Portobello Harbour, Dublin: A History
Portobello Harbour in Dublin is a vibrant and picturesque district with a rich history. Located in Dublin 8, it is known for its scenic canal, lively atmosphere, and diverse community. This article will explore the history of Portobello Harbour, its development over the years, and the new hotel built on the site of the former Every Ready factory.
A "Beautiful Harbour"
The name Portobello, meaning "beautiful harbour", has a curious origin. It is derived from the Spanish colonial port of Portobelo in Panama, captured by the British in 1739. However, it is also said to come from the Irish Cuan Aoibhinn, which also means "beautiful harbour". This connection to the Irish phrase, despite the name's Spanish origins, adds another layer to the area's identity.
One of the most significant buildings in Portobello's history is Portobello House. Built in 1807, it originally served as the Grand Canal Hotel, strategically positioned as the last passenger stop for barges arriving in Dublin. A landmark in the area, the building was designed by James Colbourne, the Grand Canal Company's Engineer and Architect. Its salient features, such as the breakfront, cupola, render pilasters, and columns, enhance the façade and attest to its classically influenced design. The use of neo-Classical architecture was common in buildings associated with the canal, intended to inspire confidence in this new infrastructure and elevate their status to that of existing civic buildings. Portobello House stands as a reminder of the aspirations of this early form of public transport in Ireland.
The building has had various uses over the years, including a short period as a private hospital, an asylum for the blind, and a nursing home. Notably, the renowned Irish artist Jack B. Yeats spent his final years there. Today, it serves as a language school.
Portobello also lent its name to the barracks that house the military archives, now known as Cathal Brugha Barracks. This further adds to the historical significance of the area. Furthermore, Irish-born Chaim Herzog, President of Israel from 1983-93, spent his formative years at 33 Bloomfield Avenue in Portobello.
It's also worth noting that in 1839, the area stretching from Lennox Street to Victoria Street was laid out as the Portobello Pleasure Gardens. This became a popular entertainment and recreational space where a vast array of exotic animals were also on display. This historical detail highlights the area's past as a place of leisure and amusement.
Development and Transformation
The development of Portobello is closely linked to the construction of the Grand Canal in the 18th century. The Dublin section of the canal opened in 1796, with Portobello Harbour following in 1801. In 1812, Richmond Basin, later known as the "City Basin", was opened as a water reservoir for the south side of the city. However, by 1860, investigations revealed that the water quality was subpar, particularly due to high levels of sulphuric acid. This led to the eventual draining and filling in of the harbour in 1948.
Most of the area we know today developed in the latter half of the 19th century. Houses along the South Circular Road were built between 1850 and 1870, while smaller houses off Lennox Street were constructed later by the Dublin Artisans' Dwellings Company from 1885. This coincided with an influx of Jewish residents, leading to the area being nicknamed "Little Jerusalem".
A key transformation in Portobello Harbour's history is its shift from a primarily industrial and functional area to a more residential and recreational space. Initially a bustling harbour and vital water reservoir, the area gradually transitioned towards residential development and community spaces. This shift reflects broader urban development trends where former industrial zones are repurposed to meet the changing needs of the city.
In recent years, Portobello Harbour has undergone further transformation. Dublin City Council has undertaken a redevelopment project to create a new park, incorporating a lawn space, more trees, seating, and "urban skate elements". This project, known as "Portobello Harbour", aims to revitalise the area and provide a community space for residents and visitors. The allocation of space for a new hotel, where Portobello Plaza once stood, caused some controversy during the Covid-19 pandemic. Concerns were raised about the loss of public space, but the council has sought to address these concerns through the inclusion of the new park and community facilities.
Dublin City Council has actively engaged the community in the redevelopment process. A public consultation on the Preliminary Design Concepts for Portobello Harbour was held in July 2022, followed by further consultations and presentations of the plans. This participatory approach reflects a commitment to incorporating community feedback in shaping the future of Portobello Harbour.
The new park will encompass Richmond Row, the road that runs along the space. It will feature a flexible community event lawn space, waterside decking, seating, and tree planting. The inclusion of "urban skate elements" is particularly noteworthy, as the plaza was popular with skaters before the building works started.
Urban Skate Elements: A New Community Space
The "urban skate elements" incorporated into the Portobello Harbour redevelopment plan are a significant aspect of the project. While the research doesn't provide specific details about the design or scope of these elements, their inclusion suggests a dedicated space for skateboarding and related activities. This caters to the existing skating community that previously utilised the plaza and provides a new recreational facility for residents and visitors. The provision of such spaces reflects a growing recognition of the importance of urban recreational areas and their role in promoting community engagement and well-being.
The New Hotel at Portobello Harbour
The new hotel built on the site of the Every Ready factory is the NYX Hotel Dublin Portobello . This hotel features 175 rooms, extensive bar and restaurant areas at ground-floor level, and ancillary hotel facilities in the basement . The ground floor includes a reception, bar/restaurant/lobby area with outdoor seating to the north, and back-of-house areas . The hotel rooms occupy the first to seventh floors .
The development of this new hotel has the potential to significantly impact the local community and economy. It is likely to create new jobs in the hospitality sector and attract increased tourism to the area. The hotel's facilities, such as the bar and restaurant, could also become popular spots for local residents, further contributing to the revitalisation of Portobello Harbour.
The Every Ready Factory and its Legacy
Early beginnings: The British Ever Ready Electrical Company (BEREC) was formed in 1906 as the export branch of the American Eveready Battery Company. In 1914, it became independent. Ireland's first battery factory was initially located in Temple Bar before moving to Portobello.
Establishment at Portobello: In 1938, the Ever Ready factory was established at Portobello Harbour. This involved filling in the western part of the harbour to create the land for the factory. The site was historically part of Portobello Harbour, which had been opened in 1801.
Production and significance: The factory is estimated to have manufactured over 100 million batteries during its operation. Some accounts suggest that more than a billion batteries were made there over a hundred years in Dublin. It was a major employer in the area and a significant part of Dublin's industrial heritage.
Closure and later history: The Portobello factory closed in 1984. The site is listed in the Dublin City Industrial Heritage Record (DCIHR), and remains of the original harbour were identified during a survey in 2007. The factory has since been demolished.
The Ever Ready factory played a vital role in Dublin's industrial landscape for much of the 20th century. Its presence at Portobello Harbour is a reminder of the area's industrial past and the changes that have occurred in the city over time.
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