Recently, Google Maps updated their “streetview” images of Wexford. It also added a “History” feature, which allows you to view pictures of streets and shops that were taken during different time periods. Their first batch of streetview images were taken back in March of 2009, just as the recession was beginning to kick in. The most-recent update contains pictures that were taken in October of 2014.
How much has changed in five years?
Although change is something that we all expect, it is obvious that the recent economic turmoil had a larger role to play, as shops were forced to close and retail premises were left in a vacant state. It is only recently that we have started to see a noticeable wave of new openings.
2009
Chaz Bar and Walsh Cabs were located beside the F O’Connor Steam Bakery entrance.
2014
Here, you can see that both shop fronts have been vacated. Note that in November of last year, this building was completely demolished to make way for a new car park. The iconic Steam Bakery entrance was preserved.
2009
Anu Bar, Springsteens and the Lava Lounge occupied these premises back in 2009.
2014
Nowadays, these buildings are occupied by The Party Bar and Mooney’s On The Quay.
2009
Shooters Bar.
2014
Metro 17, which recently closed its doors.
2009
A shot of Redmond Road, which was taken in 2009. Here, you can see PACO, Richie Doyle Butchers, Atlantis Seafoods, Bruce Betting and Fusciardi’s Restaurant.
2014
As you can see, the shops on Redmond Road have changed a lot over the past five years. Richie Doyle Butchers and Atlantis Seafood have been replaced by Hidden Hearing. Crafty and Kebab Bite now occupy the stores on the right.
2009
The corner of Redmond Road in 2009. Visible are Pat’s Dry Cleaners, Vodafone and Budget Travel. The black store on the far right was a music shop called Square Discs.
2014
The store on the far right now belongs to Gillian Hayes Property Letting. The red paint on the old Budget Travel store has started to fade away.
2009
Visible are Railway News (MACE) and Hughes & Hughes bookstore. Hughes & Hughes was closed after its parent company fell into financial difficulties. The newsagents on the corner moved to North Main Street, opposite Charlotte Street (Butlers).
2014
Nowdays, the corner shop is unoccupied. A Polish food store called Polonez occupies the premises where Hughes & Hughes was.
2009
A shot of Selskar Street from 2009. The blue building on the left used to be Xtra Vision.
2014
Nosh Coffee occupies the premises where Xtra Vision was. Hibernian Insurance have vacated the building on the right.
2009
Selskar Street, as seen from the bottom of Well Lane.
2014
As you can see, most of the shops shown in the 2009 image are now gone. The Ned Buggy sports store is currently unoccupied.
2009
On the left, you can see The Music Factory and La Speranza.
2014
The Music Factory nightclub was replaced by Metropolis. La Speranza was replaced by Central Station.
2009
A photograph of Common Quay Street in 2009. On the corner, you can see Keville Hairdressing. The building beside it housed a Chinese restaurant called Coriander.
2014
Blasta Cafe now occupies the shop front across from the Bank of Ireland. Apache Pizza occupies the building that housed Coriander.
2009
A shot of North Main Street, taken at the corner with Rowe Street. As you can see, this was back when Kelly’s Bakery still had a presence on the main street.
2014
Kelly’s Bakery has been replaced by Auntie Nellie’s sweetshop. The Hallmark store has been replaced by Shu 4 U.
2009
Lowney’s Mall on Wexford’s South Main Street.
2014
Nowadays, the mall is vacant. Downtown News has also closed its doors.
2009
The GPS Homevalue Hardware store on Redmond Road. Taken in 2009.
2015
The GPS building in 2015.
