The neighborhood of Dublin : its topography, antiquities and historical associations

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. The Umbrella House Attack

   Bath Avenue · street · Dublin · 1825

   Pembroke Lodge, known as 'The Umbrella House' due to its projecting eaves, was the site of a foiled burglary around 1825 where inmates fired blunderbusses at intruders, leaving a blood trail traced to Halpin's Pool.

   Read the passage

   confraternity. Attempts were frequently made to enter the premises, and on one occasion the inmates, immediately before retiring, observed an ill-looking individual peering over the wall and evidently reconnoitring with a view to a night attack. Thus put on their guard, they received the expected visitors on their arrival with discharges of slugs from blunderbusses, causing an immediate retreat. A number of burgling implements were left behind by the robbers in their hurried flight, and a trail of blood was traced next morning the whole way to Halpin's Pool, Ringsend, where it ceased. Two familiar faces were missed from the gang after this occurrence, and it was supposed that the party dropped the dead bodies of their comrades into this pool.

   The whole incident doubtless attracted little notice at the time, having been but one of many such, as will be seen by reference to newspapers of the period, and it is related here merely for the purpose of illustrating the extraordinary condition of lawlessness then prevailing in the immediate neighbourhood of the city — a condition now to be found only in some wild mining camp or semi-organised community.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 17

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Bath Avenue stood Pembroke Lodge, known as the Umbrella House for its projecting eaves. Around 1825, the inmates spotted an ill-looking individual peering over the wall one evening, reconnoitring ahead of a night attack. Forewarned, they met the expected visitors with discharges of slugs from blunderbusses, causing an immediate retreat. The robbers left their burgling implements behind in the hurried flight, and a trail of blood was traced next morning all the way to Halpin's Pool at Ringsend, where it ceased. Two familiar faces were missed from the gang afterward, and it was supposed they dropped the dead bodies of their comrades into the pool. The incident attracted little notice at the time, being but one of many such, illustrating the extraordinary lawlessness prevailing in the immediate neighbourhood of the city.

2. Tinnehinch, Henry Grattan's retirement retreat

   near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow · 1775–1776

   Tinnehinch, situated near Tinnehinch Bridge over the Dargle, was for some time the residence of the patriot and statesman Henry Grattan, who spent his declining years there. The house was originally built as an inn by Lord Powerscourt and visited by Arthur Young in 1776.

   Read the passage

   THE district described in this chapter can be most readily visited by means of cycles, but it will be necessary to leave them at the top of the Rocky Valley while ascending the Great Sugar Loaf, and at Kilmacanogue during the ascent of the Little Sugar Loaf, We first proceed to Enniskerry by the Scalp, continuing straight ahead at the upper end of the village street, passing on the left the church, the spire of which is such a conspicuous feature in pictures of Enniskerry, and on the right, one of the entrance gates to Powerscourt Demesne. As we turn the corner just opposite the entrance to the Dargle, we descend a very steep decline down to the bed of the Dargle River — a very dangerous descent in the old cycling days before the invention of rim brakes. At the bottom of the hill is the entrance to Powerscourt known as the Golden Gate, with its pretty lodge, and beside it, Tinnehinch Bridge over the Dargle. Near the bridge, and situated in the sheltered vale of the river, is Tinnehinch, for some time the residence of the distinguished patriot and statesman, Henry Grattan, who spent his declining years in the seclusion of this romantic retreat. Twiss in his 7our Through Ireland (1775), states that this house was designed and erected by the then Lord Powerscourt as an inn, and that it was for some years the leading hostelry in this district, and Arthur Young spent some days there, as stated in the quotation further on, during his tour in Ireland in 1776.

   Alter crossing Tinnehinch Bridge we turn to the right along

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 51

3. Destroyed holy well near Tallaght and the farmer's punishment

   near Tallaght · town · Dublin

   A holy well between Tallaght and Balrothery was destroyed by an irritated farmer who filled it with slaughterhouse refuse to stop people drawing water there and damaging his fences. On his way home his horse bolted and he was seriously injured, an event locally regarded as divine punishment for his sacrilege.

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   On the high ground between Talhght and Balrothery, an old thorn tree marks the site of an ancient holy well, which was destroyed many years ago by a local farmer in a fit of irritation at the injurv to his fences by people drawing water from it. He carted a load of slaughterhouse refuse to the place and ordered his men to throw it into the well to spoil it, but none of them could be induced to undertake so unpopular a task, and ultimately he had to do it himself. On the way home, however, his horse ran away, and he was seriously injured by a fall from his cart — a \isitation universally regarded as a punishment from heaven, due to his sacrilegious conduct.

   We next enter the village of Tallaght, described in the previous chapter. Prior to the construction of the modern road to this place from Terenure, now over a hundred years ago, the coach road to Blessington, instead of entering Tallaght, passed a little to the north of it, outside the grounds of the old palace, proceeding in a straight line from the Green Hills road to the sharp angle on the tram road opposite the Protestant Church, where there formerlv was a turnpike. On the side of the old

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 100

4. 1369 Parliament at Baldoyle used to coerce subsidy

   Baldoyle · townland · Dublin · 1369–1373

   In 1369 a parliament was held at the Grange of the Priory of All Saints at Baldoyle by Sir William de Windsor to levy subsidies. A 1373 inquiry found he chose the site's poor accommodations deliberately to pressure members into compliance.

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   In 1369 a parliament ^vas held in the Church of the Grange of the Priory of All Saints at Baldoyle by Sir William de Windsor, Lord Lieutenant, for the purpose of levying subsidies. As this proceeding became the subject of popular remonstrance, a commis:ion of inquiry was granted by Edward III. in 1373 to investigate the action of the Lord Lieutenant on this occasion, and it was found thereat " that the said Lord ' Lieutenant summoned a parliament at Baldoyle where there ' were no buildings except one small chapel ; and that he ' chose that place for the purpose of compelling the members ' of said parliament, through want of lodging and other ' inconveniences, to comply with his demand ; and that ' consequently the said parliament granted a subsidy of 2,000 ' marks, of which 500 would be levied in the County of Meath, ' whereupon the commons of said county sent Richard Bray ' into England to the King." The ivied ruins of this historic edifice, known as Grange

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 125

5. 1580 cavalry encounter near Rathmore against Feagh MacHugh O'Byrne's men

   Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1580

   On 17 September 1580, cavalry under the Earl of Kildare and Sir Henry Harrington pursued and defeated Irish raiders led by a brother of Feagh MacHugh O'Byrne who had burnt Rathmore and taken cattle. About fifty were killed in the encounter, including a son and two brothers of Feagh MacHugh O'Byrne.

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   On the 17th September, 1580, an encounter took place near Rathmore between a small body of cavalry belonging to the troops commanded by the Earl of Kildare and Sir Henry Harrington, and a body of the Irish, led by a brother of the redoubtable Feagh MacHugh O'Byrne of Glenmalure. The Irish had burnt Rathmore, and were returning early in the morning towards the mountains with a number of entile

   2 n

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 165

6. 1798 attack on North Mail Coach near Santry by insurgents

   Santry · townland · Dublin · 1798

   On 24th March 1798 the North Mail Coach travelling from Dublin was attacked near Santry by insurgent 'Innocents' who robbed passengers of hundreds of pounds and seized their arms.

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   On the 24th March, 1798, the North Mail Coach on its way from Dublin, was attacked near Santry by a party of " Innocents " (insurgents), who robbed the passengers of property to the value of between ^300 and ^400, including all the arms which the passengers and guard had with them for their protection.

   Two months later, in the same year, the Belfast Mail was stopped in Santry village by nine or ten armed men. who had previously fixed a barricade of carts across the road. They told the driver and guard that they were friends, and that the reason they stopped the coach was to prevent it from

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 118

7. Alternative account of Carrickmines Castle defense

   near Carrickmines · street · Dublin · 1641

   An unsupported account claims Carrickmines Castle was defended by only 15 men who repelled the attack with heavy losses to the besiegers, captured gunpowder meant to blow up the castle, and escaped through a back door.

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   Jphorismicall Discoverie, Vol. I., p. 24, which is, however, unsupported hj any authority. According to this version, the castle was garrisoned by 15 men only, who repelled the attack with a loss of 500 of the besiegers, and after capturing, by a sortie, a quantity of powder with which it was attempted to blow up the castle, stole out by a back door and escaped with a loss of only two of their number.

   The last of Carrickmines Castle, (1906.)

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 33

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Carrickmines stood the castle whose defence in 1641 has a colourful but unsupported account. In that version, just 15 men held the castle and repelled the attack, killing 500 of the besiegers. They captured by sortie a quantity of powder meant to blow up the castle, then stole out by a back door and escaped with the loss of only two men.

8. Anglo-Norman rout of Roderick O'Connor's forces near Finglas

   Finglas · parish · Dublin · 1171

   A picked force of about 600 Anglo-Norman knights with Irish allies sallied out silently toward Finglas and caught King Roderick's unprepared forces off guard, breaking them up in disorder and putting them to flight.

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   In pursuance of their resolve, a picked body of about 600 Anglo-Normans in complete armour, with some Irish allies, suddenly and silently sallied forth in three divisions towards Finglas, where they found Roderick's forces so unprepared, that at the first attack they broke up in disorder and fled

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 123

9. Bray Castle built by Walter de Ridelesford after 1173 grant

   Bray · town · Wicklow · 1173–1213

   Walter de Ridelesford was granted the lands of Bray by Strongbow in 1173 and likely built the castle there to command the road and ford; in 1213 King John granted him a charter for a weekly fair.

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   Passing through Little Bray, the only object worthy of notice is the Castle, which is probably only portion of a much larger structure, as so important a position, commanding the passage of the road from Dublin and of the only practicable ford across the river for miles, would require to be defended by an extensive and strongly fortified building. Walter de Ridelesford, a renowned Anglo-Norman warrior, was, in 1173, granted the lands of Bray and the surrounding district by Strongbow, and in all probabiHty built the castle here. In 12 13 King John granted to de Ridelesford a charter entithng him to hold a fair in the town every Thursday.

