The early 1980s were marked by the onset of an economic recession in Dublin, but growth picked back up as the economy began to improve. Two of the most famous shopping centers, Powerscourt and Stephens Green, were opened in the early 1980s.
Dublin celebrated its millennium in 1988. It sparked much thought and discussion about its past and future, particularly about the quality of life in its urban areas. Although Dublin was founded in 841, an Irish king forced the townspeople to pay taxes to him in 988. Dublin becomes an Irish town for the first time that year. A Jewish Museum opened in 1985, and the Anna Livia Fountain was built in O’Connell Street in 1988.
Below are some fascinating photos that show what Dublin looked like in the 1980s by
It was amazing how much nicer the cars looked. There isn’t a fat person in sight!
Stephen’s Green shopping center opened in 1988, not in the early 1980s.
Although these photos were taken between 1980 and 1983, most fashion, shop fronts, and cars remained the same until the mid-1990s. The 90s were new and shiny, showing how wealth was divided between there and Ireland. During that time, Dublin had made significant strides. I went back two years later, but I didn’t see the same progress.
Whenever I see old holiday pictures, I notice the same thing. I find it interesting how people always take pictures of old buildings and monuments that look the same decades later. On the other hand, the clothes, cars, shops, and ads are way more exciting, and no one ever takes pictures of them.
Surprisingly not that different
It still retains that charm that I always hear about from my older family members but never feel when I’m in town. It feels like home. In retrospect, it seems more like Dublin Town than Dublin City, but maybe it’s the rose-tinted glasses.