BETWEEN RATHMINES AND MILLTOWN
Dartry: A Tapestry of History, Nature, Technology, and Enterprise in Dublin
Nestled between Rathmines and Milltown, Dartry is a charming Dublin suburb where the threads of history, nature, technological advancement, and industrial heritage interweave to create a unique tapestry.
Key Landmarks and Features:
The Dublin Laundry Company
It is hard to believe that in the 1970s, there were more than six hundred battery electric vehicles on the streets of Dublin, with smaller numbers in other cities and towns throughout the country. And one of the users of such transport was Dublin Laundry Company. While often associated with Dartry, the Dublin Laundry Company was technically situated on Milltown Road. However, the proximity and historical context link it closely to the Dartry area and its industrial heritage. The company’s pioneering use of electric vehicles showcases an interesting intersection of industry and early sustainable practices.
Natural Beauty & Green Spaces:
Dartry Road, Temple Road, Orwell Park, and Palmerston Park: Picturesque thoroughfares and verdant spaces offering leisurely strolls and recreation.
The River Dodder: Meandering through the area, providing scenic beauty and a habitat for diverse wildlife.
The “Dartry Park Waterfall” (or weir): A small but charming cascade feature within the Grace O’Donnell Memorial Park section of Dartry Park.
Transport Links:
140 Bus Terminus: Situated beside Palmerston Park for convenient access.
Remnants of Tram Routes: Former termini of the 12 and 14 tramways evoke Dublin’s transport history.
Milltown Luas Stop: Provides modern-day connectivity via the Luas Green Line.
Educational & Cultural Institutions:
Trinity Hall: A vibrant student residence of Trinity College Dublin on Dartry Road.
Trinity College Botanic Garden: A tranquil oasis showcasing a diverse collection of plants, established in Dartry since 1967.
Historical Landmarks & Stories:
The Dropping Well Pub: Beside the River Dodder, this pub stands on the site of a former famine-era morgue, later becoming a popular haunt for “bona fide” travellers.
Dartry House: A two-story mansion once owned by William Martin Murphy, a central figure in the 1913 Dublin Lockout.
The Shanagarry Chimney: A repurposed industrial chimney, once part of the Dublin Laundry Company, now serving as a communications mast and a reminder of the area’s industrial past.
Dartry Mills: Located further upstream along the River Dodder, these former cloth and dye works left their mark on the area’s landscape and history. Remnants of the millrace and water wheel can still be seen.
1928 Killing of Timothy Coughlin: A somber event that took place on Dartry Road, highlighting a chapter of Ireland’s turbulent past.
Literary Connection: 3 Sunbury Gardens was once home to the renowned Irish author Máirtín Ó Cadhain.
Technological Innovation & Enterprise:
Web Summit Headquarters: The company organising the globally recognised Web Summit technology conference is based in Dartry, reflecting the area’s link to innovation and Dublin’s thriving tech scene.
Event Management Hub: Dartry’s strategic location and blend of old-world charm and modernity attract businesses in the event management sector.
Conclusion:
Dartry is more than just a suburb; it’s a microcosm of Dublin’s multifaceted identity. From its serene green spaces and historical landmarks to its connection to technological innovation and enterprise, Dartry encapsulates the essence of a city that embraces its past while looking towards the future.