   In 1402 John Drake, Mayor of Dublin, marched out with a well-equipped force against the Irish tribesmen, whom he encountered and defeated near Bray, for which service he was re- elected to the Mayoralty for the following year. Bloody Bank, now changed to Sunny Bank, on Bray Common, is said to derive its name from having been the burial place of those who fell in this battle.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 43

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Bray, in Wicklow. The castle here is probably only a portion of a much larger structure, because this position commanded the road from Dublin and the only practicable ford across the river for miles, and would have required an extensive and strongly fortified building to defend it. Walter de Ridelesford, a renowned Anglo-Norman warrior, was granted the lands of Bray and the surrounding district by Strongbow in 1173, and in all probability built the castle. In 1213 King John granted de Ridelesford a charter entitling him to hold a fair in the town every Thursday. In 1402 John Drake, Mayor of Dublin, marched out with a well-equipped force against the Irish tribesmen, whom he encountered and defeated near Bray. For this service he was re-elected to the mayoralty the following year. Bloody Bank, now changed to Sunny Bank, on Bray Common, is said to derive its name from having been the burial place of those who fell in that battle.

10. Burial of the slain robbers in the suicides' ground at Ballybough

    near Ballybough · townland · Dublin · 1806

    The bodies of the two robbers killed at Clonliffe House were exposed for identification and, unclaimed by relatives, were buried in the suicides' ground beside the cross-roads at Ballybough.

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    of the soldiers fired madly from the adjoining room^ wounding their own officer, but the robbers, overawed, retired, and one of them in his flight received two bullets, from the effects of \'\hich he died during the night. Another of them rushed upstairs, shouting " upstairs, boys, for the money and plate," to w^hich a soldier on the first landing answered, " down stairs, boys, for the powder and ball," and, suiting the action to the word, fired, killing the robber on the spot. The remainder of the gang were then made prisoners, and the corpses of the dead robbers, after having been exposed for a few days for the purpose of Identification, and not hai-ing been claimed by their relatives, were buried in the suicides' ground, beside the cross-roads at Ballybough.

    264 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 120

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, two robbers killed in 1806 were laid to rest in the suicides' ground beside the cross-roads at Ballybough. During the robbery one robber, fleeing, took two bullets and died in the night. Another rushed upstairs shouting, 'upstairs, boys, for the money and plate.' A soldier on the landing called back, 'down stairs, boys, for the powder and ball,' and fired, killing him on the spot. The corpses were exposed for a few days for identification, but no relatives claimed them.

11. Coronation ceremony performed in St Begnet's Church

    Dalkey Island · townland · Dublin

    The mock coronation ceremony of the King of Dalkey was performed within the ruined St Begnet's Church, packed to capacity with an audience delighting in a humorous coronation sermon and speeches.

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    The ceremony of coronation was performed in St. Begnet's Church, on the island, with a mock gravity which was irresistibly humorous, and as the various functionaries were chosen for their known wit and eloquence, it can readily be imagined what a treat it was for the audience. The long coronation sermon was one of the principal events of the day, and produced effects such as sermon never produced before.

    During this august and imposing ceremony the church was not only crowded to its utmost capacity, and its ruined walls covered by anxious listeners, but it was also surrounded by a dense crowd, most of whom could hear little or nothing of the proceedings beyond the loud bursts of laughter that punctuated the various speeches and addresses.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 36

12. Cromlech at Carrickmore said to mark Aideen's grave

    near Much Rock · hill or hills · Dublin · 284

    At the foot of Carrickmore, a large cromlech, its top slipped from its supports, is traditionally reputed to mark the burial place of Aideen, daughter of Aengus of Ben Edar, who died of grief after her husband Oscar died at the battle of Gavra near Tara in 284 A.D.

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    At the foot of Carrickmore, the precipice overhanging Howth demesne, is a cromlech of considerable size, the top of which has slipped from its supports and fallen to the ground. It is traditionally reputed to mark the burial place of a daughter of Aengus of Ben Edar, named Aideen, who died of grief at the loss of her husband, Oscar, at a battle at Gavra, near Tara, in the year 284 A.D.

    This incident has been made the subject of a beautiful poem, entitled " Aideen's Grave," by the late Sir Samuel Ferguson :-^

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 144

13. Dalkey granted Admiralty privileges by Richard II, 1396

    Dalkey · townland · Dublin · 1396

    By 1396 Dalkey had become such an important port that King Richard II granted the Archbishop of Dublin admiralty rights there, as it was the only safe anchorage near Dublin for large ships.

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    Many passengers of distinction landed here from time to time, and in 1396 the place had become of such note that King Richard II. granted to the Archbishop of Dublin the privilege of exercising the rights of Admiral or Water Bailiff of this port. A contemporary document on this subject states that " there is no anchorage or good lying for great ships " coming into the Port of Dublin with wines, salt, corn, and " other merchandises, freighted for Dublin from foreign parts, " only at the Port of the Archbishop of Dublin in the town " of Dalkey, which is six level miles from Dublin, and out of " the port and liberties of the city, at which place they are " bound to unload, and there is no other port in the neighbour- " hood where they can ride so safe from storm, and the mer- " chants were wont to buy their goods at said port of Dalkey " as well as in the port of Dublin and other ports, to land same " and to bring it up on cars or in boats to the city, and there " land same and pay the customs." (Dalton's History of the County Dublin).

    It was at this period of its history that the castles of Dalkey, ^ originally seven in number, were built for the storage of the merchandise and valuables landed there, where they could be protected against the predatory incursions of " the Irish " enemie " until such time as they could be safely escorted to Dublin.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 30

14. Danish fortress Dunawley burnt in 865

    near Clondalkin · town · Dublin · 865

    The Danes had a fortress at Clondalkin called Dunawley or Aulaff's Fort, which was burnt in the year 865 by the Irish, who slew the whole garrison. This followed repeated Danish raids on the ecclesiastical establishment there.

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    An ecclesiastical establishment stood in Clondalkin in early times, but was repeatedly ravaged by Danish marauders, for protection against whom the round tower was probably erected. The Danes had a fortress here called Dunawley or Aulaff's Fort, which was burnt in the year 865 by the Irish, who slew the whole garrison.

    When Archbishop Henry de Loundres, about the year 1220, established the office of Dean of St. Patrick's, he assigned for the support of the office, the church of Clondalkin, together with a portion of bog at Deansrath, about a mile from the village, for which latter concession the Dean was to pay annually one pound of frankincense at Easter to the Archbishop's Chapel at Clondalkin.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clondalkin, you're moving through a place that once held a Danish fortress called Dunawley, or Aulaff's Fort. An ecclesiastical establishment stood here in early times but was repeatedly ravaged by Danish marauders, and the round tower was probably erected for protection against them. In 865 the Irish burnt the fortress and slew the whole garrison. Centuries later, about 1220, Archbishop Henry de Loundres established the office of Dean of St. Patrick's and assigned the church of Clondalkin for its support, along with a portion of bog at Deansrath, for which the Dean paid one pound of frankincense annually at Easter to the Archbishop's Chapel at Clondalkin.

15. Distinguished historical landings at Coliemore Harbour, Dalkey

    Dalkey · townland · Dublin · 1385–1584

    A metal tablet at Coliemore Harbour once recorded the names and dates of distinguished figures who landed there, including Lord Deputies, Viceroys, and the Earl of Sussex's expeditionary force against the Scots at Rathlin Island in 1558.

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    In 1385 the Lord Deputy, Philip de Courtney landed here, and Sir John Stanley, the Deputy of the Marquess of Dublin, two years later. In 1414 Sir John Talbot, afterwards the renowned Earl of Shrewsbury, landed here as Viceroy, and in 1488 Sir Richard Edgecombe embarked from this harbour for England, after having taken the homage and oaths of fidelity of the nobility who had espoused the cause of Lambert Simnel. Here also landed Sir Edward Bellingham as Lord Lieutenant in 1548, Sir Anthony St. Leger in 1553, and Sir John Perrot as Viceroy in 1584 ; and it was also from this harbour that the Earl of Sussex, in 1558, embarked a large expeditionary force to oppose the invasion of the Scots at Rathlin Island.

    In 1834 numbers of persons attracted by rumours of buried gold, flocked to Dalkey where they worked and mined, day and night, at the rocks, under the directions of a young girl who claimed to have had the place of concealment revealed to

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 35

16. Grierson's ruinous farming venture at Woodtown

    Woodtown · townland · Dublin · 1700–1799

    Woodtown, now a school, was built by George Grierson, King's printer in the 18th century, who received £100,000 compensation for losing his office at the Union. He used part of the money to set up a farming establishment famous for prize cattle and crops, but the venture dissipated his fortune and he died in debt.

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    A little lower down the road, inside the dashed wall so liberally inscribed with the names of excursionists, is Woodtown, now a school, built by George Grierson, King's printer in the 1 8th century, who received ^100,000 compensation for the loss of his office at the Union. With portion of the money he set up a wonderful farming establishment here, where he raised prize cattle and crops that brought him great renown at the agricultural shows, but made such inroads on his capital that, with the aid of a few similar enterprises, he soon succeeded in dissipating the whole of it, and died considerably in debt.

    Resuming our journey, we next pass the Rathmines auxiliary reservoir, and crossing Billy's Bridge, we join the Rockbrook road, passing in succession through the hamlets of Ballyboden and Willbrook before reaching Rathfarnham, from which the tram can be taken to town.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 63

17. Jacobite retreat through Brazeel after the Battle of the Boyne

    near Brazeel · street · Dublin · 1690

    The road past Brazeel by Ballyboghil and Naul was the route many Jacobites used to retreat to Dublin after their defeat at the Boyne. On the night of the battle, the Duke of Berwick rallied 7,000 infantry at this spot and sent for cavalry reinforcements from King James in Dublin.

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    The road past this place by Ballyboghil and Naul is the most direct road to Drogheda, and was the route by which many of the Jacobites retreated to Dublin after their defeat at the Boyne. On the night of the battle, the Duke of Berwick rallied 7,000 infantry at this spot, and sent word to King James (his father) who had preceded him to Dublin, to send him some cavalry to enable him to continue his retreat safely to the metropolis. The King accordingly sent nine troops of cavalry to march to the Duke's relief, and the whole force shortly afterwards broke up their camp and marched away.

