MAYNOOTH RAILWAY STATION
AT DUKE'S HARBOUR
DUKES HARBOUR
Maynooth train station is situated directly on the south bank of the Royal Canal, opposite Dukes' Harbour, serving as a vital transportation hub for commuters and visitors alike. Access to Maynooth is provided by either the footbridge to the west, which leads to the Main Street of Maynooth; west along the canal walk to residential areas of the town, or via the road bridges to the east, which lead north to the older part of Maynooth, or south to the newer areas.
The proximity of the train station to the Royal Canal offers passengers picturesque views and opportunities for leisurely walks or cycling along the towpath. This scenic location enhances the overall travel experience and contributes to Maynooth's appeal as a desirable place to live and visit.
There have been ongoing discussions and plans to improve the train service to Maynooth, including increasing the frequency of trains, upgrading the station facilities, and enhancing accessibility. These improvements aim to accommodate the growing population in Maynooth and surrounding areas, as well as encourage sustainable transportation options.
One notable project in the vicinity is the construction of Pelletstown train station between Ashtown and Broombridge on the Maynooth line. This new station, opened in 2021, aims to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity for residents in the northwest of Dublin. While not directly in Maynooth, this development demonstrates a commitment to enhancing rail infrastructure in the region.
The proximity of the train station to the Royal Canal offers passengers picturesque views and opportunities for leisurely walks or cycling along the towpath. This scenic location enhances the overall travel experience and contributes to Maynooth's appeal as a desirable place to live and visit.
There have been ongoing discussions and plans to improve the train service to Maynooth, including increasing the frequency of trains, upgrading the station facilities, and enhancing accessibility. These improvements aim to accommodate the growing population in Maynooth and surrounding areas, as well as encourage sustainable transportation options.
One notable project in the vicinity is the construction of Pelletstown train station between Ashtown and Broombridge on the Maynooth line. This new station, opened in 2021, aims to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity for residents in the northwest of Dublin. While not directly in Maynooth, this development demonstrates a commitment to enhancing rail infrastructure in the region.
MAYNOOTH RAILWAY STATION
AT DUKE'S HARBOUR
DUKES HARBOUR
Maynooth train station is situated directly on the south bank of the Royal Canal, opposite Dukes' Harbour, serving as a vital transportation hub for commuters and visitors alike. Access to Maynooth is provided by either the footbridge to the west, which leads to the Main Street of Maynooth; west along the canal walk to residential areas of the town, or via the road bridges to the east, which lead north to the older part of Maynooth, or south to the newer areas.
The proximity of the train station to the Royal Canal offers passengers picturesque views and opportunities for leisurely walks or cycling along the towpath. This scenic location enhances the overall travel experience and contributes to Maynooth's appeal as a desirable place to live and visit.
There have been ongoing discussions and plans to improve the train service to Maynooth, including increasing the frequency of trains, upgrading the station facilities, and enhancing accessibility. These improvements aim to accommodate the growing population in Maynooth and surrounding areas, as well as encourage sustainable transportation options.
One notable project in the vicinity is the construction of Pelletstown train station between Ashtown and Broombridge on the Maynooth line. This new station, opened in 2021, aims to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity for residents in the northwest of Dublin. While not directly in Maynooth, this development demonstrates a commitment to enhancing rail infrastructure in the region.
The proximity of the train station to the Royal Canal offers passengers picturesque views and opportunities for leisurely walks or cycling along the towpath. This scenic location enhances the overall travel experience and contributes to Maynooth's appeal as a desirable place to live and visit.
There have been ongoing discussions and plans to improve the train service to Maynooth, including increasing the frequency of trains, upgrading the station facilities, and enhancing accessibility. These improvements aim to accommodate the growing population in Maynooth and surrounding areas, as well as encourage sustainable transportation options.
One notable project in the vicinity is the construction of Pelletstown train station between Ashtown and Broombridge on the Maynooth line. This new station, opened in 2021, aims to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity for residents in the northwest of Dublin. While not directly in Maynooth, this development demonstrates a commitment to enhancing rail infrastructure in the region.
