The Bridgefoot Street Park Sculpture 2024 - Select Image To View Photographs

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Apple 12 Pro Max

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This post relates to by 17 February 2024 but things have changed since then

Walking along Bridgefoot Street in recent years, a few unsettling incidents involving electric bikes and scooters have necessitated a change in approach to local photography. To mitigate risk, professional camera gear has been replaced by an old, SIM-less iPhone 12 Pro Max for capturing images in the immediate vicinity.

Despite these external concerns, Bridgefoot Street Park itself remains remarkably free of vandalism. This resilience is largely attributed to an "unseen network" of park champions—local residents who protect the space through established family and social ties. Dublin City Council has reported an almost entirely positive reception to the park’s aesthetic, with the public embracing the "wilder" character of its naturally colonising vegetation.

What was once a derelict site in the heart of Dublin’s Liberties has been transformed into a vibrant urban sanctuary. Designed by Dermot Foley Landscape Architects in collaboration with Dublin City Council’s Parks, Biodiversity, and Landscape Services, the park opened in May 2022 following delays caused by COVID-19 restrictions. Developed in conjunction with the local community, the space features a performance area, play spaces, allotments, and a community garden. The landscape is further enriched by 181 new trees and a diverse tapestry of herbaceous plants and ornamental hedging.

The Art of Cor-Ten Steel

The striking sculptural elements within the park, crafted from Cor-Ten steel (weathering steel), are integral to the site's award-winning design. Rather than being a standalone gallery commission, these undulating steel "ribbons"—which serve as both seating and thematic play structures—were designed by the lead firm, Dermot Foley Landscape Architects.

Key Features of the Installation:

• Industrial Heritage: The rusted patina serves as a deliberate nod to the historic industrial character of The Liberties.

• Material Longevity: Cor-Ten steel forms a stable, protective layer of oxidation, eliminating the need for painting or intensive long-term maintenance.

• Fluid Design: The steel ribbons flow throughout the site to create a sense of movement, harmonising with the raw aesthetic of the colonising flora.

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Bridgefoot Street Park April 2025 - Select Image To View Photographs

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Bridgefoot Street Park May 2026 - Select Image To View Photographs

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