A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure. ~ Lee Segall
I’d arrived early to meet a friend at the Eason’s Abbey Street entrance.
I had fifteen minutes to spare and rather than “kill time” I decided to use it.
I had my camera and as I looked around for subjects I noticed the clocks of O’Connell Street.
There are five large clocks within a few steps of each other in O’Connell Street, Dublin:
- Eason’s Clock
- The G.P.O. Clock
- The Lir Clock
- The McDowell’s Happy Ring House Clock
- Cleary’s Clock
Looking at them closely I was surprised that they were all working and fairly accurate. Being within five minutes of the correct time isn’t bad at all.
The most used one of them all is probably Cleary’s Clock. Not to look at but to meet under. I’m not sure if it’s still in fashion but meeting under Cleary’s clock was standard practice before heading out on a date.
The clock I tend to see least is the one above the G.P.O. (General Post Office). I think because it is flat against the wall and also because there are pillars blocking the view I rarely see it as I’m passing.
For a long time the Lir clock, based on the legend of the Children of Lir, was broken, but it seems to be running fine now. There are those who think it is hideous, but I like it.
McDowell’s, The Happy Ring House, is responsible for the clock that stands out most at night. The neon Happy Ring House signs just draws you to it. They’re also responsible for some very cheesy adds that greeted Dublin cinema goers in the 70′s and 80′s.
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I love that you found a way to use your time wisely; thank you for sharing
Thanks Michelle. It was fun to do.
I am happy to hear you did like the Lir clock. I went to Dominicans, Eccles street school and every day I walked to O’Connell Street to watch the children of lir clock play on the hour. It was then known as Jameson’s Jewellers clock. The clock was completely damaged when Nelson Pillar was blown up. I did not know that one day I would be running the shop under the clock. It was decided that the clock should be restored in 1996 and to rename the clock “Lir under the Clock”
Jean thanks for the lovely comment.
It’s always great to get an insight from somebody who has “local knowledge” and it sounds like there’s nobody more local than you when it comes to the Lir clock.
Thanks again.