Right in front of you, the Blackrock Baths Mural, a colourful tribute to the past, captures a moment in time. The mural depicts the old baths, with their iconic diving platforms and surrounding sea, in vivid detail.
This mural, which was created in 2020 by Dublin Artist John Beatty, is painted on an old electricity cabinet. The Blackrock Baths were a much-loved local amenity that was finally demolished in 2013 due to safety concerns.
The original baths, built in 1839, were a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They featured a 50-meter pool, diving platforms, and even a special train ticket for visitors who wanted to swim. The baths continued to attract swimmers until the 1960s when heated indoor pools gained popularity.
But the Blackrock Baths Mural does more than just depict a lost swimming spot. It is a poignant reminder of a bygone era. The Blackrock Baths, like the mural itself, are a symbol of community, leisure, and the changing tides of time.
Through this artwork, the artist has given a forgotten piece of history a modern twist. Every time you see the Blackrock Baths Mural, think of the joy and laughter that once echoed through these beloved baths.