals whose looks reflected their commitment to quality: a love for thrifting and a need for clothing that feels as good as it looks.
The outfits showed a connection from cherished family pieces to carefully selected vintage finds; every choice revealed a shared belief that fashion should fit the person and not the other way around.
Each conversation told a story of
mindful fashion: prioritising what feels good, lasts long, and supports ethical values. The outfits were an eclectic mix of personal style and conscious choices, showing us all that looking good and doing good go together.
Step into the community of Blackpitts’ street style, where comfort is priority and responsibility, and individuality redefine what it means to dress with a purpose.
Mélie Desbrosse —
Giulia Vettore & James Mulrihill —
Sloan Mariot —
Adam Lunnon-Collery & Aoife Murray —
— Sloan Mariot
Vintage Finds & Modern Feels
Inspiration can be found everywhere in Blackpitts: family, passersby, and social media all spark ideas.
“My first inspiration was my grandma,” says Mélie Desbrosse, a florist at The Garden, reminiscing on how “she’d make me try stuff on and dig through her scarves.”
While others like Gulia Vettore, a college student, find inspiration daily through social media and while going on walks: “I get my inspo from Pinterest and Instagram or Tiktok, but mostly from people; just going around and walking in different places.”
Vintage collectors and archival imagery also play a role for Blackpitts’ community, with Aoife Murray, a recent graduate, saying, “I love people-watching, and follow vintage collectors on Instagram who post pre-internet pieces.”
Comfort First, Confidence Always
When it comes to style in Blackpitts, it is all about feeling comfortable and confident in what you wear. “Comfort is always first,” said James Mulrihill, a college student, “but being comfortable is not just about being physically comfortable; it is also about being comfortable with how you look. Find what makes you comfortable in your body and mind in clothes.”
Furthermore, in Blackpitts it is about ease: “Trying too hard doesn’t feel good.”
Secondhand and Timeless
When it comes to the brands for this community; they tend to shop mindfully, with many favouring thrift stores over fast fashion. “Charity shops are my favourite brands,” is what Mélie said when I asked her about them.
Another interviewee, Laura Murphy-Clarkin, reiterated this, explaining, “I hate throwing clothes out; it feels horrible. I want to wear them until they fall apart.”
She went on afterwards to echo a similar message about quality: “Some of the brands my parents wore have better quality. They are more expensive, but I will wear them forever.”
For Blackpitts, a conscious closet means one that is filled with high quality clothes, secondhand or passed on from generations, and they should be worn with pride every single time.
Photographs: Laura Nadal
— Mélie Desbrosse
By: Martina Cocirio
Hours in Dublin 8
Exploring
the heart of the city through a perfect day in Dublin 8
Dublin 8 is one of the oldest and most diverse areas of the Irish capital.
From its medieval landmarks to the modern and contemporary artworks, this district offers a wide range of opportunities that are unmissable if you are visiting the city: here is a thorough 24-hour itinerary to enjoy the best sights, restaurants, and museums of this neighbourhood.
Starting the day with an amazing breakfast at Alma is the perfect way to begin your exploration. Located in the heart of Portobello, this beautiful café focuses on creating unforgettable experiences and inviting people to explore the flavours of Argentina.
Their menu changes seasonally because, as stated on their website, “we believe our food is only as good as the ingredients we use.” The café’s dedication to quality ingredients, creative dishes, and its warm, welcoming atmosphere are the main reasons why this spot is not only worth visiting but truly unforgettable.
It is no surprise that Alma has become a favourite spot for both locals and visitors, thanks to the care and dedication its staff put into customer service.
For architectural and cultural landmarks, St. Patrick’s
Cathedral is the place that you can find. It is regarded as the most famous medieval site in the city, and the Dublin Mosque, which represents the headquarters of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191 on the site where St. Patrick is believed to have converted the Irish to Christianity, is a must-visit. Its stunning stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and beautiful surrounding gardens make it worth the €10 entrance fee for adults and €9 for students.
On the other hand, The Islamic Foundation welcomes visits from schools, colleges, and other interested organisations. These visits are free of charge and typically last 45 minutes, including a tour of the Mosque and an explanation of the main aspects of Islam.
Established in 1198, The Brazen Head, located just a few minutes from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, is considered the city’s oldest pub. Its history spans centuries, and it sits on Bridge Street, the area that gave its name to the original settlement that became Dublin.
This historic pub serves traditional dishes such as Irish stew, fish and chips, and Guinness beef pie. It is also said
Photograph: Laura Nadal
A quiet escape in the heart of Dublin 8 - where nature meets history, in Phoenix Park —
to have been one of James Joyce’s favourite spots and other famous Dubliners.
If you take the time to explore their website and reviews, you would not be disappointed. Many customers praise the pub’s lively atmosphere, flavourful food, and excellent service, all of which make it a truly unique destination.
Visiting Dublin can sometimes be challenging due to its frequently rainy weather, but one walk that should undoubtedly be part of your journey is through Phoenix Park.
Originally established as a royal hunting park, Phoenix Park opened to the public in 1747.
Today, it features gardens, tea rooms, and the Dublin Zoo. It is a wonderful space for walks, bike rides, runs, or simply relaxing on the grass with a blanket.
David, a 22-year-old computer science student at Trinity, shares how living near the park offers an escape into nature after a busy day.
“Honestly, living this close to the park is just an incentive for getting out of the house, especially after being in the city centre all day. There are not many sunny days here, but whenever you get them, it’s best to get out there and enjoy yourself, at least that’s what I like to do. Just walking around, seeing lots of people running, or biking, and spotting deer in the park, it just makes you appreciate it more.”
At the entrance of Phoenix Park,
there is a Visitors Centre and a bike rental shop. Since it has been expanded, biking can be an enjoyable way to explore and reach spots that are difficult to access on foot.
To conclude your visit, the Teeling Distillery in the heart of Dublin 8 is a must-see.
This modern distillery, located in the Liberties, offers a fascinating way to immerse yourself in the heritage of Irish whiskey. Opened in 2015, it was the first new distillery in Dublin in over 125 years.
It is a perfect experience for a day out with family and friends. The distillery offers a guided tour with a language app available in multiple languages, concluding with a tasting of their signature Teeling Whiskey.
Their mission is to craft innovative flavours, blending traditional and unconventional maturation techniques to produce small-batch bottlings that stand out in the whiskey world.
As your tour in Dublin 8 comes to an end, it can be stated that this district of the city is the perfect place to get new experiences and to discover hidden places.
Whether you are exploring castles and cathedrals, immersing yourself in nature, or enjoying the city’s oldest pubs and restaurants, Dublin 8 offers a blend of old and new, capturing the essence of the Irish capital.
After spending a day in Dublin 8, you will leave with a deeper appreciation of the city’s heart and its hidden treasures.
Photograph: Anastasiia Novoselova
Photograph: Anastasiia Novoselova
A tribute to Dublin’s heritage, the magnificent St. Patrick›s Cathedral —
A drop of tradition in Dublin’s oldest pub —
Discovering The Vibrant Art Scene on The Streets of Dublin 8
You don’t have to walk far into the Dublin 8 area to realise that the streets here tell you stories through colourful painted walls, electricity boxes and various buildings. Who are the people and what story is behind some of the pieces we see every day? I met with artist, mural painter and illustrator Kevin Bohan to talk more about the art that captivates us outside the museums.
By Mollie Berglund
Imeetwith Kevin outside One Central Plaza, and he instantly strikes me as an artist. He carries a rolled-up poster and has yellow splatter of paint on his shoes.
