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Elephant Lane

CATHEDRAL STREET WAS ONCE NAMED ELEPHANT LANE

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AT ONE STAGE IT WAS TYRONE PLACE

Fiction Or Fact: Some 330 years ago, Dublin’s very first Elephant lived on then Elephant Lane, now known as Cathedral Street. The animal used to be brought across the River Liffey to nearby Parliament Street where people would pay to see the animal in a viewing booth. Unfortunately on the 17th of June 1681, the poor beast died when the viewing booth caught fire causing the Elephant to perish.

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Cathedral Street is a thoroughfare located in central Dublin, running from O’Connell Street Upper to Marlborough Street.

Formerly known as Elephant Lane and Tyrone Place, this street has a rich history that intertwines with Dublin’s architectural heritage and religious institutions.

Historical Origins

Elephant Lane: On 18th-century maps of Dublin, this street was named Elephant Lane.
The origin of this name is attributed to various theories:
A corruption of Mellifont Lane or Menagerie Lane.
The presence of a tavern with a sign featuring an elephant.

Occupants of Elephant Lane included a plumber, locksmith, job coach establishment, ivory turner, booksellers, and vintners1.

Tyrone Place: In 1870, the street was renamed Tyrone Place due to its proximity to Tyrone House. Tyrone House was a significant landmark, and the street led to it.

Cathedral Street: In 1900, the street was officially renamed Cathedral Street. The historic house Drogheda House, dating from 1751, once stood on the corner of Cathedral Street and O’Connell Street.
The eastern side of the street unfortunately suffered damage during the Easter Rising (1916) and the Irish Civil War (1922).

Religious Significance:


St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral: Situated on the corner of Cathedral and Marlborough Streets, St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral serves as the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. Although Dublin does not possess a Catholic cathedral, St. Mary’s fulfills this role as the pro-cathedral (acting cathedral) for the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin.

Why Two Church of Ireland Cathedrals?

The presence of two Church of Ireland cathedrals in Dublin (Christ Church and St. Patrick’s) is a legacy of Ireland’s complex religious history. Following the English Reformation in the 16th century, the Church of Ireland, aligned with the Protestant Church of England, took over existing Catholic churches. Christ Church thus became the Anglican cathedral, while St. Patrick’s, founded in the 13th century, also became a Church of Ireland cathedral.

The Catholic Church, on the other hand, faced restrictions under British rule. St. Mary’s, initially intended as a temporary solution, became the de facto “pro-cathedral” – a substitute for a true cathedral.

The Legend of Dublin’s First Elephant

Once upon a time, some 330 years ago, in the vibrant city of Dublin, an exotic and majestic creature graced the cobbled lanes. This magnificent being was none other than Dublin’s very first elephant. Let us step back in time to witness this captivating story:

Elephant Lane: Our tale begins on a narrow lane known as Elephant Lane, which later transformed into Cathedral Street. The air buzzed with excitement as curious Dubliners flocked to see this wondrous beast.

The River Liffey Crossing: The elephant was a star attraction, drawing crowds from all walks of life. Its daily routine involved crossing the River Liffey, making its way to Parliament Street on the other side. People eagerly paid to catch a glimpse of this exotic marvel in a specially constructed viewing booth.

Tragedy Strikes: But fate can be cruel. On that fateful day, June 17, 1681, disaster struck. The viewing booth, where the elephant stood, caught fire. Panic ensued as flames engulfed the structure, and the poor beast was trapped. Despite desperate efforts to save it, the elephant succumbed to the inferno.

A Legacy Remembered; The memory of Dublin’s first elephant lives on, etched into the annals of the city’s history. The tragedy of that fiery day remains a poignant reminder of both wonder and loss.

This tale of Dublin’s gentle giant continues to echo through time, a testament to the extraordinary encounters that shape our urban legends.

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