The intention with this website is to locate at least 1,001 benchmark sites, or die in the attempt (no flowers please, house private). Photos of any benchmark sites found will be posted at intervals over the coming days, weeks, months, years, decades, centuries ... Anyone who wishes to contribute can send photos and descriptions of any benchmarks they find and would like to have included here, to mfbourke@gmail.com See post Number 1 for a fuller description.

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Monday, March 4, 2013

NUMBER 651

BENCHMARKS continued

With morale high, M.C. went on to score a hat-trick when he bagged this one on the south side of Bloomfield Avenue in Donnybrook, Dublin.

Below: The 'mark on Bloomfield Avenue in Donnybrook.
 
 Above: Looking west on Bloomfield Avenue with the 'mark at left.

NUMBER 650

BENCHMARKS continued

It was on familiar territory that M.C. spotted this one – near the bus-stop on the Stillorgan Road just across from the national broadcaster. It's on a gate pillar at the entrance to the school there.

Below: The 'mark on Stillorgan Road in Dublin.
 
 Above: Looking north on Stillorgan Road with the 'mark at bottom left.

NUMBER 649

BENCHMARKS continued

Perhaps inspired after attending a production of 'Cornerstones', M.C. suggested taking another look at a few of those locations which formerly had proved unfruitful. And so, with Benchmarker in the death seat, the automobile was guided south. First stop was at the Beggars Bush, a drinking den with which Benchmarker grew over-familiar in younger times. It appeared that little had changed there since those halcyon nights shooting for the treble-twenty. And just to show how good his aim is, M.C. scored a bulls-eye by unerringly zeroing-in on the 'mark on the perimeter wall of the Barracks.

Below: The 'mark on the perimeter wall of Beggars Bush Barracks, Haddington Road in Dublin.
 
 Above: Looking east on Haddington Road with the 'mark at bottom right.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

NUMBER 648

BENCHMARKS continued

This year for a short winter break, Benchmarker eschewed Juan les Pins and opted instead for Ballybunion. For those who only know this north Kerry town for its high-summer revelry, the winter months provide a surprising contrast. A magical tranquillity descends. At first glance all seems to be a-slumber. Soon however, as one languorously strolls around its placid streets and environs, the town gradually begins to reveal its many secrets. Amongst these – the shrieking fulmars tumbling above a rumbling protean surf; the pellucid depths of the legendary cove wherein nuns are reputed to bathe; the gastronomic delights and surprises of the Coast Cafe; and, the hospitality and warmth of Sandhill Park. What more could a happy benchmark hunter need? Why to find a benchmark, of course! And Ballybunion duly delivered, with this one located at the elbow of Church Road.

Below: The 'mark on Church Road in BallyBunion, County Kerry.
 
Above: Looking north on Church Road with the 'mark on the gate pillar at right.

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