
PHOTOGRAPHED USING A FUJIFILM GFX100RF
An Examination of the Blackrock Park Amphitheatre: History, Usage, and the Bob Geldof Performance Claim
- Introduction
Blackrock Park, nestled in County Dublin, Ireland, stands as a prominent regional park within the administrative area of Dรบn Laoghaire-Rathdown County. More than merely a green space, it functions as a vital corridor of green infrastructure, connecting diverse coastal areas and enhancing the amenity value of a landscape rich in historical design. Central to the park’s recreational and cultural offerings is a distinctive “naturalesque amphitheatre.” This unique feature is characterised by a gently sloping green sward that rises above a tranquil pond, within which a small circular island serves as an open bandstand. This report undertakes a comprehensive exploration of this amphitheatre, delving into its historical evolution and patterns of usage, documenting performances by notable artists, and critically evaluating the persistent local claim regarding a performance by Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats.
- The Genesis of Blackrock Park
The locality of Blackrock possesses a rich and layered history, evolving from a modest fishing village into the affluent Dublin suburb it is recognised as today. Historically, it was known by various names, including Newtown, Newtown-at-the-Black Rock, or Newtown on the Strand by the Black Rock, with “Blackrock” itself being an abbreviation derived from these earlier titles. The area’s nomenclature is directly linked to a local geological formation: a limestone calp rock that appears black when wet, much of which now lies beneath the park’s surface. The 19th century marked a period of significant development for Blackrock, largely spurred by the establishment of the Dublin-Kingstown Railway, which provided the area with its own station.
The transformation of marshland into Blackrock Park in the 1870s represents a compelling example of urban development driven by environmental necessity. The construction of the railway, while a boon for connectivity, inadvertently created a significant local nuisance. The space between the new railway line and the shoreline became prone to flooding at high tide, resulting in a malodorous, salty marsh that caused considerable discomfort and irritation to residents living nearby. This environmental challenge prompted the Blackrock Town Commissioners, established in 1860, to take decisive action. Their solution was to reclaim the affected area by filling it in, thereby creating the expansive park that stretches from Blackrock to Booterstown, encompassing Williamstown. This demonstrates how the creation of Blackrock Park, and subsequently its amphitheatre, emerged not merely from a vision for public recreation but as a direct, pragmatic response to mitigate an environmental problem caused by prior infrastructure development. The park’s very existence is therefore rooted in a problem-solving initiative, transforming a public health concern into a cherished public amenity. The main entrance to the park retains historical significance, featuring granite gates that once belonged to a house named Vauxhall.
Beyond the amphitheatre, Blackrock Park and its vicinity are home to other notable historical features. The Williamstown Martello Tower, constructed between 1804 and 1806 as a defensive measure against a potential French invasion, initially stood surrounded by seawater at high tide. The railway construction later isolated it from the sea, and it was the subsequent creation of the park that finally placed the tower on dry land. Additionally, Blackrock was historically known for its popular public baths. These were initially provided by the railway company in 1839 and later underwent reconstruction and purchase by the Urban District Council in 1928, specifically for the Tailteann Games. These baths, celebrated for hosting swimming galas and water polo events, saw a decline in usage from the 1960s with the advent of indoor heated pools. They were eventually closed in the late 1980s and, following safety concerns, were demolished by 2013.
- The Amphitheatre: Design and Purpose
The amphitheatre within Blackrock Park is distinctively described as “naturalesque,” a term that highlights its organic integration with the existing landscape. Its formation involves a gently sloping green sward that gracefully ascends from the edge of a placid pond. A key element of this design is a small, circular island situated within the pond, which functions as an open bandstand. This design approach suggests a deliberate choice to work with the natural topography rather than imposing a rigid, formal structure, allowing the space to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The amphitheatre’s location also offers “splendid” coastal views, further enhancing its appeal as a venue for public gatherings and performances.
The primary role envisioned for this space is that of a versatile public recreational and performance area. While broader masterplan documents for Blackrock Park emphasise holistic development, the preservation of built heritage, and the provision of high-quality passive recreational facilities , the specific inclusion of a “naturalesque amphitheatre” with an “open bandstand” clearly delineates its intended function for cultural events and public assemblies. The very nature of its “naturalesque” design, which leverages existing landscape features such as the pond and the sloping terrain, inherently promotes flexibility in its use. This adaptive design allows the space to serve multiple purposes, from quiet contemplation and relaxation, as outlined in the park’s objectives , to hosting vibrant, large-scale concerts. This adaptability underscores how public spaces, particularly those with an organic design, can evolve to meet diverse community needs over time, making them enduring assets. Historical accounts of concerts held at the site further substantiate this role, demonstrating its active and sustained use as a venue for cultural expression.
- A Stage for Talent: Documented Performances and Events
Blackrock Park has a notable history as a venue for open-air musical performances, attracting significant Irish talent over the decades. One of the earliest documented major events was the “Rock in the Hollow – Free Open Air Concert,” which took place on 8 August 1971. The lineup for this seminal concert featured some of Ireland’s most prominent bands of the era, including Thin Lizzy, Horslips, and Mellow Candle. Additional acts mentioned for this event were Elmer Fudd, Gypsy Rock, and Supply Demand & Curve. While some recollections also include Chris De Burgh , he is not listed in the more comprehensive lineup details for the 1971 event. This concert is often recalled with fondness as a “golden day” in local memory.
