The early 1980s were marked by the onset of an economic recession in Dublin, but growth picked back up as the economy began to improve. Two of the most famous shopping centers, Powerscourt and Stephens Green, were opened in the early 1980s.
Dublin celebrated its millennium in 1988. It sparked much thought and discussion about its past and future, particularly about the quality of life in its urban areas. Although Dublin was founded in 841, an Irish king forced the townspeople to pay taxes to him in 988. Dublin becomes an Irish town for the first time that year. A Jewish Museum opened in 1985, and the Anna Livia Fountain was built in O’Connell Street in 1988.
Below are some fascinating photos that show what Dublin looked like in the 1980s by
#1 Kiosk at corner of Leeson Street and Adelaide Road, 1980
#2 Dublin Arts Festival parade, 1980
#3 Bewleys – the legendary Lofty Clattery cafe, 1982
#4 Moore Street dealers, with Arnotts Henry Street in background, 1982
#5 Dublin street scenes, 1980
#6 Feeding the ducks, 1980
#7 O’Brien’s pub, 1980
#8 The Quays, 1980
#9 Webbs Books shop, Aston Quay, 1980
#10 Baggot Street, 1982
#11 Busker outside Cecil Gee, Grafton Street, 1982
#12 Donnybrook, 1982
#13 Hot Rod, 1982
#14 New paving on Henry Street, 1982
#15
#16 Feeney’s, 1980
#17 Maureen’s, 1980
#18 National Library from DPS, 1980
#19 Newly pedestrianized Grafton Street, 1980
#20 The Auld Dubliner pub, 1980
#21 O’Connell Bridge, 1982
#22 The Ilac centre, 1982
#23 Traffic on the Green, 1982
#24 Typical Dublin scene, 1982
#25 Young people at front gate, Greenhills, 1982
#26 Crumlin Children’s Hospital (seen from upstairs on #18 bus, St.Marys Road), 1983
#27 3 Flower sellers on Grafton Street, circa 1983
#28 Freemasons Hall, 1983
#29 Grafton Street, circa 1983
#30 Mulligan’s pub, Poolbeg Street, 1983
#31 O’Connell Street, 1983
#32 Tele-rents on Grafton Street, circa 1983
#33 Photographer on Dublin street, 1984
#34 Sandycove, 1984
Enjoyed this post? Get new ones in your inbox.
Can almost see the cigarette and diesel fumes
Leaded petrol fumes too. And Ringsend power station was operating using the chimneys. Regular smog from heavy industry in Germany. Homes were using bituminous smoky coal before the smokeless was introduced in the early 90s.
And two way traffic on both sides it the quays. Grafton street not being pedestrian – I remember it all.
Wow, they’re really great. Anyone know where number 5 was taken?
The busker in 11 is the Diceman.
Wow, what a time to be alive
These are great, thanks for sharing it!
These are great. Funny that while a lot of the shops have changed, the flower and fruit sellers on Grafton/Moore St are still there, albeit a lot less of them on Moore St.