Chapelizod

ANNA LIVIA BRIDGE ACROSS THE LIFFEY

April 18, 2024 by infomatique

CHAPELIZOD VILLAGE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE RIVER

History

Formerly Chapelizod Bridge: The Anna Livia Bridge was originally known as Chapelizod Bridge. Built in the 1660s, it served as an important crossing point over the River Liffey, facilitating movement between Dublin and the west.

James Joyce Connection: The bridge features briefly in James Joyce’s short story collection, Dubliners. One of the characters lives in Chapelizod and frequents a nearby pub.

Anna Livia Plurabelle: Joyce’s monumental novel, Finnegans Wake, includes a female character named Anna Livia Plurabelle. She personifies the River Liffey, her monologue representing the river’s voice as it flows throughout Dublin.

Renaming: In 1982, Dublin City Corporation renamed the bridge in honor of James Joyce’s literary significance and his connection to the area.

Significance

Liffey Crossing: The bridge remains a vital transportation link for Chapelizod and nearby areas, connecting the Lucan Road and Chapelizod Road.

Historical Landmark: As one of the oldest surviving masonry bridges over the River Liffey, it holds significant historical value for Dublin.

Joyce Tribute: The renaming honors James Joyce and links the bridge to his literary legacy, particularly his celebrated masterpiece Finnegans Wake.

Features

Stone Arch Design: The bridge consists of a four-span stone arch design, featuring smaller end spans and larger central arches to accommodate water flow.

Footpath Addition: In 2011, walkways were added on either side of the bridge’s exterior, improving pedestrian safety and offering scenic views of the river.

“Dodson’s Bridge”: Historically, the bridge was known as “Dodson’s Bridge” after William Dodson, who oversaw its construction as part of other projects by the Lord Lieutenant, James, Duke of Ormonde.

Visiting the Anna Livia Bridge

The Anna Livia Bridge is located in the heart of Chapelizod, a charming village on the outskirts of Dublin. It serves as a focal point and can be combined with a visit to:

Phoenix Park: One of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks, located just a short distance away.

Chapelizod Village: Explore the historical village and its quaint shops, pubs, and cafés.
The Anna Livia Bridge in Dublin embodies a unique blend of history, literature, and everyday life. It’s a testament to the city’s long-standing connection to its river, its rich literary heritage, and its ongoing commitment to preserving historical landmarks.

THE NEGLECTED KNOCKMAREE DOLMEN IN PHOENIX PARK

April 11, 2024 by infomatique

A DISHEARTENING EXPERIENCE

My search for the Knockmaree Dolmen, a significant prehistoric landmark in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, was met with disappointment. Sadly, the site was fenced off using makeshift fencing, conveying an impression of disregard for this ancient monument.

History of the Knockmaree Dolmen

Also known as the Knockmaree Cist, Knockmary Dolmen, or Cnoc-Maraidhe, the Knockmaree Dolmen dates to the Neolithic period (approximately 3000-2500 BC). This cist-type burial chamber, commonly found on Ireland’s southern and eastern coasts, rests on a small ridge. It comprises a large capstone measuring 1.96 meters by 1.05 meters, supported by smaller stones. The water-worn capstone likely originated from the nearby River Liffey.

Discovered in 1838 during the removal of a 15-foot tall, 120-foot circumference tumulus (burial mound), investigations by the Royal Irish Academy (led by George Petrie) revealed the central tomb and four outer cists. The central chamber held two male skeletons in crouched positions, with one aged around 40 and the other around 50. Grave goods included a flint knife and necklaces likely made from perforated seashells. The outer cists contained urns, food vessels, and burnt bone fragments.

This tomb belongs to a group of “Linkardstown burials” characterised by similar size mounds and hilltop locations.

Damage and Lack of Preservation

The Knockmaree Dolmen underwent repairs in 1973 and the 1990s, including the addition of a concrete support block. Tragically, a fire damaged the capstone in the 1970s, leading to cracks that were patched with concrete. Further misfortune struck in early 2023 when a portion of the capstone was broken off. Tire marks suggest possible impact from machinery. The Office of Public Works attributed the damage to the breakdown of previous repairs. There have been long-standing requests for better site protection, including fencing and signage.

