Dublin

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.