After reflecting on the immense art scene that I see every day in Dublin 8, I contacted Kevin who has a lot of experience on the subject; together, we take a walk to talk about some of his involvement in creating the art scene on the streets of Dublin 8.
Kevin has been a full-time artist since 2016 but his interest in art started when he was a child, “I always had a pen in my hand,” he says. He studied animation at Ballyfermot college and print management at Bolton Street. He didn’t do any art for about 17 years after that, until he took a graphic design course and slowly got back into it.
“My ex got me a dog called Calvin in 2009, I used to walk him twothree times a day around the Grand Canal Dock, up there they used to have Windmill Lane. It used to be a legal spot for graffiti. I had just started the graphic design course, so I started to notice all of the graffiti and street art.”
Kevin started by taking photographs and for 5 years he took around 25,000 photographs.
He set up a Facebook page called Dublin Urban Art and posted some of his pictures, then later in 2011 a group invited him to come painting with them: that was the first time he picked up a spray can and he has been painting ever since.
As we walk down Aston Place and Temple Bar, we stop outside an alley called, “The Icon Walk”.
Here, Kevin was involved in a project called, “The Icon Factory” where he had his first solo exhibition in June 2011. On The Icon Walk, we can see some of Ireland’s cultural history from 1922 up until now: icons from music, sports, movies, and literature are painted as well as some other artworks. While we walk down the lane, he shows me some of his pieces as well as some of his friends’. He points to a painting of a dog and explains: “This is a good friend of mine, DZ, I paint with her all the time.” There are 33 small DZ dogs in this lane that people can try to find. “I haven’t found them all,” Kevin says with a smile. He continues and shows me one of the characters he paints: Bobby. The one we see is the number 120 out of 184. The process of Bobby started with pen and paper during lockdown: “I just drew an eye, and that eye turned into Bobby.”
The Icon Factory closed last December but he was involved with them for 13 years and the project helped loads of artists over the years by giving them a free space to exhibit or sell their prints and artworks.
Bobby no.120, by Kevin Bohan —
DZ dog —
Photographs: Anna Veselova
— Kevin Bohan
Kevin speaks passionately about all the artwork we see but something changes in the tone of his voice when I ask him about his most meaningful piece.
He tells me about a mural of his late dog Calvin who passed earlier this year, leaving Kevin heartbroken; he and three of his friends did a memorial piece on Liberty Lane in honour of Calvin.
“There is another project that is very close to my heart…” Kevin continues. In February 2022 Kevin and his friend Grainne started the “Story?” project. The first work was with a spoken word artist called Emmet O’Brien. Having done many collaborations with visual artists, he tells me that sometimes it can be tricky with artistic differences. When collaborating with a poet, he would have artistic control over the mural, and they would have control over the words. Kevin wanted to concentrate on something close to his heart: men’s mental health. After a call with O’Brien, he returned to Bohan 10 minutes later with a finished poem called, “StoryBud?”. As soon as Kevin got the poem, Grainne and he instantly knew that this was the first collaboration they were going to do. He shows me a video about how the art came to be. The poem, read by Emett about men’s mental health is striking and moving. “I’ve listened to that about 200 times, and it still gets to me,” Kevin says.
The following year, Kevin and Emmett went to Mountjoy Prison and did a second project “StoryTIME?”, working with inmates who participated in the education centre. After a week of poetry workshops run by Emmett, Kevin designed the mural together with some of the inmates. All the images on the mural came from the finished poems and the final piece is hanging in the main entrance of the prison.
“Some people drink, some people take drugs, some people play golf, some people cook - I paint.”
Bobby No.107 —
Street Art at the Icon Walk —
Photographs: Anna Veselova
Most of Kevin’s art is just therapy for him, to work through whatever he’s going through at the time.
“Some people drink, some people take drugs, some people play golf, some people cook - I paint.”
When choosing a location for his art, he loves painting in abandoned spots. There’s a couple of legal spots in Dublin, such as the Liberty Lane and the Grand Canal Dock but if you were to paint there, chances are that they will last a week before being painted over.
The reactions to his art are usually positive, some will always be critical but the majority like what he’s doing. After spending all this time with Kevin, I met 22-year-old Niall just outside “The Icon Walk”.
“I like street art that’s representative, there’s been different murals about Palestine, it showed that Irish people stand in solidarity with Palestine.” His favourite piece on the other hand, is on an electricity box outside of Trinity College: “There’s a painting from the show ‘Normal people’ outside Trinity, it’s fantastic.”
“In one form or another, my whole life has revolved around art, nothing gets handed to anyone in this world, if you want to follow something you have to practice and sacrifice.”
62-year-old Alan Lombard agrees: “When executed well in the right area, street art can be positively edgy and at the same time beautiful, it can contribute to the overall street environment.”
The next step for Kevin is a project called, “Biological Hazard”. He recently started this series, and he wants to create art books with collectives of photographs.
When I ask him if he sees himself doing this forever, he says: “In one form or another, my whole life has revolved around art, nothing gets handed to anyone in this world, if you want to follow something you have to practice and sacrifice.”
The Icon Walk —
Next Spread Photograph: Laura Nadal
People Help the People
The Little Flower Penny Dinners and the people who make it a home since 1912
By Clara Nagasawa
Walking in, you can’t help but be mesmerised by the sweet scent of a homecooked meal. As Ruth leads the way down the narrowly built corridor towards the food hall, you can hear rumbling stomachs growing louder and louder, with each step in.
That is when she showed us to the kitchen through a quaint little side door, where Pat was packing the desserts; a unique concoction, most closely related to a trifle, but with his special flair and culinary creativity thrown in.
Brenda, Amanda, Katie and Annie were just finishing up the packing process to-go. At 11am, the food has just been cooked and you can tell, by the energetic interactions in the room, that it was made with nothing but love as the main ingredient.
“Everyone is welcome here,” she says enthusiastically, “We don’t ask any questions, so there’s a big variety.”
Ruth Harkness has worked at The Little Flower Penny Dinners for 5 years as the general manager. We sat down in the perfectly lit food hall for a quick chat, where popular songs were playing through the speakers ever-so-subtly, making the ambient feel like a cozy Sunday lunch at grandma’s house. The laughter from the colleagues in the kitchen echoed as we chatted, reaffirming the comforting atmosphere. Ruth laughs at my antics, nodding her head.
“I think anyone who comes in here likes it. We’re not an institution, we are more like somewhere familiar, a welcoming place.”
Located on 11 Meath Street, the same address since its opening in 1912, the Penny Dinners are a team who make and serve meals in-house 5 days a week for those seeking food, or something as warm as company.
Around 20 years ago they started the Meals on Wheels service, which provides meals to persons in a housebound situation and the elderly in the area. They have delivered over 1,500 meals a week since the Covid-19 pandemic, helping anyone in the area who seeks it. I recall those
“What I love about this place is you don’t have to say to somebody: ‘this person needs a bit of extra help.’ They know by just looking.”
– Ruth Harkness.
high numbers and ask if anything has changed over time. Ruth takes a breath before replying, “There’s one constant throughout the whole thing: and that is that people still suffer from food deprivation”. I silently nod in agreement as she continues, “In an ideal world we wouldn’t exist at all. It’s just as bad today as it was in 1912 and that’s over 100 years ago!”
And it is true: food security levels in Ireland have been a concerning matter for the longest time now. Reports show that 8.9% of the population experienced food poverty in 2021, with 6.2% experiencing severe food deprivation.