    Turning to the left at the cross roads, and crossing the Ward river by Knocksedan bridge, a line, well-kept road conducts us to Glasnevin, at a distance of 8 miles from Swords.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Brazeel, the old road runs toward Dublin by way of Ballyboghil and Naul. After the defeat at the Boyne in 1690, this was the route many Jacobites took fleeing back to the city. On the night of the battle, the Duke of Berwick rallied 7,000 infantry at this spot and sent word to King James, his father, who had already reached Dublin, asking for cavalry to cover the retreat. James sent nine troops of cavalry to his relief, and the whole force then broke camp and marched away.

18. John Tayleur wreck off Lambay's eastern coast, 1854

    Lambay Island · townland · Dublin · 1854

    The eastern coast of Lambay was the scene of the terrible shipping disaster, the wreck of the John Tayleur in 1854.

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    The eastern coast of Lambay is the scene of the terrible shipping disaster, the wreck of the John Tayleiir in 1854 — fully described at page 299 et seq.

    Lambay was formerly spelt Lambey (Lamb ey) meaning lamb island, a name which probably originated with the practice of sending ewes over from the mainland in the spring and allowing them to yean on the island and remain there with their lambs during the summer. The ancient name of Lambay was Rechru in the oldest Irish documents, and in more recent ones Reachra and Rechra. In a grant to Christ Church, in the 14th century, the island is called Rechen, and the parish on the mainland to which it belonged, Portrahern, which after 700 )-ears, is still quite recognisable in its modern representative, Portrane. The point of land at that place was the port of embarkation for the island, and the tradition of this has survived to the present day — (Joyce's ■" Irish Names of Places," Vol. I, p. in).

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 210

19. John Wesley's Ranelagh lodging house

    Charleston Road · street · Dublin · 1750–1799

    A curious old country house near where the railway crosses Charleston Road was used by John Wesley when visiting Dublin in the latter half of the 18th century. The house was later removed for tram traffic requirements.

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    formerly stood jutting out elbow-wise into the road, a curious old house, the removal of which was necessitated by the exigencies of the trafhc when the electric tram service was established. In this old country house — for it was in the country in those days — the celebrated John Wesley used to stay when visiting Dubhn in the latter half of the i8th century. He had many distinguished friends in the Irish capital, and was a welcome guest at the houses of many of the leaders of society. The district about Ranelagh w as then quite rural ; the Wellington orchard, still remembered by many, covered the ground now occupied bv Charleston Road, and a few scattered residences, standing in their own grounds, were probably the only indications of suburbs that Wesley could see from the windows of this quaint old house.

    One of the oldest avenues in this neighbourhood is Sallymount, which was laid out about 1770, and was, for many years afterwards, only about a furlong in length, and closed at the end by an iron gate. Between this avenue and Ranelagh, in the early part of last century, was a fine whitethorn hedge, opposite to which was Toole's and Mackay's (afterwards Toole's) Nursery, while the fields now occupied by Sandford Terrace were noted for their blackberries. In Sallymount Avenue resided for a time the well known Rev. Dionysius Lardner, no less renowned for the pursuit of scientific research than for that of the fair sex, and whose doings occasioned much gossip in the neighbourhood. It was he who proved satisfactorily, for the time at least, by calculations based on the consumption of coal, that no vessel propelled by steam could ever cross the Atlantic. He was the guardian of the distinguished dramatist and author, Dion Boucicault.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Charleston Road, there once stood a curious old country house that jutted elbow-wise into the road. John Wesley used to stay in it when visiting Dublin in the latter half of the 1700s. He had many distinguished friends in the Irish capital and was a welcome guest at the houses of several leaders of society. In Wesley's time this district was quite rural. The Wellington orchard covered the ground now occupied by Charleston Road, and only a few scattered residences standing in their own grounds suggested any suburb at all. Wesley could see from the windows of this quaint old house little but open country. The house itself was later removed to make way for the electric tram service. Among the older avenues nearby is Sallymount, laid out about 1770, for years only a furlong long and closed at the end by an iron gate. The Reverend Dionysius Lardner lived there for a time, renowned for scientific research and for gossip about his pursuit of the fair sex. He proved, by calculations based on coal consumption, that no steam vessel could ever cross the Atlantic. He was also guardian of the dramatist and author Dion Boucicault.

20. King William's Ramparts at Finglas

    Finglas · parish · Dublin · 1690

    In 1690 King William's army encamped at Finglas for a few days returning from the Battle of the Boyne. Two massive ivy-covered structures known as 'King William's Ramparts' remain, their construction ascribed by local tradition to the king.

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    In 1690 King William's army encamped at Finglas for a few days on their return from the Battle of the Boyne. Two massive structures known as " King William's Ramparts." the erection of which is ascribed by local tradition to that monarch, remain to the present day — one on the boundary of the Rectory ground, and the other, a larger one, close to the village, on the road running southward from the new church. Both have heavy growths of ivy, and present the appearance of antiquity, but the larger one is strengthened by buttresses which appear to be of recent date, and may have been added to prevent it falling out on the road.

    According to tradition, St. Patrick having come to Finglas from Meath, ascended a rising ground, and viewing Dublin at a distance, blessed it, and prophesied that although then but a small village, it should one day be a city of importance, and ultimately become the metropolis of the kingdom. Possibly connected with this legend is Sc. Patrick's Well, standing in a field a little to the north-west of the village, and formerly held in great repute for its sanative virtues as a spa.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 124

21. Lord Edward Fitzgerald's refuge at Harold's Cross

    near Haroldscross · population centre · Dublin · 1798

    Lord Edward Fitzgerald reportedly stayed for a month in the house of Mrs. Jameson at Parnell Place on the Canal, though some believe he stayed in an old house near Lennox Street, during the 1798 insurrectionary period.

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    Harold's Cross derives some interesting associations from hai'ing been, for a time at least, the residence of the two leaders of the insurrectionary movements of 1798 and 1803 — namely, Lord Edward Fitzgerald and Robert Emmet. Lord Edward is stated to have remained for a month in the house of a Mrs. Jameson, at Parnell Place, on the Canal, although some hold that it \\as an old house near Lennox Street in which he made his brief sojourn in this neighbourhood. In the case of Robert Emmet it is tolerably certain that he resided in the house of a Mrs. Palmer at Harold's Cross in March, 1803, under the name of Hewitt. The house, which is mantled with ivy, and can be seen from the passing trams, stands near the western end of Mount Drummond Avenue, a little further out of town than the Canal bridge.

    On the western side of the Green is a tall, conspicuous house, rejoicing in the unsavoury soubriquet of " The Buggy Barracks," which was occupied by the military for some years in the early part of the last century.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 94

22. Mainham moat as the grave of Queen Buan

    Mainham · townland · Kildare

    The moat at Mainham, about a mile and a half north of Clane, is believed to mark the resting place of Queen Buan, wife of Mesgegra, who died of grief and was buried by the wayside where a hazel tree grew over her grave.

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    to Connall's inquiry, informed him that she was Mesgegra's Queen. Connall then told her that he had her husband's head in his chariot, whereupon she raised 2. loud cry of lamentation, and fell down dead. A detailed account of this tragedy is given in an old romance, entitled " The Siege of Howth," in the Book of Leinster. The moat at Mainham, a conspicuous object in the little village, about a mile and a half north of Clane, is believed to mark the resting-place of the brokenhearted Queen, who, it is recorded in the old romance, was buried bv the wavside, \'\here in time a liazel tree grew over her 2:rave.

    Clane. 0905-)

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 112

23. Marino House and Lord Charlemont's art collection

    near Marino · townland · Dublin · 1770–1799

    Marino House was built towards the close of the 18th century for Lord Charlemont, who amassed an almost unique collection of works of ancient and modern art there. The grounds contain a highly embellished Doric temple originally designed as his study.

    Read the passage

    We next pass on our left the entrance gate of Marino, with centre and wings of cut granite, surmounted by sculptured representations of the arms of the Charlemont family, and the motto " Deo duce, ferro comitante " (" With God as my guide, my sword by my side "). The house was built towards the close of the i8th century for the celebrated Lord Charlemont, who amassed here an almost unique collection of works of ancient and modern art. In the grounds is a

    248 THE XEIGHBOL RHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands Marino House, built towards the close of the 18th century for the celebrated Lord Charlemont. He amassed there an almost unique collection of works of ancient and modern art. The entrance gate bears the Charlemont family arms and the motto "Deo duce, ferro comitante" — with God as my guide, my sword by my side. The grounds contain a highly embellished Doric temple, originally designed as his study.

24. Merrion Castle and the ancient Pale boundary ditch

    Merrion · townland · Dublin · 1494

    A double-ditch built under the 1494 Act of Poynings ran from Merrion to the Dodder, forming the boundary of the English Pale. Merrion Castle, stronghold of the Fitzwilliams, stood at this point and was relied upon to defend the settlement against mountain tribes.

    Read the passage

    Of the double-ditch constructed in pursuance of the Act of Poynings' Parliament in 1494, some portions still remain or remained till recently, that " from Merrion inclusive to the " water of the Dodder," having been doubtless the old doubleditch and pathway running through the fields south of Aylesbury road, from old Merrion Churchyard to Seavievv Terrace near Anglesea Bridge over the Dodder. This was the route taken by the Corporation in ancient times, when riding the franchises or boundaries of their municipal jurisdiction, which, naturally enough, were, in the neighbourhood of the city, coincident with the limits of the Pale. Although this ancient passage has now been closed for many years past, and its original mearing is nearly all levelled, its course can still be traced from Seavievv Terrace down to Nutley Lane. Indications of it are again discernible in the grounds of Nutley, behind the boundary wall of St. Mary's Asylum until it joins the lane leading by Old Merrion Churchyard, out on the Rock Road. At this point stood Merrion Castle, the ancient stronghold of the Fitzwilliams, who, as territorial proprietors, were relied upon to keep inviolate this portion of the English settlement against the incursions of the mountain tribes, for which reason probablv this place was selected as suitable for the commencement of the rampart of the Pale.

