Art on Merrion Square celebrates 25 years!
Recently, Merrion Square Artists celebrated 25 years of Art on the Square. The mood was festive and the artists decorated their pitches with bunting and balloons.
To add to the ambience, the sun was shining and the music from the Soul Picnic festival in Merrion Square park complimented the day as the various artists sang their hearts out.
There was prize giving, face painting and a fun day was had by all.
Merrion Square is a Georgian square lined with Georgian red-brick houses; Leinster House, Natural History Museum, and the National Gallery.
The exhibition of original paintings on Merrion Square began in 1985 and has continued to grow ever since. The exhibition has now expanded to three sides of the Square covering over half a kilometre of railings and can be viewed every weekend and all year round.
The Catholic Church purchased Merrion Square park as a possible site for the first catholic cathedral in Dublin. The park was leased in 1974 by the St Laurence O’Toole Diocesan Trust (acting on behalf of the Archdiocese of Dublin) to the Dublin Corporation for public use and named in honour of Archbishop Dermot Ryan by the City Council. It has since come up for review again and it would seem that the new name for the park is, Merrion Square Gardens.
The park also hosts a flamboyant statue of Oscar Wilde , the Irish writer and poet (1854 – 1900). His former residence was No. 1 Merrion Square from 1855 to 1876, however, since 1994 the house has been taken over by The American College Dublin.
Walking the park is a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Maintained at a high level, the park boasts a magnificent display of shrubs and flowers for all to enjoy in the heart of Dublin city.
Oftentimes, other events take place, such as the Street Performance World Championship which should not be missed.
Then, feast your eyes on some great original paintings displayed on the railings every Sunday, whatever the weather! You will find me at No. 90 (identified by brass number plates) on the north side of the Square. Why not drop by for a visit and say hello.