“But we have grown,” she continues, “There wasn’t so much regulation in the beginning. Now we’re heavily regulated, from food standards in the kitchen to governance matters. “In the beginning,” she smiles almost nostalgically, pointing to our right side just by the tea station, “There would be two cookers with heavy hot pots just there, and women sat peeling potatoes. People couldn’t sit in to dine, they’d take it away, so they’d bring buckets and basins, that sort of thing.”
I can only imagine how it must’ve been back then. No advanced technological kitchen, barely any space to sit in, and still, somehow, I know that the kindness has been a constant, always drifting in the air inside these walls like a soft summer breeze.
— The Little Flower Penny Dinners
Photographs: Taryn Barling
— Every detail is carefully looked after
“Yes,” she agrees with me, “Actually, just the other day I was speaking to two women here, and their father, who is 80, used to come here everyday after school. He was part of a big family, so he used to bring a large basin and take home stew, and he carried a big special spoon to lift out the bits of meat and eat those. By the time he got home, there’d be no meat! And his family thought the Little Flowers food was done without meat!”
She lets out a wholeheartedly laugh, “I just thought that was so funny, and so typical of the area, you know? Imagine their surprise when they found out!”
But it’s not just about the food, is it? “It’s much more than the food. We want people to feel at home and to feel involved and included. There’s this one day, for example, a woman with another agency called and asked if she could come, which was weird, right? But people have fears on places like this. I told her to come in just for a while and see if she liked it. If not, she could leave, and that would be okay too. We got to talking on the way to the hall, in the long corridor; turns out she had an abusive partner and a little child. She had received her benefits the day before and he had taken it all and been physically violent with her.” She recalls very vividly, making me envision it all, as I stared at the corridor we had just walked by minutes ago.
How many people, with many different stories, backgrounds, and lives have walked down there? And how many were transformed by this place and these people, I wonder.
“We got her some food. She was visibly very nervous, but she got comfortable. And Pat just got a few things in a little bag, portioned it up all nice and neat, sat beside her and didn’t say a word. Pat usually talks the hind leg off a donkey, but he knew she just needed some company. It was only after she left that he asked me ‘What’s her story?’. I thought that was lovely.”
How is it possible to get so much done, and to help so many people, in such a short time each day? “There’s no such thing as a typical day. We have a task to do, and that is to get food out. But things just seem to happen during the process, you know? You never know who’s gonna come in through the door next, or what’s gonna happen next.” So, like organised chaos? She laughs at my words, “Exactly! It’s absolutely manic in the nicest possible way.”
From 1912 until now, a lot has changed; but the main constant is that empathy is the key word for this place.
To Pat, Brenda, Amanda, Katie, Annie, Ruth, and so many more over the years who have dedicated so much of themselves to helping others, thank you. Your stories and your hearts are beautiful and deserve to be heard all over. I’m sure it will inspire others to continue spreading kindness.
Ruth Harkness, General Manager of The Little Flowers —
The charity’s entrance, 11 Meath St —
Why is Accommodation so Hard to Find for Students
in the D8 Area?
Student accommodation is increasingly difficult to find in Dublin 8, leaving a lot of students commuting.
By Gillesa McCabe
Ana had to rent the expensive student accommodation after searching for months for a more affordable option.
Student accommodation in the Dublin 8 area has become increasingly expensive and seems to be booking out extremely quickly. While in the midst of a national housing crisis, finding student accommodation is harder than ever.
According to the Dublin County Council, when proposing a new student accommodation building, the building must meet the following standards: must have a minimum of 3 bed spaces, minimum gross floor area of 55 square meters, shared kitchen and living/dining rooms must be provided, bathrooms must serve a maximum of 3 bed spaces and communal facilities such as laundry, security, and bins must be provided.
These types of accommodation book out insanely quickly, most of them are booked out for the next academic year before the current academic year is over.
There are also private sector houses being rented out to students for accommodation purposes, which have similar rules and regulations. According to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), if you are in private housing as a student, your landlord must register your tenancy with the RTB. However, if you are renting a room in your landlord’s home, this does not apply. This opens the opportunity for digs, where a lot of landlords take students in and house them for extra money, most of the time in cash to avoid additional taxes.
As of October 2023, according to the Higher Education Authority, there are over 35,000 international students in Dublin. This creates even more of a struggle to get student accommodation for many reasons. As international students come in, this creates less space for students living near the area. Most student accommodation buildings will rent to international students as they would have no way of accessing digs or renting a room in someone’s home when coming over. When international students are searching for accommodation before coming over to Ireland, they usually have it booked months, up to a year in advance of coming over, however students living a few hours away from their college who plan on returning home every weekend might leave it until a few months in advance, and by then nearly all accommodation is gone. This makes it difficult for both international students and local students to find accommodation as the demand is increasing and there is a limited amount of student accommodation buildings available. While digs are always an option, a lot of people may not feel entirely comfortable living in someone else’s home, especially if it were with a family.
“I had my
accommodation booked months in advance.”
Student accommodation buildings are also extremely expensive in Dublin as it is the capital city in Ireland. There are many different student accommodation apartment blocks in Dublin. “Yugo Living” is one example of this. Most of the student apartments take payment weekly and do a 41 week year, which is from the end of August until the beginning of June. However, the academic year is only from the end of September to the beginning of May, with exams mid May. This means there are two whole months that the accommodation will not be in use that are still being paid for. This leads people to search for cheaper or more flexible accommodation, turning to digs or even commuting.
International college student Ana Delahanty says that she originally wanted off campus accommodation as it was cheaper and she could have a single bedroom but there were too many scams so she ended up going with on campus accommodation. Scams are a major issue with accommodation in the Dublin 8 area and make it even more difficult for any students to find accommodation, but particularly international students as they can’t meet with the landlord and determine whether or not it’s legitimate.
There are many cases of scams in Dublin regarding accommodation. For example: The Irish Independant carried out a survey, which declared that 950 students in University College Dublin (UCD) encountered scams while searching for student accommodation and that 63 of these people had fallen for the scams. These scams included fake listings, landlords requesting deposits before allowing a viewing and false advertisement.
Yugo Living, Dublin
Photographs: Anastasiia Novoselova
The Irish Times wrote an article about Christina Korcakova, a student from the Czech Republic who needed a place to stay for one month before returning to college. Christina found a place online and corresponded with the landlady, who told her she must pay her deposit and the first month’s rent before arriving at the house. After paying over €1,000, Christina arrived at the property to find out it didn’t exist. She told The Irish Times that she stayed with a neighbour of the alleged property and saw multiple other people come and go, after falling for the same scam she did.
Irish Independant wrote about a student who paid €6,000 split between two people for accommodation on the River Liffey and awoke two days later to 12 other people “moving in,” who the landlord had given the keys to and disappeared. The landlord in this case was never found. These highlight the importance of being extra careful when it comes to paying for accommodation.
Ana says she had her accommodation booked for months prior to arriving in Ireland and had to pay for the whole first semester up front, on top of student fees that she is already paying. When asked what advice she would have for international students coming over for the first time and searching for accommodation, Ana said “It definitely is easier for the first time to book with your school if they have accommodation available. It might be tough sharing a room, it’s a hit or miss. But once you’re here, it’s safer to check out the places yourself and see the vibes of potential landlords and weigh your different options.”
“Yugo Living” have multiple different types of bedrooms in their apartment blocks, the cheapest “Classic Ensuite” is €323 a week. Yugo accommodation offer flexible move in and out dates, however, if you were to stay for the whole 41 weeks, that works out at €13,243 for the year. Even if you only stayed there for one semester, it works out at €3,876 for a 12 week stay. While the flexible check-in and out dates do help, the high price of accommodation in the Dublin 8 area and the high demand for such accommodation is creating a huge struggle for students to find a place to live.
