The ‘Leaving Dublin’ project is an inspired work-in-progress by photographer David Monahan.
Since early 2010 David has been capturing a moment just before Irelands young and talented become voluntary exiles, and set in Dublin at night they make for striking images.
Each background has a particular significance for the subject, and in his own words “the idea is to make a heroic shot, to celebrate the person, to say they’re full of pride, full of dignity, they’re going out to do something, and they’re going to do it well.”
David recognises the differences between this and previous waves of emigration, and at the same time acknowledges that the quest remains the same – the search for a better life. He honours the courage behind the decision, and the fact that moving to a different country can dramatically shape the future lives of those who leave.
Emigration is tinged with all sorts of emotion, the sadness of seeing loved ones go, the anticipation of those who leave – sometimes uncertain, other times full of confidence – and Leaving Dublin reminds us of the intensely personal nature of such a decision.
This project is an important recording of modern Irish history, and it’s a visually artistic masterpiece. David is looking for new participants and if you’re leaving Dublin you can contact him via his blog or viewpage:
“An unshakeable confidence and innate sense of pride”
Cork has recently been nominated by Lonely Planet as one of the top places to visit in 2010. Under its ‘Best In Travel 2010′ guide it ranks Cork with cities like Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Vancouver as a place not to be missed.
‘Cork is at the top of its game right now: sophisticated, vibrant and diverse, while still retaining its friendliness, relaxed charm and quick-fire wit’ – a city with ‘an unshakeable confidence and innate sense of pride’.
The guide recognises Cork for its defining experiences and places special attention on its restaurants, festivals and events, shopping and places to stay. It also pays tribute to the fact that Cork ‘crackles with youthful energy’ whilst at the same time preserving its sense of history and tradition.
It’s great to see the city acknowledged like this, and all in all fantastic news for Cork.
And why the title ‘MyCork’…?
Very simple, it’s in recognition of the Polish people who have also made Cork their home, and who are now an integral and active part of the community. Whilst it’s true that many have left more recently there remains a strong and positive presence, and the Polish are part of the dynamic that makes up the modern character of the city.
So much so that they have their own city website – mycork.org
Now the site is in Polish so unless you are Polish, or just want to brush up on the language, there’s probably not much point going over. I did spend a bit of time on it though, and what i picked up on was similarities between the modern Polish diaspora in Cork and the Irish in London I grew up with in the 60s and 70s.
What comes across is the sense of identity, family values, an eagerness to make the best of where you are, and an enthusiasm to get out there and enjoy what’s around you. There’s obviously challenges but the Polish are a welcome part of that diversity, and it made me think ‘when you see a Polish man walking along the streets of Cork today, you’re also in many ways seeing an Irish man walking through London yesterday’.
Well done Cork, and to everyone who lives there and makes it what it is.
And here’s a bunch of happy Corkonians havin a bit of fun…!
For the many who ask Google each month, the answer is… DUBLIN!
Some headlines
The official Irish name for Dublin is Baile Átha Cliath or Áth Cliath, and the English name comes from the Irish words Dubh Linn meaning ‘black pool’. The city is near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey, and is at the centre of the Dublin Region. Originally a Viking settlement, it evolved into the Kingdom of Dublin and subsequently became the island’s primary city after the Norman invasion.
Situated in the province of Leinster, the city covers 44 square miles and the wider urban area 356 square miles. The population is approximately 1.66 million, however it’s predicted this might reduce for the first time since 1861 over the next few years. The CSO (Central Statistics Office) also predicts however that it will move upwards to 2.1 million by 2021.
European Capital of Sport in 2010 Approximately 50% of the capital’s inhabitants are under 25, and it was voted the friendlist European city in 2007 and again in 2009 (someone obviously forgot to include Cork in the vote!). It has been selected as the European Capital of Sport in 2010, and is host to the 4th largest stadium in the continent, Croke Park, which has a capacity of 82,500. Croke Park (Páirc an Chrócaigh) has been selected as the venue for the UEFA Cup Final in 2011.
European Capital of Science in 2012. The University of Dublin is the oldest in Ireland (16th century) and its sole college, Trinity, was established by Royal Charter in 1592 and has 15,000 students. The National University of Ireland is also in Dublin, as is University College Dublin, the largest in Ireland with over 22,000 students.