    From where Anglesea Bridge now stands, " the water of the " Dodder," probably formed the boundary as far as Firhouse or Oldbawn, above which it would have been perilously close to the mountains. Of " the new ditch " which ran to Saggart, Rathcoole, and on to Ballymore Eustace, and which may have l>een an earthwork constructed at an earlier period for the same purpose, I am not aw^are of any portion now surviving, nor of any trace of the rampart of 1494, until we come to Clane, where a portion commences about half a mile northeast of the village, running northward for half a mile until it is lost in the lawn of Clongowes Wood College. It re-appears

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 186

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1494, a double-ditch was built under the Act of Poynings' Parliament, running from Merrion to the water of the Dodder. It formed the boundary of the English Pale. Some portions of it still remained until recently, and its course can still be traced through the fields south of Aylesbury Road, from old Merrion Churchyard to Seaview Terrace near Anglesea Bridge over the Dodder. This was the route the Corporation took in ancient times when riding the franchises or boundaries of their municipal jurisdiction, which in the neighbourhood of the city coincided with the limits of the Pale. The original mearing is nearly all levelled now, but indications of the ditch are discernible in the grounds of Nutley, behind the boundary wall of St. Mary's Asylum, until it joins the lane leading by Old Merrion Churchyard, out on the Rock Road. At this point stood Merrion Castle, the ancient stronghold of the Fitzwilliams. As territorial proprietors, they were relied upon to keep this portion of the English settlement inviolate against the incursions of the mountain tribes. For that reason, this place was probably selected as suitable for the commencement of the rampart of the Pale. From where Anglesea Bridge now stands, the water of the Dodder probably formed the boundary as far as Firhouse or Oldbawn, above which it would have been perilously close to the mountains. The new ditch ran to Saggart, Rathcoole, and on to Ballymore Eustace, though no portion of that rampart of 1494 is known to survive until Clane, where a portion commences about half a mile northeast of the village, running northward for half a mile until it is lost in the lawn of Clongowes Wood College.

25. Monument to Major Doyne's Waterloo horse at Hermitage

    Hermitage · townland · Dublin

    Just inside the grounds of Hermitage, at the cross roads, is a monument erected by former owner Major Doyne to a horse which carried him through the Battle of Waterloo.

    Read the passage

    At Willbrook we turn to the left along the Whitechurch road, following for some distance the course of a small stream which forms a series of pools where a few ^vary trout may at times be seen disporting themselves. On the left, at the cross roads, and just inside the grounds of " Hermitage," is a monument, erected by a former owner. Major Doyne, to a horse which carried him through the Battle of Waterloo.

    As Whitechurch is approached, the view opens and the road winds considerably, following the course of the pretty stream which here flows between gently sloping banks diversified by tufts of furze and whitethorn. To the left of the road near the Moravian cemetery is a plantation of fine Scotch firs, which, it will be observed, are all inclined towards the east, owing to the force of the prevailing west and south-west winds at this point.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Hermitage, at the cross roads and just inside the grounds, there stands a monument put up by a former owner, Major Doyne. It marks a horse that carried him through the Battle of Waterloo. Not many horses earned a stone like that.

26. Muster of Catholic gentry on the hill of Tara, 1641

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath · 1641

    The Barnewalls took part in the muster on the hill of Tara of the Catholic gentry of the Pale, protesting against the intolerant government of Lords Justices Parsons and Borlase at Dublin Castle.

    Read the passage

    During the troubles of 1641, Patrick Barnewall, of Kilbrew, one of the most influential and respected gentlemen of the Pale, surrendered himself to the Earl of Ormonde and received a safe conduct to Dublin, but nevertheless, on his arrival at the Castle, he was imprisoned and put on the rack, which torture he endured, according to Leland the historian, with so steady an avowal of his innocence, supported by abundant evidence, that the Lords Justices became ashamed of their cruelty, and to make amends to this unfortunate gentleman, permitted him to reside in Dublin, and took steps to protect his estate from spoliation by the soldiery. In the same year the Barnewalls took an important part in the muster on the hill of Tara, of the Catholic gentry of the Pale, to protest against the intolerant government of Lords Justices Parsons and Borlase at Dublin Castle.

    Nicholas Barnewall, of Turvey, having fled, during this period of trouble, with his family to Wales, returned in a couple of years, whereupon the King, convinced of his loyalty, as attested by many services, created him, in 1645, Baron Turvey and Viscount Barnewall of Kingsland.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 136

27. Portobello Harbour and its passenger hotel

    near Portobello · townland · Dublin · 1807

    In 1807 the Grand Canal Company established its passenger depot at Portobello, building a palatial hotel to serve the thousands of expected passengers; the building later became a hospital.

    Read the passage

    The Grand Canal was commenced in IJS'^> and in 1807 the depot for passenger traffic was established at Portobello, where a palatial hotel — now a hospital — was erected for the thousands of passengers, who, it was anticipated, would be constantly going and returning by the boats ; while James's Street Harbour was as now, the headquarters of the Company and the goods traffic. At the Bog of Allen this canal divides into two branches, one going to the Barrow at Athy, and the other to the Shannon near Banagher. Near Sallins it crosses the Liffey by the Leinster Aqueduct, which was constructed at a cost of ^7,500.

    Some forty years later, work was commenced on the Royal Canal, which was really an offspring of the other, originating in a dispute among the directors. Both canals were rather unfortunate at their inception, having been, as stated, constructed on too expensive a scale for the amount of traffic. One of the most costly items in connection with the Royal Canal was the great aqueduct over the valley of the Rye Water at Leixlip, which cost no less than ^^30,000, and by the time the canal had reached Kilcock, only 20 miles from Dublin, about j^200,ooc had been spent ! More capital had then to be raised, and, as in the case of the Grand Canal, the difficulty of paying interest on the total amount drove the directors to levying tolls so high as to constitute a severe check upon the commercial success of the undertaking.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 188

28. Primitive tent construction at Donnybrook Fair

    Donnybrook · parish · Dublin

    At Donnybrook Fair, tents and shows were erected about a week before the fair began, mostly constructed by driving wattles into the earth and tying the tops together, then covering the frame with canvas or, for poorer proprietors, rags, sacks, bedclothes and other miscellaneous coverings.

    Read the passage

    dealers and tent owners resorted to the green, and proceeded to erect the various tents and shows, causing much excitement in the ordinarily sleepy village. These tents were mostly constructed in a very primitive fashion by driving a number of wattles into the earth m two parallel rows, and then turning down and tying together the tops like an arbour in a garden. Having thus constructed the framework, it remained but to clothe it in a suitable manner. Those who could afford such a luxury, used canvas, but they were the minority, and in most cases the impecunious proprietors had to utilise for the purpose any kind of rags and coverings in their possession at the time. These comprised sacks, bedclothes, winnowing sheets, rugs, old clothing and other miscellaneous articles cut into various shapes and sizes, patched on each other and quilted together, producing in combination, colour effects rivalling those of an Oriental bazaar.

    The booth when completed was adorned with a tall pole or flagstal?, having attached, some gaily coloured rags and streamers whose fantastic irregularity became in time enhanced by the action of the wind and rain. ,

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 200

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Donnybrook, you are travelling along ground where the old Donnybrook Fair once set up its tents and shows. About a week before the fair opened, dealers and tent owners would come to the green and put up their booths in a very simple fashion. They drove wattles into the earth in two parallel rows, bent the tops down and tied them together like a garden arbour. The framework was then covered over. Those who could afford it used canvas, but they were the minority. Most proprietors had to make do with whatever they had: sacks, bedclothes, winnowing sheets, rugs, old clothing and other articles cut up, patched together and quilted, producing what the source calls colour effects rivalling those of an Oriental bazaar. Each finished booth was adorned with a tall pole bearing gaily coloured rags and streamers, whose fantastic irregularity became enhanced by wind and rain over the days of the fair.

29. Sir Charles Hoare lands at the Pigeonhouse, 1806

    Pigeon House · site · Dublin · 1806

    Sir Charles Hoare described landing at the Pigeonhouse in 1806 after a rough 23-hour crossing, being conveyed by the 'Long Coach' to Dublin, and facing troublesome customs examination and armed banditti attacks nearby.

    Read the passage

    " three hours, landed at the Pigeonhouse, from where a vehicle, " very appropriately called ' the Long Coach ' (holding sixteen " inside passengers and as many outside, with all their luggage) " conveyed us to Dublin, distant about two miles from the " place of landing." He states that in addition to the duty which \vas exacted after a troublesome examination at the Custom House on the South Wall, he had to pay no less than twelve different officers of Customs. After leaving the Custom House, he had to dismount from the vehicle and cross the bridge on foot, as it was considered to be in too dangerous a condition to drive over with a full vehicle. " There is nothing com- " manding in this approach to Dublin ; a number of narrow " passes and bridges barricadoed, still remind the traveller of " the late rebellion." He adds that a most daring attack upon the long coach above alluded to, was made a short timepreviously by a gang of armed banditti, who obliged the passengers to dismount, and then plundered them one by one, while on another occasion the officer carrying the mails was fired at. Sir Charles Hoare suggests that " a horse patrole " should be furnished by the Government to escort the coach from the General Post Office to the Packet station.

    The process of exacting fees and payments on various pretexts, from the passengers at the Pigeonhouse, was known to the initiated as " Plucking the Pigeons."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 12

30. St. John's Well pattern at Kilmainham on St. John's Day

    Kilmainham · townland · Dublin · 1700–1899

    A pattern was formerly held at St. John's Well, Kilmainham on St. John's Day (24th June), attracting tents and booths in a fair-like atmosphere, but the drunkenness and debauchery it attracted led to repeated efforts to suppress it.

    Read the passage

    1EAVING town by James's Street, Mount Brown, and _j Old Kilmainham, ^\•e may observe among the newer buildings many quaint old houses and thatched cottages, memorials of the not very distant time when this was quite a rural neighbourhood. Near where O'Connell Road (formerly St. John's Road) crosses the railway, there stood until a few years ago, inside a niche in the wall on the western side of the road, the famous St. John's Well, ruthlessly swept away during the alterations consequent upon the building of St. John's Terrace. Its original position was, however, on the other side of the road, one hundred and twenty yards lower down the hill in the direction of the Phoenix Park. It is marked in that position on the Ordnance Survey Map of 1837, before the construction of the Great Southern and Western Railway (see also Dalton's History, p. 632), and the alteration in its position was probably due to the deep railway cutting here having intercepted its source, necessitating the opening of it higher up the hill, on the other side of the railway. A pattern was formerly held here on St, John's Day (24th June), and to accommodate the votaries, a number of tents and booths used to be erected, giving the place the appearance of a fair. As might be expected, an institution of the kind so near a large city, attracted a mixed class of patrons, and the drunkenness and debauchery by which it in time became characterised, made it such a nuisance that efforts were made on several occasions, by the clergy and others, in the 18th and 19th centuries, to have it suppressed. The observances lingered

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    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 148

31. The Conniving House inn at Ringsend/Seafort Avenue

    near Ringsend · street · Dublin · 1725

    A famous old hostelry called 'The Conniving House' stood where Seafort Avenue West now meets the shore, noted for its fish dinners and excellent ale, and celebrated in John Buncle's memoir of 1725 visits with musicians Larry Grogan and Jack Lattin.