GHOST STORY
THE CEMETERY AT MAYNOOTH COLLEGE
GHOST STORY
It may surprise many visitors to discover that St. Patrick's Pontifical University, often referred to as Maynooth College, has its own graveyard. The cemetery can be found past the Junior Garden on campus.
While the university was founded in 1795, the first person to be buried in the new College Cemetery was Rev. Francis Power from Cork (1737–1817), the first Bursar and Vice President. He was appointed Professor of French in 1802 and died in 1817. Four members of the college staff who died before 1817 were buried in Laraghbryan Cemetery on the Kilcock Road, west of the campus.
Many students, Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, and staff are laid to rest in the College Cemetery. The Sisters provided healthcare for students and staff, and many students died of tuberculosis, known as consumption at the time. The most recent burial was that of Maurice Dunne from Tralee (1939–2009), who had worked at the university since 1961 and died on his 70th birthday. [Note: Two new graves were noted during a visit on 17 May 2021].
Local legend tells the story of Rhetoric House, an old building on campus with a boarded-up window on the top floor known as "The Ghost Room." The story goes that a young man assigned to sleep in Room No. 2 was found dead with his throat slit, clutching a bloody razor. Suicide was considered a sin in Catholic Ireland at the time, so the matter was hushed up and the student was buried in an unconsecrated part of the cemetery.
According to the legend, similar deaths occurred in the same room the following year and in subsequent years [note: records show the deaths were nineteen years apart]. Some locals claim three people died in this manner, but official records only mention two students buried within the cemetery walls, with no mention of a third.
St Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth (Irish: Coláiste Naoimh Phádraig, Maigh Nuad), is a pontifical Catholic university in the town of Maynooth near Dublin, Ireland. The college and national seminary on its grounds are often referred to as Maynooth College.
The college was officially established as the Royal College of St Patrick by Maynooth College Act 1795. Thomas Pelham, the Chief Secretary for Ireland, introduced a bill for the foundation of a Catholic college, and this was enacted by parliament. It was opened to hold up to 500 students for the Catholic priesthood of whom up to 90 would be ordained each year, and was once the largest seminary in the world.
Degrees are awarded by the Pontifical University at Maynooth, which was established by a pontifical charter of 1896. The pontifical charter entitles the university to grant degrees in canon law, philosophy and theology.
The college is associated with the state-run Maynooth University, with which it shares an historic campus, as well as certain facilities.
While the university was founded in 1795, the first person to be buried in the new College Cemetery was Rev. Francis Power from Cork (1737–1817), the first Bursar and Vice President. He was appointed Professor of French in 1802 and died in 1817. Four members of the college staff who died before 1817 were buried in Laraghbryan Cemetery on the Kilcock Road, west of the campus.
Many students, Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, and staff are laid to rest in the College Cemetery. The Sisters provided healthcare for students and staff, and many students died of tuberculosis, known as consumption at the time. The most recent burial was that of Maurice Dunne from Tralee (1939–2009), who had worked at the university since 1961 and died on his 70th birthday. [Note: Two new graves were noted during a visit on 17 May 2021].
Local legend tells the story of Rhetoric House, an old building on campus with a boarded-up window on the top floor known as "The Ghost Room." The story goes that a young man assigned to sleep in Room No. 2 was found dead with his throat slit, clutching a bloody razor. Suicide was considered a sin in Catholic Ireland at the time, so the matter was hushed up and the student was buried in an unconsecrated part of the cemetery.
According to the legend, similar deaths occurred in the same room the following year and in subsequent years [note: records show the deaths were nineteen years apart]. Some locals claim three people died in this manner, but official records only mention two students buried within the cemetery walls, with no mention of a third.
St Patrick's Pontifical University, Maynooth (Irish: Coláiste Naoimh Phádraig, Maigh Nuad), is a pontifical Catholic university in the town of Maynooth near Dublin, Ireland. The college and national seminary on its grounds are often referred to as Maynooth College.
