Mapping capital's cultural landscape

EVER WONDERED exactly where the Pepper Canister Gallery is? Or if there is a post office near the Guinness Storehouse?

EVER WONDERED exactly where the Pepper Canister Gallery is? Or if there is a post office near the Guinness Storehouse?

Well, a new map plotting the artistic and cultural landscape of Dublin city centre should provide an answer to such questions.

The Dnote Dublin Culture Map highlights theatres, galleries, libraries, universities, historic sites, music venues, stadiums and cinemas. It also provides practical pointers such as the location of hospitals, Garda stations, playgrounds and tourist information offices, as well as details of public transport services nearby.

The map, which is aimed at both locals and tourists, was launched last night by Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Mary Hanafin and is available from galleries, museums and tourist offices across the city.

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The map covers the area from Heuston Station to the national convention centre, west to east, and Parnell Square to the Iveagh Gardens, north to south.

The idea came from artists Peter FitzGerald and Margaret Corcoran, who are involved in the online culture guide Dnote. It was brought to life by designer Mary Fannon and supported by Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism.

“The idea came about because we felt we had to get more people into the galleries,” Mr FitzGerald said. “We decided what was needed was a map of cultural locations in Dublin as people tend to only follow the routes they know,” he added.

Ms Corcoran said: “We hope it encourages cross pollination and maybe get art lovers going to sport events and theatre fans to visit art galleries.” Work on an iPhone version is ongoing and it is hoped the service may be extended to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area. Further information is available at www.dnote.info.

Steven Carroll

Steven Carroll

Steven Carroll is an Assistant News Editor with The Irish Times