    Read the passage

    '" House (as the gentlemen of Trinity called it in my time " and long after) was a little publichouse, kept by Jack " Macklean, about a quarter of a mile beyond Rings-end, on " the top of the beach, within a few yards of the sea. Here " we used to have the finest fish at all times ; and in the season, " green peas and all the most excellent vegetables. The ale " here was always extra-ordinary, and everything the best ; " which with its delightful situation, rendered it a delightful " place of a summer's evening. Many a delightful evening have " I passed in this pretty thatched house with the famous Larry " Grogan, who played on the bagpipes extreme well ; dear " Jack Lattin, matchless on the fiddle, and the most agreeable " of companions . . . and many other delightful fellows " who went in the days of their youth to the shades of eternity.

    ^' When I think of them and their evening songs ' fVe will

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Ringsend stood a famous old hostelry called The Conniving House, kept by Jack Macklean on the top of the beach, within a few yards of the sea. The gentlemen of Trinity gave it that name, and in 1725 John Buncle wrote of passing many delightful summer evenings in this pretty thatched house. The fish was always the finest, the ale extraordinary, and in season there were green peas and the best vegetables. Buncle recalled evenings there with Larry Grogan, who played the bagpipes extreme well, and dear Jack Lattin, matchless on the fiddle, the most agreeable of companions. He remembered them and many other delightful fellows who went, as he put it,

32. The famous chalybeate spa of Templeogue

    Templeogue · townland · Dublin · 1749–1751

    Spawell House grounds contained the once-famous spa of Templeogue, a fashionable resort about 180 years before writing, whose chalybeate waters lost their properties between 1749 and 1751 according to Dr. Rutty.

    Read the passage

    If desired, before crossing the river, a visit may be paid to Spawell House, a quaint, old-fashioned dwelling, with numerous windows and high chimneys, on the grounds of which, as the name indicates, is situated the once famous spa of Templeogue, where the wealth, the beauty and the fashion of Dublin were wont to assemble one hundred and eighty years ago. The entrance to the grounds is now by an iron gate on the Tallaght road, but was then opposite the old church of Templeogue, and a long avenue of stately elms led up to the house. The Dodder did not then flow so close to the place, a long bend in its course having been straightened by the Drainage Commissioners in 1846. The site of the spa is marked by a semicircular amphitheatre, where there was formerly a large whitethorn tree that has gone the way of its companions, the elms, but a circular stone seat which surrounded it still remains. The spa is now covered over, a slight depression in the ground marking the actual spot, and the water flows underground to the bank of the river adjoining, where it can be seen and tasted if desired, but its chalybeate qualities for which it was once so noted have entirely disappeared. According to Dr. Rutty, the naturalist, it lost its properties as a spa between the years 1749 and 1 75 1.

    This place was, in its hey-day, of such fashionable importance that there was a -weekly paper of eight pages, called The Templeogue Intelligencer, devoted to the doings and frolicking; of the spa drinkers, which it often chronicled in what would be considered very plain speaking nowadays. A few numbers of this curious production are preserved in the Haliday Pamphlets in the Royal Irish Academy, as also a ballad, of v.'hich the fcUowing verses are extracts : —

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 86

33. The headless-horse ghost of Archdeacon Bulkeley at Oldbawn

    Oldbawn · townland · Dublin

    According to popular tradition, the ghost of Archdeacon Bulkeley revisits Oldbawn in an old-fashioned coach drawn by six headless horses, and any wayfarer who looks upon this apparition will die within a year and a day.

    Read the passage

    According to popular traditions of this neighbourhood, the ghost of Archdeacon Bulkeley at times revisits his patrimony in a cumbrous, old-fashioned coach, drawn bv six headless horses. But woe to the luckless wayfarer who looks on this fearsome equipage, for within a year and a day he passes to that shadoAvy land from whose bourn no traveller returns.

    At the time that Oldbawn wrs in its prime, a great number of persons were employed in connection with it, and a village of the name, now only represented by a few cottages, stood here adjoining the Dodder.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 98

34. The stone idol tradition at Lusk church

    Lusk · town · Dublin

    In the aisle of the old church at Lusk was preserved a hideous stone figure, traditionally reputed to be a stone idol formerly worshipped by the Danes of the district, depicting a human head without neck or body attached to kneeling thighs and legs.

    Read the passage

    In 1847 the modern church replaced the ancient edifice, which had been in a ruinous condition for many years, the roof having been blown off by the great storm of January, 1839. In the aisle of the old church was preserved a hideous stone figure, traditionally reputed to be a stone idol, formerly worshipped by the Danes o^ the district. It consisted of a representation of a human head, without neck or body, attached to a pair of kneeling thighs and legs.

    During the erection of the present edifice the workmen found the coffin-plate of the Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Russell, Catholic Archbishop of Dublin in the reign of James II. It

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 138

35. The Strawberry Beds as a popular Sunday resort

    near Strawberry Beds · locality · Dublin

    The Strawberry Beds along the Liffey's Lower Road were named for the longstanding strawberry cultivation on the sheltered slopes there, and in former years were a hugely popular Sunday destination for city dwellers, with crowded cars, vendors, pipers and fiddlers.

    Read the passage

    PASSING out of the Phoenix Park by the Knockmaroon Gate, we enter upon the Lower Road, celebrated for its picturesque sylvan scenery. The northern bank of the river, rising abruptly from the roadside, forms a long range of sheltered slopes peculiarly adapted to the culture of strawberries, an industry identified with this place from time immemorial, from which circumstance originated the name of " The Strawberry Beds." On the opposite side of the river are gently sloping stretches of luxuriant meadow and woodland, while along the water's edge the trees droop gracefully into the water, intermingling theii foliage with the rank growth of aquatic vegetation. The Strawberry Beds was a much more popular resort in former years than at the present day, and on fine Sundays in summer was visited by large numbers from the city. Cars used to ply between Carlisle (now O'Connell) Bridge and " the Beds " at 3d. a seat, and w^ere so well patronised that it was not an infrequent sight to see a procession of these vehicles, amid blinding clouds of dust, extending the whole way from Parkgate Street to Knockmaroon. The outside cars, too, were longer in those days, and carried three passengers on each side without any undue compression — not to speak of two or three in the well. The strawberry vendors, pipers, fiddlers, and publicans reaped a ricli harvest, the sounds of revelry filled the air, and when the shades of night had fallen, numerous involuntary dismounts were made from the cars on the homeward journey. About three miles from Knockmaroon, we pass, on the right, the entrance gate to Luttrcllstown, now

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    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 153

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through the Strawberry Beds, a stretch of the Lower Road along the Liffey. The northern bank rises abruptly from the roadside, forming a long range of sheltered slopes that have been used for growing strawberries from time immemorial, and that cultivation gave the place its name. On the opposite side of the river there are gently sloping meadows and woodland, and trees droop into the water along the edge. In former years the Strawberry Beds was a far more popular resort than it is now. On fine summer Sundays large numbers came out from the city. Cars ran between O'Connell Bridge and the Beds at 3d a seat, and they were so well patronised that a procession of them could be seen amid blinding dust, stretching all the way from Parkgate Street to Knockmaroon. The outside cars were longer then, carrying three passengers on each side, and two or three more in the well. Strawberry vendors, pipers, fiddlers and publicans all did well. The sounds of revelry filled the air, and when night fell, numerous involuntary dismounts were made from the cars on the way home.

36. Troops reach Tullamore fresh via Grand Canal en route to Athlone

    Tullamore · town · Offaly · 1798

    During the 1798 Rebellion, troops embarked at Dublin and Sallins travelled 56 English miles by Grand Canal boat to Tullamore, arriving fresh and fit to continue their march to Athlone.

    Read the passage

    " Before the RebelUon of 1798, vast quantities of military " stores w^re conveyed to different parts of the kingdom by " the Grand Canal, and when the French landed at Killala, " the Marquess Cornwallis embarked a considerable number "of troops at Dublin and Salhns, and proceeded with them " 56 English miles to Tullamore, where they arrived in a few " hours fresh and fit to proceed on their march to Athlone."

    The accompanving reproduction of a time-table issued by the Grand Canal Company about the year 1800, for the original of whicli the writer is indebted to the courtesy of the Company, is headed with an illustration of a passenger boat, towed by two horse?, about to pass under Rialto Bridge, South Circular Road, at the fierv speed of three miles an hour. The passengersmav be seen, mostly standing on deck, apparently admiring the scenery, and it will be observed that an individual is fishing

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 192

37. Victims of the 1807 wrecks buried at Merrion and Monkstown

    Monkstown · townland · Dublin · 1807

    Most bodies from The Rochdale, often unrecognisable due to violent damage, were interred in the old Monkstown churchyard, while those from the Prince of Wales were buried at Merrion.

    Read the passage

    Nearly four hundred lives were lost in this double disaster, and for days afterwards the bodies of men, women and children were cast up by the sea along the coast from Merrion to Kingstown. The bodies of The Rochdale victims were in almost every case unrecognisable owing to the violence with which they were dashed to death on the rocks or torn to pieces by the action of the sea in the hold of the vessel after she commenced to break up. Most of them were interred in the old Monkstown churchyard, while those from the Prince of Wales were buried at Merrion as already stated.

    Owing to the plundering of the bodies and the thefts of articles from the wrecks, a detachment of soldiers was stationed at intervals along the shore for some days after the occurrence.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 24

38. 1773 robbery of the Drogheda mail coach near Santry

    Santry · townland · Dublin · 1773

    On 17th September 1773 the Drogheda mail coach coming to Dublin was robbed near Santry by two young men who took cash and watches but returned a priest's purse. One robber, Fleming, was later arrested at Stradbally and confessed, informing on his accomplice.

