Taking it to the Street

Oscar winning Grafton Street song.

Fur Out Love In

http://www.aran.ie/

Grafton Street Gone Down Market?

Dublin city manager John Fitzgerald has expressed concern about the quality of retailer moving to the south city as some international fashion chains avoid Grafton Street in favour of Henry Street and shopping centres in the suburbs.

With bookmakers, mobile phone and gift shops and a convenience store under the Spar brand now on Grafton Street, some of the more established retailers on the street complain privately that the quality of the offering in the city's premier shopping zone has gone downmarket in recent times.

Irish Times

July 2005

Proliferation of Buskers on Grafton Street_June 2004 Irish Times

Isn't it time something was done to limit the proliferation of buskers on Grafton Street?

The crowds which gather around them, blocking the street every few yards, are an inconvenience to both visitors and shoppers and the volume of amplified sound is often unacceptably high. Unlike casual traders they pay no licence fee, are illegal and cause a nuisance - and an opportunity for pickpockets. - Yours, etc.,

Grafton Street_Major Rent Cut

Bewley's looks for major rent cut

2008_Grafton Street fifth most expensive location to rent in the world

Grafton Street is now fifth most expensive location to rent in the world via @independent_ie

On Raglan Road_Patrick Kavanagh

On Raglan Road on an autumn day I met her first and knew 
That her dark hair would weave a snare that I might one day rue; 
I saw the danger, yet I walked along the enchanted way, 
And I said, let grief be a fallen leaf at the dawning of the day. 

On Grafton Street in November we tripped lightly along the ledge 
Of the deep ravine where can be seen the worth of passion's pledge, 
The Queen of Hearts still making tarts and I not making hay - 
O I loved too much and by such and such is happiness thrown away. 

I gave her gifts of the mind I gave her the secret sign that's known 
To the artists who have known the true gods of sound and stone 
And word and tint. I did not stint for I gave her poems to say. 
With her own name there and her own dark hair like clouds over fields of May

On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now 
Away from me so hurriedly my reason must allow 
That I had wooed not as I should a creature made of clay - 
When the angel woos the clay he'd lose his wings at the dawn of day. 

Man with umbrella standing at the junction of Nassau Street, Grafton Street and Suffolk Street_J J Clarke 1897-1904-National Library of Ireland

Lawrence Collection 1865-1914_National Library of Ireland

Birds Eye View

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/65050608

A Laneway 1824

Grafton Street was once a laneway to access the square (St. Stephens Green) which was the grazing field for Lord Major's Cattle 1824

How do you see Grafton Street?

Making these images was a starting point in thinking about the street's many layers of meaning; commercial, architectural, experiential.  

Best Dressed

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14315758@N08/4709848837/

Grafton Street Deserted

http://www.flickr.com/photos/runarut/2502599137/

26 Grafton Street Dublin 1961 CW Cushman

Switzer's Christmas window

Switzer's Christmas window? via @independent_ie

Grafton St repaving in pink and grey to cost EUR 2.5m

Grafton St repaving in pink and grey to cost EUR 2.5m

Driving in Dublin in 1976

The character of Grafton Street is largely influenced by the businesses that occupy its buildings. A new shop may completely change the facade, at the very least the shop front, signage and window display will change.

An example of this kind of transformation on the street and the affect this has on people: the closure of the Grafton Street branch of Laura Ashley in 2010.

You can watch a video of the resulting strike action of Laura Ashley workers here. Can you recall other instances of strikes or protests on Grafton Street? Or a change in the shops on the street? Let us know in a comment.

And we’re off!

Grafton Street has been in consistent in its importance in the city; as a route, a commercial centre, a meeting place, an icon of Dublin. However, it is fundamentally ephemeral in its nature; businesses come and go, shop fronts and signage are in constant flux, people move through, pavement is torn up and re-laid.

Every Irish person, indeed every visitor to Dublin, can reminisce about Grafton Street, about buskers, Christmas windows, sales, strikes, shop fronts... Whether your memory is specific to you and your life or has a greater cultural or social significance, we want to hear it. Ask your friends. Leave a comment. Images are also welcome.

Thank you for your contribution.