Rory Martin

My name is Rory,
I am a third year architecture student who is in the process of writing a dissertation titled
‘Architecture of Ireland and its exports’,

Basically what I am writing about is the current rejuvenation schemes that are taking place at present, but also trying to highlight the architecture that is being exported in the form of O’neill’s bars and the like.

I myself am Irish, and throughout my teens have visited Temple Bar and its surrounding areas, and have many a time been on the beer in that area. I have been facinated by the architects who took part in the design of scheme and also interested in the influences that are evident in their ideas.

On the other hand I have worked in mant Irish bars in England and Spain, and realise that we are exporting a stereotypical image of Ireland through rough and shoddy pubs that are being mass produced all over the world. The O’Neill Chain of bars is even owned by a Japaneese company. I see this as a terrible loss to our heritage and are making a joke of our culture.

In the capital at the moment, mass amounts of urban renewal projects are underway on both sides of the Liffey. The architecture in Ireland is reaching such a level that it is becoming a figure head as one of the leading cities in Europe for architecture; and architecture that has the ability to inspire and influence rather than just another copy of a copy.

If anyone has any information or knowledge of any material that could be useful in my project I would be very greatful.
E-mail me on,

Or writing to me at,

Rory Martin,
74 Cromwell St.,
Sheffield,
S6 3RN