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The Greatest Story Ever Strolled
Believing that art civilizes, that it can be an educational tool, and that it can instill a new civic regard for public spaces, we saw our opportunity to put our ideas to the test in the neglected lanes and alleyways immediately behind Fleet Street, the main thoroughfare in Dublin’s Temple Bar, the city’s cultural area. We also knew that Ireland’s economic slump had depressed many of us, and we sought to remind people of the riches of our cultural heritage – how we had riches aplenty across our cultural spectrum. This motivated us to create The Icon Walk, a series of imaginative and inclusive snapshots of iconic Irish historical and contemporary figures. These creative representations of cultural icons, past and present, are posted on the walls of the streets leading up to The Icon Factory Gallery. The public art project worked, and now this once downtrodden area in the city is undergoing a cultural and artistic transformation, rapidly becoming one of the highlights on any walking tour in Dublin.
What It Is
The Icon Walk Dublin is a multi-street public art installation showcasing original artwork by many different local artists of Irish icons from many disciplines, including writers and playwrights, sports icons, musicians, and actors from the performing arts. The Icon Walk Dublin is accessible and relevant, collaborative and inclusive, efficient and adaptable. It is a sustainable and economical model for public art projects, truly iconic and inspirational.
What Experience It Brings
The Icon Walk has been credited with reducing crime in the area, increasing visitor satisfaction, and offering a new educational tool to the many student groups that visit the city. With several of its larger artworks featuring Irish writers of all genres, The Icon Walk has been endorsed by the city’s UNESCO City of Literature office as an important site for the celebration of Irish literary talent and culture.
What Story It Tells
The impressive array of panels exhibited on The Icon Walk indicates a conscious effort to celebrate both local and international icons with Irish roots. While many of the depicted icons already have international standing, there are many lesser-known figures from the margins of Dublin and Irish life who are remembered and who fascinate tourists. Iconic figures from the world of literature, rock music, fashion, sport, and acting all get a look-in, often with clever taglines or perceptive social commentaries along The Icon Walk.
Sections of The Icon Walk
1. Harry Clarke Stained Glass2. Women Writers of Ireland
3. Irish Clothing Since the 20’s
4. Genesis of the Irish State
5. Folk and Traditional Music Revival
6. Oddballs, Crackpots, and Assorted Genius
7. The Playwrights
8. Great Moments of Irish Rock
9. Poets and Novelists
10. Irish Humour
11. Irish Movie Actors
12. The Wall of Irish Sport
Purpose and Impact
Irish identity, that charming something largely regarded with a smile around the planet, draws millions to visit this island nation. We are who and what we are, possibly as a result of mystical mists, druid’s spells, or leprechauns gone inane. Perhaps, but not likely. More realistically, we are the product of our unique culture.
This walk through a gallery of Irish Icons attempts to provide a sampling of this culture and hopefully whet the appetite to explore it further. We admit that we have omitted many more clues to this investigation than we have included, and this is not a “best of” list but simply an introduction to those whom, among the many, we think will excite, deepen, flavor, and inform your visit and your understanding of the Irish enigma. Take your time and enjoy the stroll through this slice of Irish land.