Wandering past politically grandiose government buildings in Dublin‘s city centre earlier today, my eye was caught by a rather striking door across the street on the corner of Merrion Square. Its panels glowed blue red through the snow flurries that were billowing from yellowed grey clouds overhead.
Trotting up the steps for a closer inspection, I discovered the door marked Dublin’s year as European Capital of Culture in 1991. The artwork, by Irish artist Shane Johnson, was commissioned by Donal O’Buachalla, owner of the property advising company that operates behind the ornate doorway. The smaller panels gave a nod to the city’s illustrious purveyors of art; musicians, writers, the great theatres …
…while the four main panels celebrated Ireland’s most beloved art forms: Theatre, Music, Literature…
and my favourite, the fine art of Conversation…
…otherwise known as the gift of the gab. We are a nation of storytellers.
Where's my backpack? 
Fabulous; makes me want to build myself a new front door that represents who i am!
Haha, that might prove an interesting exercise, figuring out what kind of door decor would suit someone’s personality.
I think I might get as far as design; but probably don’t have the skill to implement (or the buy-in from my boys either)!
Wow! How did I miss that door when I visited Dublin three years ago? Lovely find. Thanks for sharing 🙂
If I hadn’t been dawdling along I might have missed it, Jennifer. I love unexpected finds like this. 🙂
Me too 🙂
How interesting!! I will have to find that door (and sound very knowledgeable to my husband) when we visit Dublin later this year! Thank you for sharing.
Do check it out if you can, ardysez, it’s on the south side of the square. xxx Ailsa
Seems I joined the right place to settle then!! 😉
There was never any doubt in my mind about that, AJ. 😉
What a beautiful door, its more like a work of art!
It really is quite special, Janaline, so glad I happened across it. xxx
Incredible detail – what a wonderful place to create art available for all to enjoy.
I love doors, and I love murals and this combines the two! Great find there Ailsa. Love the conversation panel. The panels remind me of the murals at Coit tower in SF which also tell a story of a city.
http://wp.me/pL5Ms-13a
Ah, Ireland – a wonderful country and wonderful people. I visited many years ago, but here’s my tale I wrote last year: https://lifeincamelot.wordpress.com/2014/02/27/the-luck-of-the-irish-and-other-quotes/
Love those panels — good artwork with a story!
What an absolutely beautiful find. I’m so glad you included the close ups. Gorgeous!
Hi Ailsa
busy doorway with a view……
here’s my post for this week…
http://4otomo.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/travel-theme-doorways/