    Read the passage

    On 17th September, 1773, the Drogheda m.ail coach coming to Dublin, was robbed at the wall near Santry by two young men of good address, who, having secured all the cash and watches of the travellers, except the purse of a priest which they returned, fled on the approach of some foot passengers. About a week afterwards, one of them, named Fleming, was arrested at Stradbally, and confessed his guilt, besides informing on his comrade.

    On the 24th March, 1798, the North Mail Coach on its way from Dublin, was attacked near Santry by a party of " Innocents " (insurgents), who robbed the passengers of property to the value of between ^300 and ^400, including all the arms which the passengers and guard had with them for their protection.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 118

39. Archbishop Ussher's stay on Lambay in 1626 for treatment

    Lambay Island · townland · Dublin · 1626

    In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Lambay became the property of Sir William Ussher, and his descendant Archbishop Ussher stayed on the island for some months in 1626 while under treatment by his physician, Dr. Arthur.

    Read the passage

    In the reign of Queen Elizabeth the island became the property of Sir William Ussher, and his descendant, archbishop Ussher, stayed there for some months in 1626 while under treatment by his physician, Dr. Arthur.

    Lambav Island has been for some years past the property of the Hon. Cecil Baring who has put some of the land adjoining the castle into cultivation, added a wing to the old building, and made the island a sanctuary for wild birds and animals.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 210

40. Atmospheric Railway line to Dalkey for granite haulage

    Dalkey · townland · Dublin · 1843–1844

    A loan of £25,000 was granted for construction of the Atmospheric Railway line to Dalkey, with land granted by the Harbour Commissioners along a route locally known as 'The Metals', used for hauling granite from the Dalkey quarries to Kingstown harbour piers.

    Read the passage

    THE great success of the Dublin and Kingstown Railway, constructed in the years 1832-4, naturally resulted in numerous schemes for other railways all over the country. That which was considered to have the first claim, however, was for the extension of the Kingstown line southward towards Bray, and this would, no doubt have been carried out, but for a new system of propulsion championed by the eminent engineer, Brunei, known as the Atmospheric system, in which the engine supplying the power was stationary, and the train was drawn along by the suction of a plug or piston through a tube. This system was emphatically denounced and opposed by Stephenson, the great locomotive engineer, and for a time, public opinion was much divided and puzzled by the claims of the rival systems as advocated by their two great protagonists. Ultimately, James Pim, an eminent Dublin citizen of his day, wrote a pamphlet or petition in favour of the Atmospheric system which attracted such widespread attention and support, that commissioners were appointed to inquire into and report upon it. Their report having been favourable, a loan of ^25,000 was granted for the construction of a line to Dalkey, and land for the purpose was granted by the Harbour Commissioners, adjoining their line, locally known as " The Metals," for the haulage of granite from the Dalkey quarries for the Kingstown harbour piers. The working of the line was entrusted to the Dublin and Kingstown Railway Company, and it was opened for traffic in July, 1844, after it had been running experimentally for some months previously.

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    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 207

41. Ballinascorney House and Robert Emmet's men in 1803

    Ballinascorney · electoral division · Dublin · 1803

    Ballinascorney House, formerly called Dillon Lodge and built by the Dillons of Belgard as a shooting lodge, was occupied briefly in 1803 by some of Robert Emmet's party, who alarmed but did not harm the inmates beyond raiding the pantry.

    Read the passage

    At the top of the Gap, where the road branches off on the left to Kilbride Camp, is a granite cross, evidently of modern date, but of whose origin nothing is known in the neighbourhood. Some distance beyond the top will be seen, lower down on the opposite side of the valley, Ballinascorney House, pleasantly situated in the shelter of its woods, over which rises what is locally known as " The Black Hill." This house was formerly called Dillon Lodge, having been erected as a shooting lodge by the Dillons of Belgard early in the eighteenth century. Some of Robert Emmet's party took possession of it in 1803, to the great alarm of the inmates, who were, however, treated with the greatest courtesy by the party, and suffered no further injury than the consumption of the contents of their pantries. About i860, Major Knox, the proprietor of the Irish Times, lived in this house, and gave numerous entertainments there, taking his guests out from town in a four-horse drag, and providing music for the festivities by a brass band organised by himself.

    From the summit of the Gap the road winds along the northern slope of a fine open valley with the Black Hill and the towering form of Seechon on the left, and Knockannavinidee and Tallaght Hill on the right.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 88

42. Busy morning scene at Portobello Harbour (1844)

    near Portobello · townland · Dublin · 1844

    Dr. James Johnston, an English visitor, described the busy scene at Portobello Harbour between 6 and 7 o'clock on a summer morning in 1844, with passengers of all descriptions arriving with luggage on foot and by vehicle.

    Read the passage

    Dr. James Johnston, an observant English visitor, in his Jour in Ireland (1844), describes the busy scene at Portobello between 6 and 7 o'clock on a summer's morning, passengers of all descriptions, with their luggage constantly arriving on foot and on vehicles at the harbour. This writer states that in fine weather passengers sat on the railed deck over the cabin, but on passing a lock, all hands had to be sent below, and the doors closed, to prevent the spray from coming in, while a cascade of water splashed all over the forecastle, aiid he adds that " the dress of the postillions, the measured canter or ^' gallop of the horses, the vibrations of the rope, the swell " that precedes the boat, and the dexterity with which the *' men and horses dive under the arches of the bridges, without '' for a moment slackening their pace, all produce a very curious ^' and picturesque scene such as I have never seen equalled in " Holland on any of its canals."

    The following advertisement from The Sligo Journal affords an interesting glimpse of " expeditious travelling " in the year 1823:-

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 191

43. Excavations at Rathmore reveal skeletons and kistvaen burial chamber

    Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1894

    During excavations at the great rath of Rathmore about twenty years before writing, human skeletons were found buried within a circle of undressed limestones. In 1894, after a landslip, a kistvaen sepulchral chamber was disclosed, lined with green limestone slabs and containing a skeleton with feet to the east, 20 feet below the surface.

    Read the passage

    The great rath or dun, from which Rathmore derives its name, stands prominently in view immediately north of the church. The central mound and enclosing circumvallation are still quite distinguishable, although a great part of the rath has been cut away to provide gravel for road repairs in the neighbourhood. x'Vbout twenty years ago, during the progress of these excavations, a number of human skeletons were found buried within a circle of undressed limestones, and in 1894, after a landslip caused by heavy rain, there was disclosed a kistvaen, or sepulchral chamber, lined, roofed and floored with slabs of green limestone, containing a skeleton lying with the feet to the east. The floor of this chamber w\as 20 feet below the grass-grown surface of the rath. In the section of the rath laid bare by the excavations, a stratum of black material was observable, w^hich, on examination, proved to be an accumulation of v\ood ashes, conjectured to be the deposits

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 164

44. Glencree as a medieval Royal deer park

    near Glencree · valley · Wicklow · 1244–1296

    Glencree was in ancient times a Royal Park or preserve covered by primeval oak forest. In 1244 eighty deer were sent from the Royal forest at Chester to stock the King's park at Glencree, and in 1296 the King sent Eustace le Poer twelve fallow deer from the Glencree forest.

    Read the passage

    Glencree. was in ancient times a Ro\-al Park or preserve, almost entirely covered by primeval oak forest, and probably either wholly or partly enclosed by some description of artificial boundary to prevent the wild beasts preserved there from wandering away through the desert wilds of Wicklow. In Stveehnan' s Calendar it is recorded that in 1244 eighty deer were sent from the Royal forest at Chester to stock the King's park at Glencree, and that in 1296 the King sent a present to Eustace le Poer of twelve fallow deer from the Glencree forest.

    As may be imagined, the repression of poaching formed no inconsiderable portion of the duties of the wardens or gamekeepers of this Royal preserve. Even the pious monks of St. Mary's Abbey, Dublin, who owned property in this neighbourhood, were unable to resist the temptation, as appears from the Chartulary of the Abbey in 1291, when the Abbot was attached for hunting in the forest with dogs and implements of the chase. In 1283 William le Deveneis, keeper of the King'? demesne lands, was granted twelve oaks fit for

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 160

45. John Bayly runs the gauntlet at Killincarrig for desertion

    Killincarrig · townland · Wicklow · 1641

    A soldier named John Bayly was tried for desertion at Killincarrig in 1641 and, instead of the usual death penalty, was sentenced to run the gauntlet of soldiers armed with switches while his hands were bound.

    Read the passage

    In 1 641 some troops were quartered in a temporary barrack in this village to protect the property of residents in the neighbourhood. In connection with the sojourn of this garrison, it is recorded in Dudley Loftus's minutes of the Courts Martial at Dublin Castle, that one Kathleen Farrell was arrested at Killincarrig as a spy, taken to Dublin, and sentenced to be hanged, which sentence, it may be presumed, was duly carried out. Another case from the same locality was that of John Bayly, a soldier, who was tried for desertion. As the penalty for this offence was usually death, there must have been some extenuating circumstances in his case, as he was merely sentenced to run the gauntlet of the soldiers stationed at Killincarrig, the soldiers armed with switches, and the culprit with his back bare and his hands tied behind him. The carrying out of this sentence probably provided a pleasant day's amusement for the inhabitants of the village, who doubtless had anything but friendly feelings for the soldiers quartered there, and were heartily glad when the time came for their departure.

    At a distance of about half a mile from Killincarrig is the pretty village of Delgany, picturesquely situated on a rising ground, in the midst of an undulating and richly-wooded country, and adjoining the southern entrance to the Glen of the Downs. Immediately below the village is the deep wooded vallev of the Three Trouts river, a small stream, which, after

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 48

46. Le Fevre's Folly, Robbers' Ruin

    near Beggarsbush · townland · Dublin · 1800–1820

    An ivy-covered ruined vaulted building called Le Fevre's Folly stood near Beggarsbush Barracks until about 1820, used by highwaymen and smugglers as a lookout point over five radiating roads.

    Read the passage

    In the early part of last century — down to about 1820, or thereabouts — there stood in a field at the spot now occupied by the north-eastern corner of Beggarsbush Barracks, an old vaulted building in ruins, covered with a dense growth of ivy, nettles and brambles, called Le Fevre's Folly, which was utilised as a refuge and point of reconnaissance by highwaymen, robbers and smugglers, then abounding in the neighbourhood, as the ruins commanded a view along the five roads radiating from this point.

