Irish Civil War Archives - EXCELLENT STREET IMAGES

14 OCTOBER 2024

The N2 bus service provides a convenient link between Heuston Station and Griffith Avenue, making it a great option for those who want to avoid the hassle of driving and parking, or navigating multiple bus changes. Another useful feature is that it stops at the Broombridge LUAS tram terminus and train station where one can get a train to Sligo and the twice an hour service to Maynooth.

Griffith Avenue stands out for being the longest purely residential tree-lined avenue in Europe. Stretching over 2 kilometres, it runs from Malahide Road to Mobhi Road, gracefully weaving through the neighbourhoods of Marino and Drumcondra in Dublin.

Originally envisioned as a grand entrance to a luxury housing estate in the early 20th century, Griffith Avenue quickly became a sought-after address. The avenue’s distinctive character is defined by its mature trees, primarily lime and elm, which form a verdant canopy overhead. These trees, planted in the 1920s, create a tunnel-like effect, offering shade in summer and a blaze of colour in autumn. It’s this autumnal spectacle that draws me back year after year, camera in hand, to capture the falling leaves and the avenue bathed in golden light.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Griffith Avenue played a significant role in Dublin’s history. During the Irish Civil War, it served as a base for anti-Treaty forces. The avenue’s wide expanse and strategic location made it ideal for military manoeuvres. Today, remnants of this turbulent period can be found in the form of bullet holes that still scar some of the older buildings.

Despite its historical significance, Griffith Avenue retains a tranquil atmosphere. The wide pavements and relatively low traffic volume make it a haven for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a leisurely stroll, appreciating the beauty of the surroundings and the changing seasons.

The N2 bus service is a relatively new addition to Dublin’s public transport network. It operates between Heuston Station and Clontarf Station, running primarily through the north side of the city.

Here are some of major stops along the route:

Here’s the corrected list of major stops, including Broombridge:

Heuston Station: The starting point of the journey, this station is a major transportation hub for intercity and commuter rail services, as well as the Luas and numerous bus routes.
Phibsborough: This stop serves the Phibsborough area, a vibrant district with a mix of shops, restaurants, and residential areas.
Ballyboggan Road: This stop provides access to the residential areas of Glasnevin and Finglas.
Broombridge: This stop provides access to the Broombridge LUAS Green Line terminus, allowing passengers to connect to various destinations along the Green Line. It also serves as a train station with regular commuter services to Maynooth and intercity services to Sligo, further enhancing its connectivity within the wider Dublin region.
Griffith Avenue: This stop provides access to Griffith Avenue, a long, tree-lined avenue known for its residential character.
Marino: This stop serves the Marino area, a charming village-like neighbourhood.
Clontarf Road Station: The final stop on the N2 route, this station offers connections to the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) service.

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.

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.

Irish Civil War

I VISIT GRIFFITH AVENUE SECTION BY SECTION EVERY AUTUMN

CATHEDRAL STREET WAS ONCE NAMED ELEPHANT LANE