The Ballymun tower blocks were seven landmark residential towers built in the 1960s in Ballymun, Dublin, Ireland, of which only one still stands.
Contents |
The seven towers were named after the seven leaders of the 1916 rising; Patrick Pearse, Thomas MacDonagh, Sean MacDermott, Eamonn Ceannt, Thomas Clarke, James Connolly and Joseph Plunkett.
Only one of these towers remains standing today as the plans to regenerate Ballymun did not incorporate the towers. In 2004 demolition of the first tower began. The Patrick Pearse tower was demolished slowly by mechanical means, whilst MacDermott and MacDonagh Towers were demolished by controlled implosion, Ceannt, Clarke and Connolly towers were demolished by mechanical means also.
Patrick Pearse tower (1966-2004) was the first of the Ballymun towers to go up in 1966. Pearse Tower was half way through construction when the construction of MacDonagh Tower started. Pearse Tower was the first tower to be demolished in 2004.
Thomas MacDonagh tower (1966-2005) was the second tower to go up in 1966 and in 2005 was demolished by controlled implosion.
Eamonn Ceannt tower (1966-2005) was the third tower built in 1966; in 2005 it was demolished.
James Connolly tower (1966-2007) was the fourth tower built in 1966. In 2007 it was demolished.
Sean MacDermott tower (1966-2005) was the fifth tower to be built, in 1966. In 2005 it was demolished by controlled implosion and went down in less than 8 seconds.
Thomas Clarke tower (1966-2008) was the 6th tower built in 1966. Before it was demolished in 2008, the top floor was turned into a short stay hotel.
Joseph Plunkett tower (1967-present) is the last tower standing, and was the last built in 1967. Plunkett tower is due for a repainting of the outside window frames and balconies.