How a run down corner of north Dublin City was transformed into a bright place inspired by botanical themes.
Murals painted in October 2026 - Ryders Row, Dublin 1 - Northside Dublin City Centre
THE ORIGIN STORY - AN ABANDONED CORNER OF THE CITY
I got in touch with a member of Dublin City Council about working on murals in town. They told me they had a spot by Ryders Row (between Parnell and Capel Street that needed a refresh with a nature-inspired mural; I suggested an urban garden area with two different artworks; they were on board with that, so I got onto organizing and planning to work on site.
THIS IS HOW THE PLACE LOOKED BEFORE
What used to be during the pandemic an area with temporary public restrooms, became an abandoned corner behind a fenced gate. The murals are a first step towards improving this part of public space.
CONCEPT DESIGN AND BOTANICAL THEMES
When I was told that the theme was going to be botanical and nature, I knew this was my cup of tea because it is one of my favorite things to draw. I may not be a gardener, but I grew up with my dad being one for years, and always helping out my grandmother taking care of our home garden. Now, as a muralist, I can kind of do the same, but in painted form across as many walls as possible!
Here is some of the sketches, sorting out a color palette and artwork development before any paint hit the surface.
MURAL PROCESS DEVELOPMENT
The two walls had different surface types. The leafy garden theme was on concrete, and the sunflower bed was on metal and it was not flat at all, so the spray paint sat completely different on each surface and required a few tweaks here and there. The metal surface was damaged and had rust, we did not sand the whole paint off as it was not necessary in this case, I did get a primer that had good grip and was right for the metal and once I scrapped some of the rust, it was good to go.
Once again I had my trusted assistant Gabriela Joyce, another talented muralist who helped me some of the days to complete the work. Thanks Gabi!!
THE FINAL RESULTS
Despite a few rainy interruptions and a few times painting in cold wind, we got this done. The space looks so much better now, and it really stands out while you walk on the street. This is just a first step of a longer term project, so I look forward to seeing how these murals will come after and how the urban garden area will come to life.
LEAF GARDEN MURAL - OCTOBER 2026
SUNFLOWER BED - MURAL OCTOBER 2026