post office Archives - EXCELLENT STREET IMAGES

20 DECEMBER 2024

I first photographed this attractive post office at Christmas in 2021. This time I had difficulty photographing the building because of some rather aggressive drivers who were blocked by a parked van.

The Rathfarnham Post Office: A History and Closure

Rathfarnham village, a charming suburb of Dublin, is known for its historic buildings and picturesque setting. Located within the historical baronies of Rathdown and Uppercross, the village has a rich past intertwined with the development of postal services in the area. Among its notable structures, the post office, with its attractive façade and prominent location on Main Street, has long been a focal point for the community. However, recent visitors to the village may have noticed a change – the post office has ceased trading, and an auctioneer’s ‘sale agreed’ sign now hangs outside. This article delves into the history of this local landmark and explores the reasons behind its closure.

Early Postal Services in Rathfarnham

While pinpointing the exact establishment date of a dedicated post office building in Rathfarnham is challenging with the available historical records, evidence suggests that postal services were operating in the village as far back as the 18th century. Documents from this period reveal the existence of a ‘Two Penny Post’ system in Dublin, with receiving offices established in various surrounding areas, including Rathfarnham . This system, which operated within a four-mile radius of the city, indicates that Rathfarnham was already integrated into the postal network of the time.

By the 19th century, Rathfarnham, situated in the postal districts of Dublin 14 and 16 , was on the periphery of “the Pale”, the area around Dublin under Anglo-Norman control. As a key route for mail coaches travelling to and from Dublin, the village likely had a designated post office to handle mail and deliveries. This is supported by the presence of a “Dublin Milestone” on the Ballyboden Road in Rathfarnham, used to calculate postage distances . These milestones highlight the significance of Rathfarnham in the postal network of the time.

Over the years, Rathfarnham has grown and evolved, with its Main Street becoming a bustling hub of shops, restaurants, pubs, and businesses . Located approximately 6.8km south of Dublin City and 4km northwest of Dundrum , or roughly 7km south of Dublin City Centre , the village enjoys a strategic position within the greater Dublin area. The post office, situated on this vibrant Main Street, played a vital role in connecting the community to the wider world. The building itself has a long history, having traded as the local post office for just over 90 years until its closure in 2023 .

Reasons for Closure

The closure of the Rathfarnham post office can be primarily attributed to the unfortunate passing of the long-serving postmaster, Donal Bermingham . Following his death, An Post, the Irish postal service, made extensive efforts to find a new operator for the post office. They advertised the contract on three separate occasions , but no suitable candidates emerged. An Post also engaged with the Bermingham family, who owned the property, but they ultimately decided not to continue the business . This left An Post with no alternative but to close the office in 2023 and transfer customers to the Nutgrove post office .

While the Rathfarnham closure stems from this specific circumstance, it also reflects a broader trend of post office closures in Ireland. An Post is actively seeking to secure long-term financial sustainability, and closures are part of this strategy . This raises questions about the balance between financial considerations and the needs of local communities. Interestingly, the closure comes at a time when An Post appears to be in a strong financial position. In the first half of 2024, parcel growth reached 18%, with parcels for Irish companies now on par with Amazon . Furthermore, An Post has repaid a €30m government loan, reducing its overall debt from €82m to €39m . This apparent contradiction between financial health and local closures has led many to question the logic of shutting down community post offices .

Community Impact and Future of the Building

The closure of the Rathfarnham post office has undoubtedly had an impact on the local community. Residents now face the inconvenience of travelling to the nearest post office in Nutgrove Shopping Centre, approximately 1.7km away . This is particularly challenging for elderly residents or those without personal transport, as it limits their access to essential services . While there are three post offices based in Rathfarnham – Ballyroan, Nutgrove Shopping Centre, and the now-closed Rathfarnham Village branch – the loss of the village post office is still felt by many.

Local TD John Lahart has been actively involved in addressing the concerns of his constituents. He contacted both the CEO and Deputy CEO of An Post to highlight the significance of losing another post office in the constituency, particularly as Templeogue had also recently experienced a loss of postal services . He emphasised the importance of maintaining accessible postal services for the community .

The building itself has been sold, with a guide price of €510,000 . The new owners’ plans for its future use remain unclear. However, given its prime location on Main Street, which is well-served by public transport with numerous Dublin Bus routes and easily accessible from the M50 motorway , it is likely to be redeveloped for commercial purposes . It currently houses a Montessori and a Physiotherapy Clinic , but its long-term future remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The closure of the Rathfarnham post office represents a loss for the village. For over 90 years, it served as a vital community hub, connecting residents to each other and the wider world. Its closure, while primarily driven by the unfortunate passing of the postmaster, also highlights the challenges faced by post offices in adapting to the modern era. The fact that An Post is closing local branches despite its apparent financial health raises questions about its commitment to community services. The impact of the closure is particularly significant for those who rely on the post office for essential services and have limited mobility. While the future of the building remains uncertain, its history as a community landmark will endure.