Irish Churches Express Tolerance Towards LGBTQ+ Catholics
The Relationship between Catholic Church and LGBTQ+ community becomes more apparent as some Irish churches openly support LGBTQ+ Catholics.
By Sofia Savicheva
St.Teresa’s Catholic Church at Donore Avenue Dublin
8 is one of the few churches that supports LGBTQ+ community, by holding a prayer service to mark the end of Pride month previously this year.
St. Teresa’s Church is known for its visible presence in LGBTQ+ people’s lives. Ireland’s Catholic Church differs from other countries with the level of influence on its education system and the consequently effects on how LGBTQ+ Catholics are perceived in society.
As a result of the 2015 referendum, it became officially legal to marry same-sex person: Dublin Central and Dublin South Central, including Dublin 8, both agreed to legalise same-sex marriages in this referendum and recorded 72% of people voting in favour.
Since 2021, there has been an average number of 634 same-sex marriages yearly. This legalisation happened later than in other European countries, and now the recognition of LGBTQ+ Catholics by the Church became the foreground. “Ireland was slow to achieve many markers of LGBT+ equality, though we have made great progress in recent years,” says Ruadhán Ó Críodáin, a member of ShoutOut, a charity committed to improving life for LGBTQ+ people.
Most of the Dubin 8 citizens support the LGBTQ+ community according to the statistics of the referendum. Following citizens, three Catholic Churches located in Dublin 8 show their tolerance as well by participating
in Pride month: St. Teresa’s Catholic Church and its neighbours St. Catherine’s and St. James Churches collaboratively held a prayer in accordance with the end of Pride month. A small number of Catholic Churches are open about their attitude towards LGBTQ+ community; however, this number includes three Churches located in Dublin 8.
“We would love to see a mutually respectful, tolerant, and supportive relationship between the Church and LGBT communities, as we believe there is more to be achieved by standing together for equality, fairness, and social justice,” says Ruadhán Ó Críodáin.
Despite the negative reactions of some Catholics and priests, hopefully more churches will keep up this tendency to provide equal acceptance of all people.
“Very few churches hold LGBT events or participate in Pride, but it’s certainly a positive move,” says Ruadhán Ó Críodáin, believing that other Catholic Churches will follow this example by showing visible support to LGBTQ+ people.
— St. Teresa’s Church at Donore Avenue
— Statue in St. Teresa’s Church, Donore Avenue
Stained glass window inside St. Teresa’s Church
Photographs: Anastasiia Novoselova
The Everlasting Connection Between Horse-Drawn Carriages and Dublin 8
The horse-drawn carriages in Dublin 8 are the equivalent of trees on country roads, an industry that has remained significant. But in what way does this connection persist?
By Lottie Heaven
It feels as though the world is continuously looking to the future rather than the past. The focus seems to be on preparing and improving our future rather than reflecting on our history and the consequences of our actions. In a time when life is perpetually on the move without a second of consideration about our present moment, the next passing moments would like to explore the past and present.
This reflection highlights how far we have come, but at what cost? Sometimes, to truly appreciate the present, we must take a step back and reflect on the past. Dublin is a city that has endured and preserved so much history. Let this passage indulge you in the time of cobbled stone streets from two perspectives.
Take a moment to immerse yourself in a time when the automobile was a thought deemed only for the people of extreme wealth. A time when the sound of hoofs shuffling across the streets of 20th-century Dublin was the only mode of transportation fit for the delivery of goods. Where past and present meet in today’s world, a place in Dublin 8 that is home to horse and carriages, The Liberties.
While regularly seen on the streets of the Liberties, this industry has been under the microscope due to the unregulated laws surrounding the business. Ongoing discussions have been at play for over a decade about the regulations surrounding horses and carriages.
The battle for power involving both Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána is currently at a standstill waiting for the bill to be processed by the Government. To illustrate their involvement in the topic, the Council have stated that their expectation for the matter will result in “a legislative change to transfer power to regulate Horse Drawn Carriages to local authorities”.
Additionally, to further explain the proposed Bill found on page 22 of the Government Legislation Programme for the Autumn 2024 Session, the push is to “repeal the Dublin Carriage Acts 1853-55 and relieve An Garda Síochána of responsibility for the regulation and licensing of horsedrawn carriages”. While this decision is yet to be finalised by the Government, the service is still in operation.
To countless people, the carriages are a second-nature sight that are commonly noticed while highlighting the history of the city. For the survival of horse transportation, the industry needed to adapt to societal change. This meant that the delivery of goods developed into the delivery of service.
The everlasting relationship between man and horse had to evolve to stay relevant, meaning that the service provided has been broken into different sectors: funerals, communions, and debs. Whilst the headings above are significant incomes in the Dublin 8 area, the main service component for this industry is tourism. The tourism sector has allowed the familial tradition of owning horses as a business to maintain connected to the streets of Dublin.
One family in particular are the Salingers, who deem themselves as a “horsey family” that own the ‘Dublin Horse Drawn Carriages’ in Dublin 8. The family has been associated with horse-related businesses since the days of coal delivery. Two brothers, Warren and Max Salinger, are part of the “fifth generation to own horses in Dublin City”. Both grew up with horses being a contributing factor of their childhood, a custom of their heritage.
The horse business in the Liberties has been a noticeable characteristic, made up of kids laughter, the neighing of the horses, and, of course, the considerable manure left on the roads. When talking about memories of the area, both boys mentioned how much of a community
“My
family, we care about them [the horses], it’s a thing to keep the tradition going and have the love for it.”
was based around horses. The market for horse stables in the Dublin 8 vicinity is practically non-existent; “it’s like finding a needle in a haystack”, Warren says.
Their horse yard is located behind Meath Street, hidden between Meath Street Church and a ‘football’ pitch. According to the brothers, much like the Dublin weather, the lane has since turned grey and lifeless due to the depar-
ture of neighbouring horse owners in the yard. There was once “six yards in the one lane, now there are two,” which highlights the shortfall of horse yard locations in the area.
Other jarveys who occupy the area outside the Guinness Storehouse have a lengthy commute from a series of locations where their horse stables are situated, including: “Summerhill, Mountjoy Square, Ballyfermot, and Ashtown.” Suitable locations for these horse owners to buy or rent are already limited and with more future developments in the area, that percentage will only further decrease.
In terms of the business itself, it offers city tours with invaluable knowledge to visiting tourists. In the St. James’s Gate area Max is visited by An Garda Síochána “four times a week” with welfare checks on carriage licenses, passports for the horses, and driver inspections to ensure no one is under the influence.
If new regulations were to be introduced, both Salingers would have no quarrels with the idea and rather embrace it as they “have everything for the horses, so it doesn’t affect us”. They have proved that through time, families have adapted and continued to remain consistent with social challenges.
So, next time you take a walk down to Guinness Brewery, grab a hot chocolate and experience the horse and carriage for yourself.
Photographs: Mariia Maksymova
— Standing guard at Guinness Storehouse
Headshot of Dublin’s black beauty —
Behind the Wheels: Stories from the Night Streets
Working in central Dublin, a delivery driver expresses both fear and delight about Dublin 8
By Sofia Savicheva
On the edge of one of the best neighbourhoods in Dublin 8, The Liberties, there is an area with a chain of abandoned buildings. The consequences of unhuman treatment towards hardworking employees can be seen on the ground, for instance the backpacks of delivery drivers, which were violently stolen from them.
A delivery driver rides by the St. Teresa’s Gardens terrified by the sound of boxing, the smell of drugs and voices cursing in a different language addressed at him.