Dublin City University (10,000 students) specialises in business, engineering, and science. Dublin Institute of Technology focusses on technical subjects as well as arts and humanities. The National College of Art and Design, and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology, provide training and research in the art, design and media technology fields. The capital is also home to Dublin Business School, the National College of Ireland, and the Institute of European Affairs.
The city has been selected as the European Capital of Science in 2012.
Dublin Castle On the site of a Danish Viking fortress in the 930′s, Dublin Castle was built between 1204 and 1230. Viking power was broken at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 when the Vikings and their allies were decisively defeated by an Irish army under the command of King Brian Boru (Brian Boru also died in the battle), and the castle was later constructed under the order of King John of England. Here’s the Dublin Castle website.
Fly in Dublin Airport is 10km north of the city. If you’re thinking of visiting you can get details about airlines and flight schedules at Dublin Airport.
Sail in Dublin Ferry Port is 2 miles from the city centre, and Dun Laoghaire Ferry Port is six miles south of the city – 30 minutes by train to the centre. Five ferry companies operate up to sixteen sailings daily, connecting Dublin with Holyhead (Wales), Liverpool (UK) and Douglas (Isle of Man). Dublin Ferry Port Tourist Information and Stena Line.
Places to stay There’s plenty of Dublin hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and hostels to choose from so it’s well worth shopping around and comparing:
Places to see / things to do Dublin is rich with tourist attractions and there are many websites to help you on your way. Here’s a few to point you in the right direction:
How would you like to follow the steps of Joyce and Beckett in some delightful walks around Paris?
Bernadette’s brother Brian has published a fantastic little guide, “The Paris of Joyce and Beckett”, and it gives you a great excuse to go exploring the French capital.
There are 9 itineraries taking you to many of the main attractions, and the book expands on the experience by painting imaginary scenarios concerning the two great literarists at different points in their lives. (Joyce came to Paris from Trieste with his family in 1920, and Beckett’s En Attendant Godot was first staged in 1953.)
The guide has had a number of reviews and some great feedback…
The Irish Post: “Serves to create an extremely convincing landscape in which both of these writers lived.”
Books Ireland: “We look forward to seeing crocodiles of Joycists and Beckettians marching determinedly along these routes.”
Independent On Sunday: “Take this with you on your next Paris trip.”
A flavour…
ITINERARY VIII: RUE DES FAVORITES – LAMARCK CAULAINCOURT – QUAI DE VALMY – PLACE D’ITALIE
SCENARIO: It is December 1948 and one of the most severe winters of the century is about to begin. Beckett is in his seventh floor apartment rue des Favorites (15th arr.). He is in a state of existentialist immobility and in considerable gloom. Funds are low and he is stuck at a crucial stage of En Attendant Godot (Waiting for Godot). He is reflecting morosely on the lack of response the previous year to his quite substantial output of Eleutheria, Molloy and Malone Meurt (Malone dies) but determines nevertheless to persevere with his new drama. It is a struggle however. Outside a cold drizzle is falling on the grey pavements below, a true Parisian pluie fine. Beckett decides to go out and puts his raincoat on…
The guide isn’t available on Amazon, or eBay, or anywhere else online, you have to do this the old fashioned way and either pop into a bookshop or contact Brian direct.
Copies are available at: Queens Park Books, Salisbury Road, London, NW6. the London Review Bookshop, Bury Place WC1, Daunt Books, Marylebone High Street. The Four Provinces Bookshop, 244 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1. Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop Middle Street, Galway. The Winding Stair Bookshop Ormond Quay, Dublin. The James Joyce Centre, 35 Nth Great George Street, Dublin. Shakespeare and Co. 37 Rue de la Bucherie, Paris.
or by mail order from London Irish Literary Travel 62b Hereford Road London W2 5AJ (£7.49/Euro 9.99/$15.00 – please make cheques/postal orders payable to Brian O’Shea).
You can also get in touch with Brian by email at bri.oshea@gmail.com
Bon voyage, and we hope you enjoy exploring Paris in a different and truly pleasant way.
If you have a story to tell, launched a new business, got an initiative off the ground, or just have some good news with an inspirational nature let us know and we'll pass it on.
For the many who ask Google each month, the answer is… DUBLIN!
European Capital of Sport in 2010
On the site of a Danish Viking fortress in the 930′s, Dublin Castle was built between 1204 and 1230. Viking power was broken at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 when the Vikings and their allies were decisively defeated by an Irish army under the command of King Brian Boru (Brian Boru also died in the battle), and the castle was later constructed under the order of King John of England. Here’s the 
A flavour…
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