The park continued its role as a cultural hub, notably hosting the “Lark In The Park” festival in 1985. This festival was a collaborative effort between RTร Radio 2 and ‘In Dublin’ magazine. Performers at the 1985 Lark In The Park included Light A Big Fire , Hothouse Flowers , Scullion , and Aslan.
Despite these successful events, the park’s history as a concert venue also includes instances of planned performances that did not materialise. U2, performing under their earlier name “The Hype,” was scheduled to play an open-air concert at Blackrock Park in 1978. However, the show was ultimately cancelled due to issues with rented equipment, specifically amplifiers and rigging, which failed to arrive. This incident marked the second occasion that U2 had been scheduled to perform at this venue and was unable to do so.
The documented performances by major Irish bands like Thin Lizzy and Horslips, alongside the hosting of the “Lark In The Park” festival, firmly establish Blackrock Park as a historically important venue for large-scale open-air concerts in Dublin. However, the repeated cancellation of U2’s scheduled gigs due to equipment issues points to potential logistical challenges, such as the lack of permanent infrastructure, that may have limited its consistent use as a premier concert venue. This may explain why it did not evolve into a more regular large-scale concert venue compared to purpose-built arenas.
Beyond large-scale concerts, Blackrock Park is regularly utilised for a variety of community activities. Examples include “Full Moon Yoga” events, which demonstrate its ongoing function as a public gathering space for diverse recreational purposes. The Dรบn Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s masterplan for the park explicitly aims to “encourage greater footfall and daily use” and to provide “high quality passive recreational facilities,” reflecting its continued importance as a versatile community asset.
To provide a clear overview of the significant musical events at Blackrock Park Amphitheatre, the following table details the documented performances:
8 August 1971 | Rock in the Hollow | Thin Lizzy, Horslips, Mellow Candle, Elmer Fudd, Gypsy Rock, Supply Demand & Curve | Free Open Air Concert | | 1978 (Cancelled) | U2 (The Hype) Scheduled Concert | U2 | Cancelled due to equipment issues | | 1985 | Lark In The Park | Light A Big Fire, Hothouse Flowers, Scullion, Aslan | Co-hosted by RTร Radio 2 & ‘In Dublin’ magazine |
- Addressing the Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats Rumour
A thorough investigation into the performance history of The Boomtown Rats and the activities of Bob Geldof reveals no record of them ever performing at Blackrock Park, County Dublin.
The Boomtown Rats, fronted by the influential Bob Geldof, were a highly active band, famously co-organising the Live Aid benefit concert in 1985. Their final performance before an extended hiatus occurred at Self Aid, a significant concert held at the RDS in Dublin in May 1986. This event marked a key moment in their history, and no mention of a Blackrock Park performance is associated with their active touring or farewell events.
However, a crucial detail emerges that likely explains the origin of the persistent local rumour. A “mini-Boomtown Rats reunion” did indeed take place in Blackrock, but it was held at Blackrock Rugby Club in June 2009, not Blackrock Park. This specific event was organised to pay tribute to the band’s “seventh member,” saxophonist Dave McHale, who had recently passed away. Bob Geldof, alongside Pete Briquette and Gary Roberts, performed at this gathering, augmented by a house band.
This situation exemplifies how a local historical narrative can be shaped by anecdotal evidence and geographical proximity, leading to widespread but inaccurate beliefs. The presence of a legitimate connection to “Blackrock” (the Rugby Club) combined with the band’s prominence and Bob Geldof’s local association, likely led to a conflation of the two distinct venues in public memory. Individuals may recall “Blackrock” and “The Boomtown Rats” together, but misremember the precise location within Blackrock, thereby generating and perpetuating the rumour of a performance at Blackrock Park. This underscores the importance of rigorous verification when distinguishing between local lore and documented historical fact, particularly when dealing with famous public figures whose activities can easily become subject to such misattributions.
Based on the available evidence, the claim that Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats performed at Blackrock Park amphitheatre is unsubstantiated. The rumour most probably originates from the band’s reunion at Blackrock Rugby Club, a nearby but separate venue, leading to a common misattribution of location.
- Conclusion
Blackrock Park, originally conceived out of a necessity to reclaim marshland in the 1870s, has since blossomed into a cherished public amenity. Its “naturalesque amphitheatre,” complete with a pond and island bandstand, has served as a significant cultural focal point for the community. The amphitheatre boasts a documented history of hosting notable musical events, including the “Rock in the Hollow” concert in 1971, which featured iconic Irish bands such as Thin Lizzy and Horslips, and the “Lark In The Park” festival in 1985. While some planned performances, notably those by U2, did not ultimately materialise due to logistical challenges, the park’s legacy as a venue for open-air concerts remains firmly established.
The investigation into the claim regarding a performance by Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats at Blackrock Park amphitheatre definitively concludes that there is no evidence to support this assertion. The rumour is highly likely to have stemmed from the band’s reunion at Blackrock Rugby Club, a distinct but geographically proximate venue, leading to a common misattribution in local memory.
The amphitheatre continues to be a valuable community asset, currently facilitating diverse activities such as yoga sessions, reflecting an evolving pattern of usage towards more passive and community-focused recreational pursuits, in line with the Dรบn Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s masterplan objectives. Blackrock Park and its amphitheatre collectively stand as a testament to the area’s rich historical narrative, its remarkable adaptability as a public space, and its enduring importance to the cultural and recreational life of County Dublin.