Strange to be back in Dublin, after 10 days in Italy, 4 of them in Rome.  I used to live there, 19 years ago. I don’t know about you, but I tend not to go back to places I lived (and loved) in in my 20s.  It’s too nostalgic, too sad somehow, amid the footsteps,… Read More Postcards from Rome. Maps of Rome.

Portrait heads, in plaster, terracotta and bronze, of playwright Brian Friel, publican, patron and writer John Ryan, writer Anthony Cronin, artist Charlie Cullen, and, below, the actor and great Becket interrupter Barry McGovern. Just some of the terrific works by artist and sculptor Tom Haran, now on show in the lovely Octagon Room, at the… Read More Sculptures of Friends: Irish & Dublin Greats.

A special one-off tour from Dublin Decoded.  A sociable and fascinating 2.2 hour walking tour, revealing some of the extraordinary 18th century heritage of Dublin’s North Georgian Quarter.  From 2pm – 4.10pm pm approx.  On Sunday 22 March.  This tour will also link (as an optional extra) with a super concert (starting 4.30) in an… Read More North Georgian Dublin: Historic Walking Tour, 2pm Sunday 22 March.

As you see on the below map by that Huguenot genius John Roque, Parnell (Rutland) Square in 1756 was hardly laid out with any buildings. The famous Lying In Hospital (Rotunda) had been founded by Dr Bartholomew Moss was there (built by Richard Cassels) was there, and Cavendish Row/Street itself. and not much else. To… Read More A Grand Tour tour, Rutland Square to Sail ships & across the River.