A dangerous area seems even scarier, knowing the mindset of those violating riders in the streets. “Oh, he doesn’t speak English, he is a vulnerable person, let’s just steal his bike,” delivery driver Safon says imitating aggressors.
Continuous decrease in safety of delivery drivers during working hours raises huge concerns and social discontent. Delivery companies don’t provide proper working conditions, stable wages, and indirectly contribute to street crime towards their employees and encourage a salary over safety policy.
In other words, it is about money at all costs, but for the company’s profit, not an individual’s earnings.
The indifference of employers led to unbearable working conditions and a deliberately negative attitude towards delivery drivers.
“I feel like a useless, unproductive member of society and a peasant just sitting there begging for work,” says Safon, expressing his dissatisfaction about the way he is perceived by society.
Dublin 8 was called one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, but despite all the advantages of this area, there are hidden yet significant disadvantages.
The Portobello neighbourhood is a place where a lot
“This industry is built on slavery.”
of cafes and restaurants can be found; plenty of these food spots make it heaven for a delivery driver, but where there is heaven, there is also hell.
Abandoned buildings on Donore Street are an example and a magnet for people committing street crime such as burglary and assault.
On abandoned territory the number of stolen backpacks and bicycles always stays the same, as they are regularly being renewed. This territory is called “not the best place to pass by” because “the abandoned buildings and everything is kind of like a horror movie.”
The lack of protection is one of the main reasons for the high number of burglaries and related offences.
In 2024, the numbers went up by 9%, including robbery, extortion, and hijacking: each were up by 8% over the period. Being subject to violations, delivery drivers raise concern about safety in the streets, as both the Garda and the delivery companies do not give a sense of safety and do not provide proper protection as the number of incidents reported in the media grows.
“I don’t feel physically and financially protected by the employer,” states Safon, explaining that delivery companies are more interested in the profit rather than in the creation of good and safe working conditions.
The inaction of The Gardaí is another reason for delivery drivers’ dissatisfaction about their safety during work hours. “Whenever you report, no one really cares. If I don’t get over it, I’d probably won’t be able to pay rent because it just happens on a daily basis,” says Safon, personally being a victim of two car incidents, robbery, and inhuman treatment in restaurants and in streets.
A €700 bicycle was stolen from him in Dublin 08, in Griffith College. He was told that the video from the security cameras did not have evidential value and that there was nothing they could do.
Besides danger in the streets, there are other issues including low wages. According to various sources delivery drivers’ wages vary from 12 to 14 euros per hour; however, it is inaccurate as most of the delivery companies calculate wages based on the number of deliveries, and not on working hours.
Most of the riders earn around €3 per delivery which means the amount of money they get per hour is not even close to €10. Some delivery drivers are suggested to be paid only €1-2 per delivery.
Bicycle and backpack of a delivery driver —
“Firstly, they do not get to control their routes effectively. And secondly, they have to take the payment that is offered on the app. They don’t get to decide which one of the keys concerns us. And none of this is transparent,” says Senator Marie Sherlock.
Low wages lead to other problems, involving the inability to rent a vehicle and a licence. An authorized license to work as a delivery driver is necessary and requires EU citizenship. Most of the riders are immigrants, and they rent accounts from other people for a price which is set without any regulations.
A ‘free market’ of accounts requests €50-100 per week or 20% of the income because owners of these licenses are aware that riders will not be able to work without them. “Even if you want to rent an account, there’re long waiting lists even in the black markets of accounts,” Safon says.
Most of the riders use electric bicycles, which they rent for around €70 per week.
Unstable wages cause uncertainty about their future, as delivery drivers may face issues with paying the rent.
Bad working conditions call for the search for social justice and strikes among riders. Multiple protests were held in accordance with low wages and unproper working environment in previous years; the latest huge strike in Dublin happened on the 14th of February and it involved thousands of delivery drivers. “We would expect more strikes because there’re very serious concerns for cyclists and drivers about their own personal safety around the city,” says Marie Sherlock as the situation has not changed from the previous year.
Delivery drivers call it “just you and your luck” when they earn enough money and do not face bad attitude and violations during the day, but ineffective management is the one to put a blame on.
“We believe that a legislative change would be a game changer in terms of recognizing these workers,” Marie Sherlock affirms.
— Abandoned building at Donore avenue Stolen from delivery drivers items were found there
A delivery driver on traffic lights during working hours —
Photographs: Anastasiia Novoselova
Rising from Phoenix Park
DUBLIN ZOO
Generations of visitors, for almost 200 years, have marveled at the diverse variety of animals who call Dublin Zoo home.
By Eoghan Smyth Cavanagh
Tucked away in the lush landscapes of one of Europe’s largest city parks, one of the oldest and most beloved attractions in Ireland, nestled in the heart of Phoenix Park, The Dublin Zoo has been a treasured landmark since its establishment in 1831.
Known as the largest zoo in Ireland, it spans over 28 hectares and is home to more than 400 animals from around the globe and holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists.
This vibrant institution is not only a family-friendly destination but over two centuries, it has evolved from a Victorian-era menagerie into a world-renowned conservation facility focused on education, research, and animal welfare.
With over one million visitors annually, the Dublin Zoo is more than a tourist attraction: it is a place where animals and people connect and where the spirit of conservation comes alive.
The Dublin Zoo opened its gates with just a small collection of animals, mostly donated by the London Zoo. In its early days, which began with animals like lions and tigers, the zoo offered glimpses of wildlife that the people of Ireland might otherwise never have seen.
Originally founded with the aim of educating the public about animals and fostering a respect for wildlife, the zoo has evolved over the decades to prioritize conservation. At the beginning, the focus was on exotic animals, showcasing species that captivated the imagination of the Victorian public.
However, as its understanding of biodiversity and conservation grew, the zoo adapted its mission to address the challenges facing endangered species and it has under-
gone a profound transformation, changing its attitudes towards animal welfare and conservation.
Today, it is part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and it works closely with international breeding programs, making it an influential player in the global conservation community.
Visitors of the Dublin Zoo can experience a variety of habitats designed to mimic the animals’ natural environments, as each exhibit offers a unique glimpse into the lives of varied species.
The zoo’s dedication to the welfare of its animals is seen in its design of these naturalistic habitats, which offer animals ample space, opportunities for social interaction, and stimulation that mimics such natural environments.
The African Plains, one of the zoo’s most popular habitats, houses herds of giraffes, zebras, and rhinos in a vast, savannah-like setting that makes it easy to imagine these animals roaming free in the wild.
The Orangutan Forest and Kaziranga Forest Trail, dedicated to Asian elephants, are designed to replicate the complex environments these animals would navigate in their natural habitats. This dedication can certainly be seen exemplified by Albert Pamies Palazuelo (elephant keeper) and Shauna Murphy (registered veterinary nurse and zookeeper), who keep a watchful eye over the Asian elephant Aung Bo and his fellow female elephants in the herd.
One of the central missions of Dublin Zoo is the conservation of endangered species, both locally and globally. The zoo participates in many breeding programs aimed at preserving endangered species, protecting genetic diversity, and contributing to the reintroduction of species
Photographs: Eoghan Smyth Cavanagh
in the wild.
For instance, its work with the European Endangered Species Programme helps ensure the survival of various animals through managed breeding; its active involvement in the conservation of animals such as the western lowland gorilla, Amur tiger, and Bornean orangutan has led to significant successes in breeding and care, which supports global efforts to protect these species.
In addition to breeding programs, the Dublin Zoo actively engages in the rehabilitation of environments in the wild. Initiatives in countries like Madagascar and South Africa focus on habitat restoration and the protection of threatened species.