    The inhabitants of all the adjacent localities — Ringsend, Irishtown, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and Sandymount, seldom ventured out of doors at night time without being fully armed, as they were almost entirely dependant upon their own arrangements for the protection of themselves and their homes, the whole district at that time being in a most lawless state, and burglaries and highway robberies of almost nightly occurrence.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood Le Fevre's Folly, an old vaulted ruin covered in ivy, nettles and brambles, near Beggarsbush Barracks. It lasted until about 1820 and was used as a refuge and lookout by highwaymen, robbers and smugglers who were thick in the area at the time. From those ruins they could watch all five roads radiating from this point. The lawless state of the whole district meant the people of Ringsend, Irishtown, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook and Sandymount seldom went out at night without being fully armed, relying on their own arrangements for protection. Burglaries and highway robberies were of almost nightly occurrence.

47. Opening of Ireland's first railway line

    Westland Row · street · Dublin · 1834

    The Dublin and Kingstown line, the first railway in Ireland, was formally opened for traffic on 17th November 1834, though a constant service was not established until the following January.

    Read the passage

    The line was formally opened for traffic on I7th November, 1834, and trains were run at intervals during the day, but no constant service was maintained until the following January, when trains were run on week days, every half hour, both ways, from 9 o'clock a.m. till 5 o'clock -p.m., while on Sundays trains ran every 20 minutes, with the exception of, an interval from noon till 2 o'clock p.m. The single fares were u , 8i. and 6d. for the three classes.

    This, the first railway in Ireland, seems to have been constructed more with a view to the conveyance of goods than passengers, but as happened under similar circumstances, with several of the early English railways, it was, almost from the outset, swamped with passenger traflic.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 204

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, the Dublin and Kingstown line opened for traffic on 17th November 1834, the first railway in Ireland. Trains ran at intervals that day, but a constant service did not begin until the following January, when on week days trains ran every half hour from 9 in the morning till 5 in the evening, and on Sundays every 20 minutes except for a break from noon to 2. Single fares were one shilling, eight pence, and six pence for the three classes. The line seems to have been built more for goods than passengers, but like several early English railways, it was almost from the outset swamped with passenger traffic.

48. Patron day at the Well near Mulhuddart Church

    Mulhuddart · parish · Dublin · 1741

    Isaac Butler describes an annual patron held on 8th September at the well below Mulhuddart church, drawing a vast concourse of people with upwards of eighty tents furnished with liquors and provisions.

    Read the passage

    " About midway ascending to ye Church is an excellent Well ; " it is carefully walled, and several large trees about it. Here " on the 8th September, a great patron is kept with a vast " Concourse of all Sexes and Ages from many miles, upwards of '' eighty Tents are pitched here furnished with all kinds of " Liquors and provisions for ye Reception and Refreshment " of ye Company."

    From Mulhuddart the road follows the course of the Tolka through a somewhat uninteresting country, and after a couple of miles enters the County of Meath at the village of Clonee in which there is little of interest to notice. From Clonee, we continue along the main road, taking the first turn to the

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 181

49. Pidgeon's House gives its name to the Pigeonhouse

    Pigeonhouse · townland · Offaly

    A caretaker named Pidgeon lived in a wooden watch-house at the pile ends where the Pigeonhouse now stands, and turned it into a popular refreshment resort for pleasure-seeking Dublin visitors, giving rise to the name Pigeonhouse that survived in the later fortress built on the site.

    Read the passage

    At the point then known as " the pile ends," where the original line of wooden piles ended, and the Pigeonhouse now stands, the port authorities erected a massive wooden house, strongly clamped with iron, to serve as a watch house, store house and place of refuge for such as were forced to land there by stress of weather ; and between this place and Ringsend, a number of boats used to ply in summer, conveying pleasureseeking citizens of that day to what had grown to be a favourite rendezvous while the works were in progress. A man named Pidgeon who lived in the wooden house and acted as caretaker of the works and tools, finding the place become such a public resort, fitted out his quarters as neatly as possible, and, assisted by his wife and family, made arrangements for supplying meals and refreshments to visitors. He also purchased a boat to hire to his guests, had it painted and finished in an attractive manner, and as he dealt with only the best class of visitors, his rude hostelry soon grew to be a noted resort of distinguished citizens and wits, while the owner found himself on the fair road to fortune. His house came to be known to all the Dublin folk as " Pidgeon's House," or the Pigeonhouse, and even after he and his family had gone the way of all flesh, and the old building, having served its purpose, had fallen into decay, the name was perpetuated in the title of the stronghold that in after years rose over its ruins.

    When the Packet station was established here, it was found necessary to build the Pigeonhouse harbour, where the packets landed and embarked passengers, for whose accommodation a hotel was erected in 1790. After the transfer of the regular service to Howth, the Pigeonhouse harbour continued in use as an occasional landing place, especially for the Liverpool packets. The Pigeonhouse Packet station in time becoming superseded by that at Howth, the Government in 18 13, purchased the hotel and other buildings, and commenced the construction

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 10

50. Reindeer imported to Oldbawn deer park

    Oldbawn · townland · Dublin · 1700–1799

    An eccentric 18th-century resident of Oldbawn imported a herd of reindeer from Lapland and kept them in the deer park, but they died out rapidly as the climate was too warm for them.

    Read the passage

    A paper mill was for many years worked in this place, but was eventually burnt, and the remains of the sheds and machinery may still be seen beside the old house. Nearly all the original plantations have been cut down for firewood — the fate, unfortunately, of many plantations and orchards attached to old Irish mansions. An eccentric resident in the i8th century imported a herd of reindeer from Lapland, and kept them in the deer park ; but, almost needless to say, they died out rapidlv, as the climate was much too warm for them.

    About a quarter of a mile from Oldbawn bridge, on the bank of the Dodder, will be seen a little old house, nearly concealed by trees. The adjoining fields were the scene of a remarkable concourse in 18 16, when thousands of the country people assembled to witness the execution of three men name i

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 98

51. Removal and rediscovery of the ancient cross of Tallaght

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1778–1826

    The venerated ancient cross of Tallaght formerly stood in the middle of the road to Oldbawn, but in 1778 Archbishop Fowler removed it to use as building material for a palace bathroom. The vandalism was only discovered around 1826 when the shaft and pedestal were found among the ruins during dismantling.

    Read the passage

    The ancient cross of Tallaght formerly stood at the end of the village in the middle of the road leading to Oldbawn, and on account of the traditions attaching to it was greatly venerated by the people ; but in 1778 Archbishop Fowler removed it for the purpose of using it as building materials in the construction of a bathroom attached to the palace. It was only \^•hen the building was being dismantled about 1826 that this act of vandalism was brought home to the right person, through the discovery of the shaft and pedestal among the ruins of the bathroom.

    The extensive gardens of the old palace still remain, and are kept in good order as an appanage of the monastery. They contain an immense walnut tree hundreds of years old, called St. Maelruan's tree after the Patron Saint of Tallaght.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 97

52. Sir Charles Coote's assault on insurgents at Swords, 1641

    Swords · town · Dublin · 1641

    At the start of the 1641 Insurrection, the Irish army assembled at Swords and refused to disperse; Sir Charles Coote attacked them, finding the town entrance barricaded, but drove out the insurgents after a sharp engagement with losses on both sides.

    Read the passage

    At the commencement of the Insurrection of 1641, the Irish army assembled at Swords, and refusing to disperse in obedience to a warrant of the Lords Justices, Sir Charles Coote, with a considerable force, was sent out from Dublin to attack them. He found the entrance to the town on the Dublin side stronglv barricaded, but succeeded in driving the insurgents from their positions after a sharp engagement with loss on both sides.

    iiiTiii"-ir riiTnii""'^''

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 131

53. St Kevin's holy well at Ballyman

    Ballyman · townland · Dublin

    Near the ancient church in Ballyman glen is St Kevin's holy well, still honoured with the custom of tying rags and ribbons to nearby bushes, and reputed locally for curing eye ailments.

    Read the passage

    Not far from the church, and situated on the banks of the stream, though almost entirely concealed by the wild tangle of brushwood, is St. Kevin's holy well, still honoured by the observance of the old custom of tying rags and ribbons to the adjacent bushes. This well enjoys a high reputation among the people in the neighbourhood for its curative qualities, the fame of which has extended through the surrounding districts, whence persons come occasionally to take away some of the water for use in affections of the eyes.

    Retracing our steps to the road, we continue along it, until, at a distance of nearly a mile from Old Connaught, we meet a narrow lane on the right, the enclosing banks and hedges of which are so high as to shut out all view, the foliage in places meeting overhead. After about half-a-mile, the lane sweeping to the right, affords a view of the rounded rocky " hump " of Carrickgollogan (popularly corrupted into " Katty Gollagher "), and just at this point two cottages will be seen on the right, opposite which is a gateway opening in on the mountainside, where a marble slab, bearing an inscription to that effect, has been placed by some friends to commemorate a Dr. Alcock. By a short, steep ascent through the bracken and heather we arrive at the cairn which marks the top, 912 feet high, from which a fine view is obtained of Bray, Howth, Dalkey, and Killiney,the vale of Shanganagh, and Bray Head and town. Between the observer and the sea will be seen LoughHnstown, looking very closely built from this point, Hke the towns of mediaeval times, which were built within as small an area as possible, so as to reduce the circuit of the enclosing wall. To the westward will be seen the wooded hill of Barnaslingan, forming the eastern side of the Scalp, beyond that the Two and Three

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballyman, near the ancient church and situated on the banks of a stream, is St Kevin's holy well. It lies almost entirely concealed by a wild tangle of brushwood. The well is still honoured by the observance of an old custom, the tying of rags and ribbons to the adjacent bushes. It enjoys a high reputation among the people in the neighbourhood for its curative qualities. The fame of those qualities has extended through the surrounding districts, and from those districts persons come occasionally to take away some of the water, for use in affections of the eyes.

54. 1782 flood destroys Ringsend bridge, isolating the village

    near Ringsend · street · Dublin · 1782–1789

    In 1782 the bridge across the Dodder at Ringsend was swept away by a flood and communication was not restored for seven years. Ferrar described the village in 1787 as resembling a town that had experienced the calamities of war, with inhabitants excluded from intercourse with Dublin.