The college was officially established as the Royal College of St Patrick by Maynooth College Act 1795. Thomas Pelham, the Chief Secretary for Ireland, introduced a bill for the foundation of a Catholic college, and this was enacted by parliament. It was opened to hold up to 500 students for the Catholic priesthood of whom up to 90 would be ordained each year, and was once the largest seminary in the world.
Degrees are awarded by the Pontifical University at Maynooth, which was established by a pontifical charter of 1896. The pontifical charter entitles the university to grant degrees in canon law, philosophy and theology.
The college is associated with the state-run Maynooth University, with which it shares an historic campus, as well as certain facilities.
INTERLOCKING YEW TREES
ENTRANCE TO THE ON CAMPUS CEMETERY
YEW TREES
Maynooth University, unusually for a university, has its own cemetery known as St. Patrick's Cemetery. The cemetery has a number of features characteristic of 19th-century Irish cemeteries, most notably the shaded tunnel of interlocking yew trees at its entrance.
Yew trees are associated with cemeteries for a variety of reasons, both symbolic and practical:
Symbolic reasons:
Longevity and endurance: Yews are known for their exceptional lifespan, with some specimens estimated to be over 2,000 years old. This longevity has led to them being seen as symbols of eternity, immortality, and the enduring nature of the soul.
Death and resurrection: The yew's ability to regenerate from its own branches, even when they touch the ground, has been interpreted as a symbol of death and resurrection, echoing themes found in many religious and spiritual traditions.
Connection to the underworld: In various mythologies, yew trees were associated with deities of the underworld and death, solidifying their symbolic link to cemeteries and burial grounds.
Practical reasons:
Poisonous nature: Yew trees are toxic to livestock. Planting them in cemeteries helped deter animals from wandering into the burial grounds and disturbing the graves.
Other factors:
Christian symbolism: The yew's red berries and evergreen foliage were seen as representing the blood and eternal life of Christ, further strengthening its association with Christian burial practices.
The association between yew trees and cemeteries is a complex tapestry woven from symbolism, practicality, and cultural traditions.
In the 1790s, Maynooth College (now Maynooth University) faced challenges finding teaching and administrative staff. Fortunately, émigré priests fleeing the French Revolution, both French and Irish with strong French cultural ties, provided a solution. As a result, the college initially had a distinct French influence.
The passage of time brought inevitable change. St. Patrick's Cemetery, located just beyond the Junior Garden, offers a glimpse into this history, with the first burial taking place in 1817.
Among the earlier staff, Nicholas Callan, Professor of Natural Philosophy (Mathematics and Physics) from 1826 to 1864, stands out. He was a pioneer of applied electricity, patenting an improved battery and a process for galvanising iron. Evidence suggests he also created the first working induction coil, though he did not patent it. The apparatus he built is housed in the College Museum, near the Junior Garden, and can be viewed upon request. The museum also contains a collection of Irish-made scientific instruments and ecclesiastical items.
Yew trees are associated with cemeteries for a variety of reasons, both symbolic and practical:
Symbolic reasons:
Longevity and endurance: Yews are known for their exceptional lifespan, with some specimens estimated to be over 2,000 years old. This longevity has led to them being seen as symbols of eternity, immortality, and the enduring nature of the soul.
Death and resurrection: The yew's ability to regenerate from its own branches, even when they touch the ground, has been interpreted as a symbol of death and resurrection, echoing themes found in many religious and spiritual traditions.
Connection to the underworld: In various mythologies, yew trees were associated with deities of the underworld and death, solidifying their symbolic link to cemeteries and burial grounds.
Practical reasons:
Poisonous nature: Yew trees are toxic to livestock. Planting them in cemeteries helped deter animals from wandering into the burial grounds and disturbing the graves.
Other factors:
Christian symbolism: The yew's red berries and evergreen foliage were seen as representing the blood and eternal life of Christ, further strengthening its association with Christian burial practices.
The association between yew trees and cemeteries is a complex tapestry woven from symbolism, practicality, and cultural traditions.