The zoo’s commitment to conservation is displayed in its educational programs, which place a significant emphasis on educating the public “young to old” about conservation. Each year, thousands of school groups visit, taking part in interactive programs that teach children about the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity.
The zoo’s Discovery and Learning Team leads guided tours, workshops, and animal feeding sessions that offer unique insights into the behaviours and habitats of various species.
The zoo has also embraced digital education, offering online resources and virtual tours to broaden its reach and inspire conservation efforts among young audiences globally; through carefully crafted exhibits and welltrained staff, Dublin Zoo delivers memorable experiences that highlight the plight of endangered species and the impact of human activity on the environment. Educational campaigns focus on small actions that
individuals can take, from reducing plastic waste to supporting conservation efforts, empowering visitors to make a positive impact.
“We are very proud of our work,” says Albert. He goes on to stress that the research that takes place in the zoo highlights the “better quality and quantity” of work they do and in his opinion, “is the best out of all the zoos I’ve seen or worked with.”
This planning is not only reserved for the conservation and breeding efforts, but also for the comfort of the zoo’s inhabitants during events and holidays.
When questioned about the impact of the likes of Dublin Zoo’s ‘Wild Lights’ event, Shauna points out that the event is purposely designed to keep the heavy traffic of visitors and the vibrant displays that are installed away from the animals, and that the enclosures themselves are avenues from the main paths as to not overstimulate and distress the animals.
Albert and Shauna see no significant issues around the holidays either, as the zookeepers always plan ahead, and the animals always have access to their comfortable housing to relax in.
Based on the challenging work up-to-date, the zoo’s future research and development will only establish itself as a force of good as it secures biodiversity, and much like the name of the park it resides in, reminding us of the mythical phoenix, the natural world has the power to rise, renew, and endure for generations to come.
— The Amur tiger’s morning feed
— The Orangutan’s view
Dublin 8 Unveiled: How Immigrants are Shaping a New identity for the city
An Evolving Neighbourhood; Dublin 8’s journey from traditional to international
By Kamogelo Rosinah Senyane
Dublin 8 is the home to many traditional shops that offer unique products and services that reflect migrants’ cultures. This area is largely populated by international students and a lot of immigrant workers as it is close to the city centre.
“When I first moved to Ireland, Dublin 8 was one of the first areas I situated in and I found it very vibrant as my accommodation was mainly occupied by students from diverse cultures,” Joshoua Hope, former student at Dublin Business School (DBS).
According to a report by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (2018), discrimination against migrants and ethnic minorities is still widespread across Europe, despite efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
Diversity in the Dublin 8 area reduces prejudice and fosters inclusivity. Dublin 8 is a home to businesses and shops that cater to people from different cultural backgrounds. Below is a list of shops I have explored in the past few weeks.
• The Asian market located on South Circular Road. This attracts people from China, India, Japan and beyond. It has a variety of products such as fudco, tandoori masala, schwartz cloves, Indonesian seasoning and sapna paste jars.
• Turkish and Middle Eastern food shop located in Clanbrassil street, which attracts people from the Middle East.
• Polish shop (Polski Sklep) located in Thomas Street; Dublin 8 is a great place to buy Polish food.
Retail enterprises have adapted to cultural differences. Ethnic grocery stores, markets and retail locations that sell products from all over the world are becoming increasingly widespread. These enterprises not only service the local immigrant groups, but they also attract residents interested in trying new food. Retail enterprises in Dublin 8 have also adapted to cultural differences.
Ireland is now a multi-racial and multicultural country. Government policies should promote and encourage the development of an inclusive and integrated society with respect for and recognition of diverse cultures.
Dublin 8 embraces cultural diversity; local people have created an environment where people from diverse backgrounds feel included and valued. It has become one of the most culturally diverse areas in the Irish capital and the number of cultural businesses and cultural institutions is currently growing. Immigration in Dublin 8 has brought new communities from Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa which has added a new cultural layer to the Dublin community.
Identity conflict refers to intergroup conflicts that arise from subjective topics such as social identity and ideology, where individuals categorise themselves into diverse groups, show in-group favouritism, and derogate members of the out-group, leading to ethnocentric attitudes and behaviours.
“My kids were born in Ireland because I moved here 20 years ago, before I opened my own African shop, they can’t speak or understand the values we have in Africa,” says Mbali Nhlati.
ASIA MARKET
Dublin 8 is no longer just a postcode, it’s a symbol of diversity that embraces its immigration population
African salons in Dublin 8 serve a growing and diversified community of people of colour, providing vital services for Afro-textured hair that are not commonly seen in other mainstream salons.
“I had to learn to do my own hair because no hairdresser in Dublin 8 at the time could do my hair and that’s how I came up with an idea of starting my own braiding business,” Yandy - Good Hair founder.
African salons serve as important hubs for the African and Caribbean communities in Dublin 8, where individuals can connect with others who share similar cultural backgrounds and experiences. They often serve not just as a space for beauty, but as a place of solidarity and cultural expression.
“Most of my clients come to my shop as strangers but they leave as friends,” Lindy - Malindi Hair Salon.
Cultural diversity is important in every setting in life, but it can be even more pivotal when it happens within education.
Photographs: Mariia Maksymova
— A glimpse of Asian Heritage
Spot the difference
Find the 7 differences!
Marsh’s Library: Dublin’s Hidden Literary Gem
Rewind the Clock to Discover Ireland’s Oldest Public Library
By Folicia Yiling Lee
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Dublin 8, just off the bustling Clanbrassil Street, Marsh’s Library stands as one of the Dublin 8’s best-kept secrets.
Founded in 1701 by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh (1638–1713) and designed by Sir William Robinson, who also created the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, this historic gem is Ireland’s oldest public library. Standing as a haven for book lovers, Marsh’s Library offers visitors a rare chance to step back in time and immerse themselves in Dublin’s intellectual heritage.
The library houses an extraordinary collection of approximately 25,000 volumes, primarily from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Among its treasures are nearly 100 pre-15th century works and 300 manuscripts, covering a wide array of subjects including law, history, classics, politics, and science. The building itself, a striking Georgian structure on St. Patrick’s Close, enhances the historical experience. Its dark wooden bookshelves, gleaming floors, and soaring ceilings evoke a bygone era when the library served as a hub for Dublin’s academic elite. Stepping inside, you can almost feel the echoes of generations of scholars who once studied here.
One of the library’s most significant contributors was its first librarian, Élie Bouhéreau. A Huguenot who fled France to escape religious persecution, Bouhéreau brought his family to Ireland in the late 17th century. The Huguenot community found refuge in Ireland, even using the Lady Chapel of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as their place of worship. Archbishop Marsh appointed Bouhéreau to oversee the library, and his decision proved invaluable: not only for his expertise but also for the priceless collection of books and manuscripts he smuggled out of France. Upon his death, Bouhéreau bequeathed his vast library to Marsh’s, where it remains today.
Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a library.
— Walter Savage Landor 1775-1864 English writer and poet
Visitors can view his collection in the Reading Room, which links the library’s two galleries. The books, still in their original bindings, bear silent witness to history; notably, some volumes display bullet holes from stray gunfire during Dublin’s 1916 Easter Rising.
Another fascinating feature of the library is the lockable reading cages at the end of the second gallery. In the past, scholars wishing to consult valuable books were secured inside these small enclosures; a pragmatic, if unusual, way to prevent theft. Perhaps it was more effective than a modern-day library fine!
Outside, the library’s gardens offer a refreshing contrast to the shadowy, book-filled interior. Once the private retreat of the library keeper, the gardens now provide visitors with a tranquil escape amid the greenery.
