Photographed By William Murphy - Select Image To View Photographs

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ABOUT DAVID BYRNE

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The Artist and the Vision

The artist behind this specific installation is David Byrne, a self-taught creator originally from County Carlow. Byrne is known for his versatility, frequently transitioning between traditional oil painting and public street art. At the time of this commission in 2018, he was balancing his artistic practice with studies in architecture, a discipline that often informs the structured yet fluid nature of his work.

His design, titled "Two for Joy," draws inspiration from traditional folklore regarding magpies. The superstition suggests that while a single magpie represents sorrow, seeing two brings luck and happiness. Byrne’s objective was to "spread a little cheer" and lighten the mood of commuters and pedestrians navigating the busy Dublin Road.

Additional Artworks in Swords

For a photography excursion in 2026, the Dublin Canvas project (which manages these boxes) offers several sites with excellent photographic potential:

"Craic agus Ceol" by AJ Higgins: Situated on Bridge Street near the Castle, this box celebrates Irish traditional music.

The Old Schoolhouse Mural: A large-scale nature mural completed in late 2023 by AJ Higgins and Nicole Reddin. Located in the Old Schoolhouse car park, it depicts the native wildlife of the Ward River.

Main Street Junctions: Several utility boxes along the R132 and Main Street have been refreshed recently, featuring vibrant geometric and botanical themes.

Transport and Bus Connectivity

Swords is a major hub within the Irish road and public transport network. The M1 Dublin–Belfast motorway and the M50 provide seamless links to the rest of the country. For local travel, the bus network has seen significant updates as part of the BusConnects rollout.

Primary Bus Routes and Frequencies

As of 2026, the following routes provide the most frequent service to and from Swords:

Route 41: This is a 24-hour service connecting Swords Manor to Lower Abbey Street. During peak daytime hours, it operates every 15 to 20 minutes. Crucially, this route services Dublin Airport.

Route 41c: Connects Swords Manor to the City Centre via River Valley. It runs approximately every 20 minutes during the day.

Route 102: A vital orbital route connecting Swords to Malahide, Portmarnock, and Sutton. It typically runs every 30 minutes and provides a direct link to Dublin Airport.

Route 33: Connects Balbriggan and Skerries to the City Centre via Swords, with a frequency of approximately every 30 to 60 minutes.

Swords Express: A private coach service using the Dublin Port Tunnel for a faster commute to the City Centre. During peak morning and evening times, services can be as frequent as every 10 to 15 minutes.

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