Mister Magpie Cafe - Select Image To View Photographs

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BLACKROCK PARK

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The restoration of the historic kiosk in Blackrock Park, now operating as Mr Magpie (branded as An Bothán Tae), represents a significant milestone in the preservation of South Dublin's Victorian heritage. After decades of disuse, this architecturally distinctive structure has been transformed into a vibrant community hub.

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History of the Building

The kiosk, a Protected Structure, dates back to the late 1800s (circa 1890). Historically, it served as more than just a decorative pavilion:
Residential Use: For much of the early 20th century, the kiosk was the residence of the park warden. Records show that Stephen Lambert, a park warden, lived there with his family. His daughter, Elizabeth Lambert (born 1917), grew up in the building, famously taking morning sea swims in nearby Booterstown before school.
Architectural Style: The building is notable for its Tudor-style timber frame, a wraparound verandah, and a striking, steeply pitched roof profile.
Decline: After serving as a residence for park staff for generations, the building was closed in the 1970s. It subsequently fell into a state of severe disrepair, becoming a derelict sight for commuters on the DART and passers-by on the Rock Road.

The Restoration Project

As part of the Blackrock Park Masterplan (Phase 2), Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council undertook a meticulous €1.1 million conservation project to bring the building back to life.

Key Conservation Features:

Structural Repairs: The restoration followed a detailed conservation report to ensure the "Protected Structure" status was respected. This involved repairing and replacing damaged timber elements and reinstating the traditional clay-tiled roof.
The Verandah: The iconic wraparound verandah was fully refurbished with a new natural stone tiled surface and integrated wooden benches.
Modern Adaptation: While the exterior remains faithful to the 19th-century design, the interior was modernised for food safety. It now features a new serving counter and improved glazing for weather tightness, while retaining the original perimeter seating.

Landscape Integration: The project included the restoration of the historic granite steps connecting the kiosk to the bandstand below, and the removal of a redundant 20th-century toilet block to reinstate the original Rock Road boundary.

Now Open: Mister Magpie

In March 2026, the kiosk officially reopened as Mr Magpie. Known for their community-focused coffee shops in Ballsbridge and Leeson Street, the operators have dubbed the location An Bothán Tae (The Tea Cabin).
The cafe serves a range of handmade pastries, brownies, and specialty coffee, acting as a social anchor for the park's visitors, dog walkers, and local residents. The site offers panoramic views of Dublin Bay, successfully bridging the gap between Blackrock’s Victorian past and its modern coffee culture.

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Cut Out People 2026 - Select Image To View Photographs