Today Marsh’s Library is a rewarding visit, whether you’re a lover of Dublin’s literary history, a student of philosophy or simply someone who appreciates the charm of an old-world library, Marsh’s Library offers a unique experience. It is a place where the past and present come together, and serves as a reminder of the enduring value of books and knowledge.
Address
St. Patrick’s Close, Clanbrassil St, Dublin 8, Ireland
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tickets cost
€7 (full price) or €4 (students/seniors)
Entry is free for under 18s and those in receipt of social welfare
Guided Tours
Available by appointment or during regular opening hours
Photographs: Mariia Maksymova
— Facade of Marsh’s Library
“We try to show people that we’re not so different,” –
Mudafar Al Tawash
— Mudafar Al Tawash, IFI Volunteer and former admistrator of the mosque
Islamic scripts in the office of the mosque administration —
Photographs: Anastasiia Novoselova
Building Bridges How the Islamic Foundation Overcomes
By Fabian Birau :
TheIslamic Foundation of Ireland, based in Dublin 8, is dedicated to building bridges between communities offering different outreach activities.
Cultural Barriers
Mudafar Al Tawash, a volunteer and former administrator at the Foundation, has witnessed the community’s growth and development. Originally from Iraq, Mudafar arrived in Ireland as a student and later settled in Dublin due to conflicts in his homeland. He considers Dublin his home: “This is our home, and we settled here. And we are very happy.”
Today, the Foundation sees itself not only as a place of worship but also as a community centre and hub for connection. But how does the Islamic Foundation help to bridge cultural differences?
To understand the Foundation’s impact, you only have to look at the variety of activities it organizes. Among these is an annual Open Mosque Day, where people of all backgrounds are invited to visit, ask questions, and gain insight into the lives of Dublin’s Muslim residents.
Dublin has become a symbol of multiculturalism, and neighbourhoods like Dublin 8 reflect this diversity particularly well. The district has experienced significant shifts in its population, welcoming people from a range of ethnic and religious backgrounds. With such diversity, fostering understanding and unity among different cultural and religious groups can be challenging, but it is essential.
“People come, and they see what Muslims believe. We show them that we are not different,” Mudafar explains. These events include tours of the mosque, conversations about faith, and the opportunity to sample food from different Muslim regions to show the diversity within the Muslim community itself. The Foundation also offers Arabic language classes, open to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Many attendees join simply out of curiosity, eager to learn about the language and culture. Through these exchanges, the foundation aims to show that different backgrounds do not have to be an obstacle to friendship and understanding.
One of the foundation’s key activities is its collaboration with local schools: during visits, students get to know the mosque from their own experience and learn about Islamic culture in a practical way. “They book visits with the office,” Mudafar says, “We explain to them about Islam, Muslims, and what they believe” by creating an open and welcoming environment for young people, the foundation aims to reduce prejudice and promote empathy. Teachers have found these visits especially meaningful. Lorraine Spillane, teacher at Scoil Treasa Naofa, recently brought her class as part of the school’s Multicultural Week. She shared her impressions of the visit, which was organized by Fazel, the current administrator: “The mosque visits deeply enriched my class’s understanding of different cultures by providing an immersive experience of Islamic beliefs and practices. It helped break down stereotypes, fostered empathy, and built respect as students engaged directly with the community.”
Reflecting on the impact, Lorraine noted that the visit encouraged her students to develop “a greater sense of empathy, respect, and understanding for cultures and beliefs different from their own.”
She added: “Listening to Fazel’s welcoming
and informative presentation gave our class a valuable foundation in Islamic beliefs while promoting an inclusive understanding of religious diversity.” Through these school visits, the Foundation fosters greater understanding and inclusivity among young people, equipping them with a more nuanced view of cultural diversity. Visits and other activities can be arranged through Fazel Ryklief by sending a request to info@islamicfoundation.ie.
Despite the positive impact of these programs, the Foundation still encounters challenges in promoting understanding and combating prejudice. Racism remains an issue, particularly for women wearing hijabs, who often face verbal abuse in public. “Sometimes, people shout at women wearing hijabs, telling them to go back to their country,” Mudafar shares. The Foundation encourages its members to respond calmly, affirming that Dublin is also their home.
Additionally, the Foundation has faced opposition from far-right groups. “If there is a far right, they come near us here and they are protesting. We should invite them,” Mudafar says. For him, the best response is dialogue: he believes in opening the doors and encouraging people to come inside and see for themselves, even if the conversations may be difficult. Mudafar also emphasizes that Islam shares many values with Christianity and Judaism, even though public perception often focuses on differences rather than similarities.
Reflecting on my visit to the Islamic Foundation on South Circular Road, and my conversations with Mudafar, Fazel, and other community members, it’s clear that the Foundation’s outreach is about more than just educating the public: it’s about creating a sense of community and belonging. Mudafar’s personal journey demonstrates a commitment to integration and mutual respect in a diverse city. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Foundation’s mission is its commitment to dialogue. I was warmly welcomed into their sacred halls, offered food and beverages, and engaged in open conversation. I had never visited a mosque before and knew little about Islam, but my attempt to be respectful and curious was met with nothing but kindness and heartfelt hospitality.
The way you approach others often reflects on you, especially in relation to such deeply personal matters as faith and beliefs. The reality is that people will always have differing beliefs: in an international society, diversity is simply part of life, but finding a common ground is crucial to creating a peaceful and friendly coexistence.
Beyond that, getting to know new cultures, discovering other faiths and meeting interesting people can be a very rewarding and fun experience.
Despite challenges like racism and protests, the mosque remains open to all; “We’re not isolated, we’re part of Dublin,” Mudafar says, highlighting the importance of building bridges, one step at a time.
In a world that is often divided, the foundation’s open doors and its outreach work are a powerful symbol of inclusion.
Beyond Last Call: Dublin’s Dimming Nightlife and the Fight for Live Music
By Sofia Maddock
With 80 % of venues gone, Arthur’s Jazz and Blues Club offers a rare space for live music, championing community, creativity, and the call to save Dublin’s nightlife.
“Some people say that live music is dying, but in places like this, you see it’s not true — we’re keeping it alive.”
Hector
—
Castillo, Manager at Arthur’s Jazz and Blues Club
Dublin’s a city well known for its rich culture - in 2010, it was designated as a UNESCO literary city in recognition of its literary excellence. As well as being the home base of an impressive collection of musicians, new and old, like Thin Lizzie, The Wolfe Tones, The Dubliners, My Bloody Valentine & Fontaines D.C. It has long been a popular holiday destination and famous for its lively nightlife, especially its live music & pub culture. However, the city now faces a harsh reality—its cultural venues are disappearing at an alarming rate. In the last 20 years, around 80% of live music venues and nightclubs in Ireland have closed. Yet, Arthur’s Jazz and Blues Club remains strong, a beacon of hope and tradition against this trend, an amalgamation of tradition and innovation.
Over the past few years, there have been numerous initiatives and grassroots movements pushing for policy changes to protect and revitalise Ireland’s nightlife. Ireland has the earliest closing times for nightlife venues across the EU. Dublin’s nightlife in particular is facing a moment of crisis. Since 2000, about 4 in 5 of Ireland’s live music venues and nightclubs have closed. Numbers that seem unbelievable to the reader, but are felt by many, particularly young people who are left with less and less options highlights a troubling trend in a city celebrated for its musical roots. Well-known spots like the Tivoli, Tramline have fallen victim to economic pressures.