    Read the passage

    In 1782 the bridge across the Dodder at Ringsend was swept away by a flood, and communication was not restored for seven years. Ferrar in his View of Dublin (1796), writing of this incident, says : — " Ringsend was in a very melancholy situation " in the year 1787. It resembled a town which had experienced *' all the calamities of war, that had been sacked by an enemy, *' or that had felt the hand of all-devouring time. The un-

    6 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Ringsend, a flood in 1782 swept away the bridge across the Dodder, and communication was not restored for seven years. Ferrar, writing of the village in 1787, said it resembled a town which had experienced all the calamities of war, that had been sacked by an enemy, or that had felt the hand of all-devouring time. The inhabitants were cut off from intercourse with Dublin until the bridge was finally restored.

55. Archbishop King's 1725 description of lawless Glasnevin

    Glasnevin · townland · Dublin · 1725

    Archbishop King, writing in 1725, described Glasnevin before the church was built as a haunt for thieves and rogues and a hiding place for illicit couples, conditions he said were reformed once the church and regular service were established.

    Read the passage

    The village of Glasnevin has.of course, been much altered since Dr. Delanv's time, and is now included in the city, but a few of the older houses still remain, and are readily distinguished bv their old-world gardens, with their wealth of flowering shrubs and climbing plants. It would seem to have been an undesirable place of residence in the beginning of the 1 8th century, if we are to believe the description given by Archbishop King in a letter, dated 1725, published in Mant's History of the Church of Ireland : — " Glasnevin was the "receptacle for thieves and rogues. The first search when " anything was stolen, was there, and when any couple had " a mind to retire to be wicked there was their harbour. " But since the church was built, and service regularly settled, " all these evils are banished. Good houses are built in it, " and the place civilised."

    Adjoining Glasnevin are the Botanic Gardens where stood the residence of Tickell, the poet and literary executor of Addison who came to Ireland as secretary to the Earl of Wharton in 1709. Tickell, who was Clerk of the Privy- Council, died here in 1740, and from his representatives the place was purchased about 120 years ago, for its present purposes, by the Royal Dublin Society. ^^

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, you're in Glasnevin, on the north side of Dublin. Back in 1725, Archbishop King wrote a letter about this place, and what he described was not pleasant. He said, in his own words, Glasnevin was the receptacle for thieves and rogues. When anything was stolen, the first search was here. And when any couple had a mind to retire to be wicked, there was their harbour. It was a hiding place, a refuge for people on the wrong side of the law and for couples seeking privacy for reasons the Archbishop did not approve of. This was before the church was built. King said that once the church went up and service was regularly settled, all these evils were banished. Good houses were built in it, and the place civilised. The village has been much altered since then, of course, and is now part of the city, but a few of the older houses still remain, set apart by their old gardens full of flowering shrubs and climbing plants. Adjoining Glasnevin are the Botanic Gardens, where the residence of Tickell once stood. He was a poet and the literary executor of Addison, who came to Ireland as secretary to the Earl of Wharton in 1709. Tickell, who was Clerk of the Privy-Council, died here in 1740. From his representatives the place was purchased about 120 years ago by the Royal Dublin Society for its present purposes.

56. Ballyfermot Lodge identified as Le Fanu's 'Tiled House'

    Ballyfermot · parish · Dublin

    An old dilapidated house near Ballyfermot, known a hundred years earlier as Ballyfermot Lodge with ivy-covered garden walls and a tiled outhouse roof, is suggested to be the weird 'Tiled House' referenced by J. S. Le Fanu in The House by the Churchyard.

    Read the passage

    Facing the bridge, on the near side, the road up the steep hill leads to the old church and churchyard of Ballyfermot, near which formerly stood a castle whose site is now occupied by Ballyfermot House. Between the house and the road is a curious brick wall, built in a series of curves, and stated to have at one time formed portion of the enclosure of an orchard belonging to the castle. A quarter of a mile further, on the eastern side of the road, between the railway and the canal, is an old house known a hundred years ago as Ballyfermot Lodge, whose dilapidated garden walls, overhung with immense growths of ivy, testify to the antiquity of the place. A tiled roof of an old pattern on an outhouse adjoining, would suggest that the original roof on the main building was also a tiled one. If this surmise be correct, it would seem probable, from the position and appearance of this old establishment, that it is the w^eird " Tiled House " referred to by J. S. Le Fanu in his storv of The House by the Churchyard.

    Crossing the bridge we enter Chapelizod, once a favourite residence for Dublin citizens, and still possessing some traces of the old world respectability which characterised it at the period of which Le Fanu wrote in his famous novel. Between the two approaches from the main street to the Protestant Parish Church is an old-fashioned house, which is evidently the actual " House by the Church}-ard " that plays so prominent a part in the story.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 150

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Ballyfermot parish, there is an old church and churchyard, and near where a castle once stood, the site is now occupied by Ballyfermot House. Between the house and the road stands a curious brick wall built in a series of curves, said to have once formed part of the enclosure of an orchard belonging to that old castle. A quarter of a mile further along, between the railway and the canal, there is an old house that a hundred years ago was known as Ballyfermot Lodge. Its garden walls are dilapidated and overhung with immense growths of ivy, testifying to the antiquity of the place. An outhouse adjoining has a tiled roof of an old pattern, which suggests the main building's original roof was tiled too. If that surmise is correct, then from the position and appearance of this old establishment, it would seem probable that it is the weird Tiled House referred to by J. S. Le Fanu in his story of The House by the Churchyard. Crossing the bridge from here brings you into Chapelizod, once a favourite residence for Dublin citizens, and still possessing traces of the old world respectability that characterised it in the period Le Fanu wrote about. Between the two approaches from the main street to the Protestant Parish Church stands an old-fashioned house, which is evidently the actual House by the Churchyard that plays so prominent a part in the story.

57. Battle near Rathcoole, January 1642

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1642

    On 26th January 1642 Sir Thomas Armstrong was sent from Dublin to dislodge insurgents from Rathcoole but was repulsed by a strong force and forced to retire eastward, where the Irish attacked again and the tide of battle turned near the Slade river.

    Read the passage

    On 26th January, 1642, Sir Thomas Armstrong was sent out from Dubhn to dislodge the insurgents from Rathcoole, but, as it was held by a strong force, he was repulsed and forced to retire eastward to more open ground where the Irish again attacked him. The tide of battle then turned, but though routed, the Irish succeeded in escaping with the loss of one officer and fifty men. This engagement took place on the

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 108

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Rathcoole, this is where a battle unfolded on 26 January 1642. Sir Thomas Armstrong was sent from Dublin to dislodge insurgents holding the town, but they were too strong and he was repulsed. He retired eastward to more open ground, where the Irish attacked again. The tide of battle turned, and though routed, the Irish escaped with the loss of one officer and fifty men, near the Slade river.

58. Blunderbusses preserved at the Grand Canal Company boardroom

    near Grand Canal · canal · Dublin

    In the boardroom of the Grand Canal Company are preserved fine blunderbusses and heavy pattern pistols with which the officers of the passenger boats were armed to repel predatory attacks by land or water.

    Read the passage

    IS not generally ot an exciting character. Then the passengers were not delayed for their meals, and, in addition, the travelling was sure to be soothing to the nerves, the motion being nearly as imperceptible as the progress ; while the leisurely rate of speed afforded such opportunities for observation as to make the journey as pleasant as a walk among the meadows and green pastures through which the canal passed. Finally, it was set forth as an overwhelming advantage over land travelling, that the passengers were safe from molestation by robbers ! This appears to have actually been the case, although why, it is not now easy to explain, and when one considers the number of well-to-do passengers, who must have carried money and valuables with them, it seems surprising that this method of travelHng did not bring into existence a specialised variety of pirates to piey on the canal traffic. There are numerous parts of both canals, far removed from houses or locks, where four or five determined men might easily have held up a boat, and after leisurely plundering the passengers, made their escape without difficulty. In the boardroom of the Grand Canal Company are still preserved, as interesting relics of the past, a number of fine blunderbusses and heavy pattern pistols with which the officers of these boats were armed to repel any predatory attacks by land or water.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 191

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel along by the Grand Canal, it is worth knowing that passenger boats once made their way slowly through these waters, their motion so gentle that the journey was said to be as pleasant as a walk among the meadows and green pastures the canal passed through. Travellers were considered safe from robbers, which was put forward as an overwhelming advantage over travelling by road. It seems surprising, given the well-to-do passengers who must have carried money and valuables, that the canal did not give rise to a specialised variety of pirate. There were parts of the canal far removed from houses or locks where a few determined men might easily have held up a boat and made their escape. In the boardroom of the Grand Canal Company, a number of fine blunderbusses and heavy pattern pistols are still preserved as relics of the past. The officers of the passenger boats were armed with them to repel any predatory attacks by land or water.

59. Bullock Castle and its medieval origins

    Bullock · townland · Dublin · 1346

    Bullock, a town of note in ancient times, has the ruin of a fine castle built by the Cistercian Monks of St. Mary's Abbey, Dublin, who by 1346 held rights to exact tolls of fish from every boat entering the harbour.

    Read the passage

    The port or harbour of Bullock was known from a very early period, and as far back as 1346 the Cistercian Monks of St. Mary's Abbey, Dubhn, who built the castle there, established their right to exact from every fishing boat entering the harbour a toll of one of their best fish, herrings excepted ; and from every herring boat a meise (about 600 fish) annually.

    Bullock in early times seems to have been a self-contained settlement, enclosed by a wall, strongly fortified, besides being equipped with a church, so as to avoid any unnecessary risks to the inhabitants entailed by attendance at places of worship outside. (Ball's History of the County Dublin.)

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 29

60. Burning of Clane Parish Church during 1798 disturbances

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1798

    Part of Clane Parish Church was burnt during the 1798 disturbances, and around the same time all the old parochial records mysteriously disappeared.

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    It was in the neighbourhood of Clane that the rebellion commenced in 1798, and at the adjacent village of Prosperous, the temporary barracks occupied by the North Cork Militia and " The Ancient Britons," was attacked by the insurgents and bunit. Prosperous had been built only 18 years previously by Captain Brooke, who established there an extensive cotton factory, but ruined himself by the expenditure. Portion of Clane Parish Church was burnt during the disturbances, and about the same time all the old parochial records mysteriously disappeared.

    In the early part of the last century there lived at Clane a !adv of considerable literary repute— Mrs. Griffith?, wife of

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 112