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28 APRIL 2024

Exploring Palmerstown: History, the Liffey, and the Tale of the Ferry

My first visit to Palmerstown left me eager to return, despite only having my iPhone for photos. This suburb on Dublin’s western edge holds historical surprises, especially along the River Liffey, which charts its own course through Dublin’s story.

Palmerstown Through the Ages

“Old Palmerstown” refers to the village’s historic heart at the end of Mill Lane, predating the 20th century by a long stretch. Its history traces back to at least the 12th century, when a pilgrim known as Ailred the Palmer founded a religious institution, lending the area its name.

Over time, Palmerstown bustled with mills powered by the River Liffey. The 18th century alone saw the French, Linen, Plating, Longwood, and Skin Mills thriving along its banks. In the mid-20th century, further development resulted in the division often referred to as “Old” and “New” Palmerstown.

The Intriguing Ferry to the Strawberry Beds

Across the Liffey lies the Strawberry Beds, an area known for its sun-drenched slopes once bursting with the sweet fruit. For centuries, a ferry service linked Palmerstown to this charming destination – or did it?

My curiosity piqued by the claim of a 320-year-old ferry, I decided to investigate. While some accounts might be conflating the Palmerstown-Strawberry Beds crossing with broader Liffey services, there’s compelling evidence for a dedicated ferry.

1836 maps reveal two ferries near Palmerstown – one likely served the prominent Guinness family, who owned land in the area. Eventually, this crossing was replaced by an iron bridge. Interestingly, a ford usable in favourable conditions is also marked, located near today’s Strawberry Hall pub. The cobblestones laid to assist horses and carts remain visible on the riverbed!

Even into the 1960s, ferries offered reliable passage during floods, their operators deeply familiar with the river’s currents. Many local families also kept their own boats for crossing.

Palmerstown Today

Palmerstown and the Strawberry Beds hold echoes of the past within their modern setting. Whether you stroll the Liffey’s banks or delve into historical records, a fascinating journey awaits. I look forward to returning, this time with a proper camera!