Photograph: Bob Tait
TheCOVID-19 pandemic only accelerated this decline; lockdowns and social distancing measures forced many venues to stop operations indefinitely. While some adapted temporarily with online shows and limited-capacity events, many could not survive the financial hit. This impact reaches beyond just economics; it is a hard blow to Dublin’s cultural and social lives. These closures affect musicians and venue operators, but also impacts many locals and tourists looking for an enjoyable time. The loss of live music venues also has broader effects on the local economy. These spots play a significant role in employment, tourism, and the overall energy of city life.
Arthur’s Jazz and Blues Club stands as an example of resilience and adaptability during all the challenges set on Dublin’s live music scene. At first glance, there is not much that sets Arthur’s apart from your average Dublin Pub. The place is classic, having been a pub for the past two hundred odd years, it also happens to be the closest pub to the Guinness Storehouse, meaning you can get some of the freshest pints out there. The turf fire, lit on a daily basis adds to the homey atmosphere, like a country pub. There is no TV either, a let down for sports fans, but certainly a welcome change, and it helps to maintain the relaxed, sociable atmosphere. Once you go up the staircase on the far-right corner, you find yourself in a dimly lit room that seems as though it could have come straight out of the Midnight in Paris’ filming set. That is where the magic happens, Arthur’s hosts live music events 4 to 6 times a week, sometimes even twice a day. Apart from gigs for well known musicians in Dublin’s Blues and Jazz scene, they also regularly host jam sessions open to the public, a unique feature, hard to come across in Dublin.
George ‘Boss’ Smith is a veteran bass guitarist from Theddingworth, England. “I started playing when I was in college in Leicester, bought a £25 base and started learning some Bach (...) I went to London and played all over the UK, supported Whitesnake, Wilko Johnson and, most recently, Joe Jammer.” Smith’s work brought him to Ireland 4 years ago, after years of playing and having easy access to gigs and jam sessions in England, the lack of options across the water came as a shock.
“I’d ask everyone, but no one seemed to know where you could go and play, listen to some live blues. It was surprising, especially in a country that is home to the likes of Thin Lizzie and such.”
— George Smith, Musician and Patron
Pianist at Arthur’s Jazz and Blues Club —
His last opportunity to get on stage and play had been 3 years ago at the Blackstairs Blues Festival in Enniscorthy, “I was quite nervous heading here since I hadn’t played in so long, I’m glad to have found this spot, but I’m looking for more places holding gigs and jam sessions, and they’re hard to come by here.”
The management team has played a key role in steering Arthur’s through Dublin’s ever-changing nightlife scene. By balancing tradition with innovation, they have kept the club relevant. One of the club’s highlights are the Jam Sessions hosted on the first Wednesday of every month, organised by manager and musician Hector Castillo. “We’ve been holding these jam sessions for about a year now. We get blues musicians from all around Dublin here and it’s good fun, good music (...) Some people say that live music is dying, but in places like this, you see it’s not true, we’re keeping it alive.”
In the face of challenges to Dublin’s nightlife, movements like Jägermeister’s Save The Night Initiative and Give Us The Night become key advocates for revitalising the city’s cultural scene. They come as a pushback against these alarming figures from nightlife industry entrepreneurs, aiming to tackle the regulatory and cultural issues that have contributed to the decline of Ireland’s nighttime economy.
A major goal of Give Us The Night is to push for more modern licensing laws. Current regulations in Ireland, such as early closing times and restrictive licensing processes, are severely outdated with some laws dating back to the 19th century. The campaign suggests that aligning Dublin’s regulations with those in other lively European cities could help revive its nightlife, helping more venues to stay open and succeed. Although the government signed on a draft of the Sale of Alcohol bill back in 2022 promising changes effective in Summer 2023, we are yet to see this legislation put in place.
Aside from the legal aspect, adaptability and innovation are equally crucial to survive and thrive in the Dublin nightlife scene. Venues like Arthur’s have shown that combining tradition with modern trends can attract a wide range of visitors. With the support of campaigns like Give Us The Night and a collective effort from the community, policymakers and industry stakeholders, there is hope for revitalising Dublin’s nightlife and preserving the city’s rich musical heritage.
Photographs: Bob Tait
Saxophonist at Arthur’s Jazz and Blues Club —
— Guitarist at Arthur’s Jazz and Blues Club
Photographs: Mariia Maksymova
An
Iconic Landmark in Dublin 8 - The Home
Discover the legacy behind the world’s most beloved stout.
You may be familiar with Guinness, the world’s most popular stout, but its rich history might be less well-known. The story begins at the Guinness Storehouse, a four-acre brewery in Dublin, Ireland. The journey spans over 250 years, dating back to its founding by Arthur Guinness. With just £100, Arthur famously signed a lease for 9,000 years at an annual rent of £45 in 1759 — demonstrating his unwavering confidence in the venture. It’s safe to say that confidence paid off; today, the Guinness Storehouse attracts more than 1.5 million visitors, making it not only the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland but also the home of one of the largest breweries in the world. By the late 1790s, Guinness was already a significant success, especially after its first export. In 1799, Arthur Guinness decided to specialize in brewing porters, which evolved into the stouts we know today. The Guinness brewery has remained in continuous operation at St. James’s Gate for over 260 years, making it one of the longest-running breweries globally. Though the brewing
By Venice Teh
of Guinness.
Guinness Storehouse —
Fermentation tanks used to store beer —
methods have been modernized, the Storehouse remains a proud guardian of the rich history and tradition that Arthur Guinness established over two centuries ago.
Unveiling the magic within the storehouse.
Now, you may be wondering: “What makes this fouracre brewery so captivating?”; “Why does it attract countless visitors here?” The Guinness Storehouse is housed in a converted fermentation plant, cleverly designed in the shape of a giant pint glass that stretches across seven floors. A journey through this iconic building takes you into the heart of the Guinness legacy.
The Brewing Process: The tour kicks off by diving into the intricate process of brewing Guinness stout. From selecting premium ingredients to mastering the art of roasting, visitors are introduced to the steps involved in creating the signature black brew with a creamy head.
Historical Exhibits: Steeped in rich history, the Storehouse showcases the brand’s heritage through captivating exhibits. Visitors can explore vintage advertisements, historical brewing tools, and archival documents that reveal how Guinness has evolved over the decades.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond words!
Tasting Rooms: As part of the experience, guests are invited into the tasting rooms, specially designed spaces where they can learn the proper techniques to savour the rich, complex flavours of Guinness stout through guided tastings.
Gravity Bar: One of the most memorable highlights of the tour is the Gravity Bar, perched on the seventh floor. Here, visitors are treated to a complimentary pint of Guinness while enjoying breathtaking 360-degree views of Dublin’s skyline.
Multimedia Presentations: Embracing the digital age, the Guinness Storehouse combines tradition with innovation. Through interactive multimedia presentations, the history and culture of Guinness come to life, transforming the Storehouse into a dynamic, modern experience.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious about Irish culture, the Storehouse offers a memorable adventure that fuses history, craftsmanship, and technology. There’s nothing like seeing it for yourself, so take the opportunity to visit the Guinness Storehouse.
Operating hours
Monday to Thursday: 9.30 am to 5pm Friday to Saturday: 9.30am to 6pm Sunday: 9.30am to 5pm
Ticket range
Adult tickets start from €26
Child tickets (aged 5 - 17) €10
Children under 4 are free
— The Gravity Bar, the best view of Dublin
Letter to the Guinness Storehouse —
DUBLIN 8
December 2024
Free of charge.
EDITORS
Clara Nagasawa
Louis Knight
Sofia Savicheva
SUB-EDITORS
Gillesa McCabe
Martina Cocirio
Sophia Maddock
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Photograph: Laura Nadal
