Tiernan Patton launching the Open House map in City Hall, Dublin
Open House Dublin, organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation takes place this weekend.
More than 100 buildings will SWING open their doors for free tours by architects and building ‘enthusiasts’.
However…
Aisling writes:
“After a disappointing and dreary look at Leinster House last year (but an enjoyable and weird visit to the Masonic hall [Morehampton Road] the year before) is there anywhere that your readers could suggest for the weekend? Somewhere worth nosing about in…anyone?”
Full list of Open Houses here
(Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland)
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I’d assume that a trip to the top of Liberty Hall would be decent for the auld views.
Moore Street and its lanes – Georgian working-class houses and the lanes built by Henry Moore, Earl of Drogheda (who built Henry Street, Moore Street, Earl Street, Of Alley and Drogheda Street).
DIT Aungier Street and the National Archives (formerly Jacob’s factory, though nary a plaque to mark the fact).
Newman House was an elegant surprise, especially if you’re into plasterwork. US Embassy good. City Hall dungeons good. The Georgian squares (Fitzwilliam and Merrion) have buildings on the list I think and they are stunning. The Criminal Courts Building is interesting as they provide a talk on the features of the building. Gov Buildings was full of great Irish modern paintings and the visit to Enda’s office was worth it just to see the framed pic of him and his ‘best pal’ Barrack.
I’ve been both a volunteer and visitor at OpenHouse and I would suggest this;
Try and book one high-profile building / tour early as they fill up fast (but some don’t turn up). Then plan your other locations (the walk-up ones) around the vicinity so you get to see a selection all in one morning / afternoon. Sometimes you just want to walk around with no tour. Serious OpenHousers tend to pick one area for Sat and one for Sun before retiring for deserved refreshments afterwards. Have fun.
Tower at Christchurch Cathedral has spectacular views. I always liked Foster Place, with its metal columns and rickety lifts.
The Liberty Hall views (and seeing the mosaic-tiled canopy up close) are pretty cool. I’d second that. Also the Iveagh Trust Museum Flat on Patrick Street is fab. Further out, the Pigeon House Precinct is great (not sure if you get to nose around the power station or just the old hotel but it’s a great site one way or another) and if you’ve never been to the Casino Marino, take the opportunity to go for free! Also, I’ve not been but this house sounds like it would be worth a look too: http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/historic-treasure-on-dublin-s-aungier-street-1.1897404 . I’d say the industrial heritage tour would be interesting too, if you’re into that sort of thing……..Tailors Hall (An Taisce headquarters) also nice. And always interesting to try one of the recently-built places as the architect will often give the tour and you get an ‘inside’ perspective on why certain choices were made etc. etc.
I second Liberty Hall and the Iveagh Trust flat. Busáras is another brilliant visit.
I used to hate Bus @rse. I’d wince every time I drove past.
Taking the tour completely changed my view – its an interesting story and there’s lots subtle flourishes to enjoy that set it apart from all the adjacent, modern homogeneity.
..I even go so far as to ADMIRE the building now, when I’m feeling contrary.
There’s a terrific view also from the top of the lift well – featuring a grand panorama of photos stitched together in the ’50s.
Might be an interesting pile of shite, but it’s still a pile of shite.
The Former MGWR railway station at Broadstone, It’s been closed to the public since the mid 1930’s.