Surviving elements of Ottoman era Turkish architecture, variously referred to as “kuş köşkü” (bird pavilions), “güvercinlik” (dovecots) and “serçe saray” (sparrow palaces).
These ornate miniature structures attached to the walls of significant buildings were designed to house birds and keep their droppings from corroding the walls. They were also believed to grant good fortune to those that built them
St Helen’s Court, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin
Residents of 17 apartments in Dún Laoghaire in Dublin have been told by their landlords – two global investment funds – that they have to vacate the property within weeks.
The tenants of Saint Helen’s Court received letters from a receiver acting on the owners’ behalf, telling them to move out on various dates to allow for major refurbishments.
…It says residents will have the chance to re-rent the apartment once work is completed under certain conditions.
However, residents are sceptical. They say last year attempts were made to substantially increase the rent, just two days before the enactment of legislation only allowing rent rises of 4% a year in designated rent pressure zones.
Call for Govt to intervene as residents told to vacate 17 Dún Laoghaire apartments (RTÉ)
Pic; RTÉ
Washington Street, Cork
Jonathan writes:
Another protected structure being wrecked in Cork. This time by the giant Reardens Group, who have taken it upon themselves to demolish old brickwork in a landmark protected building on Washington Street to install ugly concrete slabs for smokers to sit on. No planning permission. Save Cork City!
FIGHT!
Grattan Bridge, Dublin 1
Ah here.
Gavin Sheridan writes:
We put benches on Grattan Bridge facing the traffic – not the river. People love watching traffic #uglydublin…
Fight!
I’m Talking to You.
Starring Aidan Lawlor, Jed Murray, Alice Stands and Robert ‘O Connor.
Written & Directed by Thomas Quain, who writes:
I’m Talking To You follows Mark, a young Irish Garda who is being trained in on the M50. One day he discovers a pirate, propaganda radio signal that causes him to question his black and white morality….
We’re hoping to do the festival circuit this year and then a limited Irish release later in the year.
Journalist and columnist Kevin Myers
It’s grand if a chap gets his kicks
By giving our yards about chicks
But watch out for the swine
Who crosses a line
And smears himself with dirt that sticks
John Moynes
They’re back.
Are Ya Having That writes:
Leather Jacket Guy and Johnny BS try world’s strongest Starbucks coffee!!
Yikes!
Martin writes:
Was at the Scarecrow Festival in Durrow, Co Laois (highlighted by your very own Map Your Weekend) and I came across these beauties.
Great fun at it and lots to see. The festival runs until August 7.
Previously: Map Your Weekend
(Thanks Dara)
