What used to be - at least for most people - an enigmatic piece of orange metal that seemed destined to the scrap yard, was now re-fitted as a small attraction that celebrates its history and sheds some light into the old life of this part of town, the Docklands. It's still in the same place as before, facing the river at Sir Rogerson's Quay, but now with renewed sureness, its name in a massive font boldly etched into the metal.
You can now walk through the inside of this archaic device's chamber, where in place of the hot and claustrophobic space that the workers had to withstand before, you'll find a tasteful and very informative exhibition about all that's related to this diving bell. You'll also see photos, schematics, quick facts and get to know more about an important figure in the development of the Dublin Port, Bindon Blood Stoney.
But there are other cool details. The ground of the diving bell was devised as an open mesh, with colourful lights and water running beneath it, creating an association with its former use and environment. If you want to get even closer to what it must have been to work inside this device, a QR code gives you access to the sound of the air being pumped into the chamber.
This was a really good job, turning an almost forgotten landmark into a free lesson about past engineering feats and history. A great addition that will make a stroll by the quays even more enjoyable. read more