The Liberties, all boxed up

All of Dublin city has seen a recent injection of art. The electrical boxes all around Dublin have been given a facelift and glam makeover that brightens up the areas where they sit. These lovely displays of artwork are at their best in the Liberties. 

The Liberties culture can be seen in the art on these boxes, especially on Meath Street with a lovely art piece celebrating one of the Liberties’ own, Imelda May, created by Steve O’Toole. 

The art on these electrical boxes also show a darker side of Liberties history. 

Billy Davis, aka ‘Billy in the Bowl,” was an 18th-century serial killer with a unique defining look. He was born with no legs. Billy used to make his away around the Liberties in a bowl and would use his circumstances to garner pity from women; when they would bend down to help him, he would strangle them with his strong arms and rob them. 

Meanwhile, an artist’s own version of a Liberties ‘starry night’ captures the mood of the city.