TODAY I VISITED KNOCKMAROON HILL

April 9, 2024 by infomatique

AS I WAS INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF GLENMAROON HOUSE

Today, I visited Knockmaroon Hill, intrigued by the history of Glenmaroon House.

Knockmaroon Hill, a historical gem in Dublin, is home to the grand estate of Glenmaroon House. This magnificent Edwardian house, with its Tudor-style architecture, was once the residence of Arthur Guinness, a member of the renowned Guinness brewing family. Originally built in 1905 and later extended, Glenmaroon House boasts luxurious features like wood panelling, stained glass windows, and even a swimming pool – all testaments to the grandeur of a bygone era.

Glenmaroon House is a complex of two halves – the North House and the South House – located on either side of Knockmaroon Hill. The South House, formerly known as ‘Knockmaroon Lodge,’ is on the River Liffey side of the road and predates the 1850s. The North House, on the Phoenix Park side of the road, was built early in the 20th century by the Honourable (Arthur) Ernest Guinness.

Two pedestrian bridges that connected Glenmaroon House and Knockmaroon House were planned to be removed. These bridges, which crossed over the roadway on Knockmaroon Hill, connected what are now two large old vacant houses. One of the bridges, dating back more than 100 years, had intricate and attractive wrought iron features and a spiral staircase. It had not been used for at least 60 years. The other structure was a covered bridge that replaced an earlier covered bridge damaged in traffic collisions.

Fingal County Council granted permission to developers Dun Ardagh Holdings Ltd to remove the bridges. The stipulation was that the older footbridge and its spiral staircase be refurbished and re-erected elsewhere on the property. However, the Chapelizod Old Village Association appealed the decision, claiming the council did not adequately consider the conservation, road safety, and amenity aspects of their removal.

Despite the appeal, it appears that the decision to remove the bridges was upheld. The developers argued that there is a current ban on vehicles over three tonnes using the road and transport planning advice had declared removing the bridges would have “no negative transport impact”. The council stated that removing the bridges would facilitate the re-use of the vacant houses.

The Knockmaroon Estate was bought by a member of the Guinness family, Lord Moyne, in 1884; the Guinness family have occupied it ever since. The last Lord Moyne was married twice. His first wife, Lady Diana Mosley, bore him two sons – Jonathan Guinness, the present Lord Moyne, and the Honourable Desmond Guinness, of Leixlip Castle, who was key to establishing the Irish Georgian Society in 1958. The present occupant of Knockmaroon is the Honourable Kieran Guinness, part of the second family.

The Knockmaroon estate is bounded by Farmleigh, Castleknock College, the Lower Road and The Glen. A lodge in a similar style to the main gate lodge stands on the Tower road, opposite Farmleigh’s Clocktower, although that entrance was never used.

The history of Glenmaroon House doesn’t end with the Guinness family. Over time, it transitioned into an important part of the local community. The house, along with the interconnected Knockmaroon Lodge, became incorporated into the Holy Angels Convent School. Additionally, it was linked with the adjacent St. Louise’s Care Centre, likely providing a place of residence and support for those associated with the centre.

The information provided to me indicates that Glenmaroon House and associated buildings are now vacant. This raises the question of why the Holy Angels Convent School and St. Louise’s Care Centre may have closed or relocated.

Here are some potential factors to consider:
Changing Demographics and Needs: Dublin, like many cities, has experienced shifts in population and social requirements. The original purposes of these institutions may no longer align with current community needs.
Financial Considerations: Operating large historical buildings and providing care services can be costly. Financial challenges may have forced a change.
Alternative Facilities: More modern, purpose-built schools and care centres may have been developed elsewhere.

Update: St. Louise’s Care Centre, at a new location, now comprises nine specially designed bungalows providing 54 private bedrooms, a Day Care Centre, and a Restaurant.