Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Old Dublin Photographs (1946)

O'Connell Street, Dublin, 1946. Note the intact Nelson's Pillar. Local historian and collector, Ken Finlay, has pointed out to me that this image illustrates the impact that wartime rationing, in this case of petrol, had on Ireland. The array of bicycles pictured reflects the reliance people had on them when they could no longer source petrol for private vehicles and indeed public transport. While this photo was taken post-war, rationing in Ireland did not end until 1951. This page has more information on rationing and includes examples of ration coupons.

 Grafton Street, Dublin, 1946. Pedestrianisation was still a few decades in the future.

 Grafton Street, Dublin, 1946.

 Lower Pembroke Street, Dublin, 1946.
O'Connell Street, Dublin, 1946.
 O'Connell Street, Dublin, 1946. Young fellow advertising a precursor to KFC. In the background you can see the distinctive building with an arch that houses McDonald's these days.
I'm not too sure where this is. It feels like it might be either Westmoreland Street or Dawson Street but those are just guesses. If anybody knows please comment. Edited to add: @noflashingneon on the auld twitter has identified it as Westland Row, beneath the Railway Bridge.

4 comments:

  1. It says "Hotel Advisory Service Westland Row" on the door, so... Westland Row? I suspect it's now the entrance to Pearse Street DART station, as the pillar's match.

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  2. You've got a keen eye but someone on twitter already cleared up the mystery for me. It doesn't appear to be the Pearse Street DART entrace so is likely the other side of the bridge where no significant building now stands. Thanks for your comment.

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    1. I have good google skills :P Really fascinating to see how beautiful the city used to be before it turned into lots of cement blocks.

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  3. there is an old photo of the bridge http://archiseek.com/2016/railway-bridge-westland-row-dublin/ seems to suggest that the photo is on the Western side of the Birdge with the building in the background having similar railings.

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