In the 1790s, Maynooth College (now Maynooth University) faced challenges finding teaching and administrative staff. Fortunately, émigré priests fleeing the French Revolution, both French and Irish with strong French cultural ties, provided a solution. As a result, the college initially had a distinct French influence.
The passage of time brought inevitable change. St. Patrick's Cemetery, located just beyond the Junior Garden, offers a glimpse into this history, with the first burial taking place in 1817.
Among the earlier staff, Nicholas Callan, Professor of Natural Philosophy (Mathematics and Physics) from 1826 to 1864, stands out. He was a pioneer of applied electricity, patenting an improved battery and a process for galvanising iron. Evidence suggests he also created the first working induction coil, though he did not patent it. The apparatus he built is housed in the College Museum, near the Junior Garden, and can be viewed upon request. The museum also contains a collection of Irish-made scientific instruments and ecclesiastical items.
THE ROCK GARDEN
WITHIN THE JUNIOR GARDEN AT MAYNOOTH COLLEGE
THE ROCK GARDEN
THE ROCK GARDEN WITHIN THE JUNIOR GARDEN [MAYNOOTH COLLEGE CAMPUS]
Two large functional buildings, Rhetoric and Logic Houses, were built in the early 1830s and became the Junior House. In this area some relief is provided by the ‘Junior Garden’. It is outlined as the garden of Riverstown Lodge on a map dated 1809. It was rejuvenated by the late Cardinal D’Alton when he was President in the 1930s. He initiated what is its most notable feature, the rock garden.
Patrick Corish (1921 - 2013) was a priest of the Diocese of Ferns, born in Ballycullane parish in County Wexford. He is best known as a distinguished Irish historian and a President of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth. For many years, he was Professor of Ecclesiastical History in Saint Patrick's College Maynooth, in succession to the late Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich.
In his retirement, he took great delight in developing the rock garden which was part of the original walled garden in the College. In 1984 he joined the Alpine Garden Society and raised many plants from seed in the quarter acre garden.
He died in 2013 and is buried in the College cemetery.
Since his death, an annual Monsignor Patrick J Corish Lecture has been held by Maynooth College in his memory.
I have seen the garden referred to as the "junior garden" and the "junior house gardens" and I do know which is correct.
Two large functional buildings, Rhetoric and Logic Houses, were built in the early 1830s and became the Junior House. In this area some relief is provided by the ‘Junior Garden’. It is outlined as the garden of Riverstown Lodge on a map dated 1809. It was rejuvenated by the late Cardinal D’Alton when he was President in the 1930s. He initiated what is its most notable feature, the rock garden.
Patrick Corish (1921 - 2013) was a priest of the Diocese of Ferns, born in Ballycullane parish in County Wexford. He is best known as a distinguished Irish historian and a President of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth. For many years, he was Professor of Ecclesiastical History in Saint Patrick's College Maynooth, in succession to the late Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich.
In his retirement, he took great delight in developing the rock garden which was part of the original walled garden in the College. In 1984 he joined the Alpine Garden Society and raised many plants from seed in the quarter acre garden.
He died in 2013 and is buried in the College cemetery.
Since his death, an annual Monsignor Patrick J Corish Lecture has been held by Maynooth College in his memory.
I have seen the garden referred to as the "junior garden" and the "junior house gardens" and I do know which is correct.
MAYNOOTH TRAIN
TRAIN FAILED TO ARRIVE AT BROOMBRIDGE
BROOMBRIDGE STATION
BROOMBRIDGE LUAS TRAM STOP AND IRISH RAIL STATION [THE SCHEDULED TRAINS DID NOT ARRIVE]
Since the beginning of the year I made a number of attempts to travel to Maynooth by train and failed due to a variety of problems which I will not discuss in detail.
Today [31 July 2024]I got the LUAS tram to Broombridge and on arriving at the Train Station I was surprised to see a huge number of people on the platform awaiting the train to Maynooth. A person that I knew showed me the following on his iPhone: "Maynooth Commuter services and Connolly/Sligo services are currently suspended through Broombridge station due to a mechanical issue onboard a train at Broombridge. The 09:05 Sligo/Connolly service is serving Maynooth commuter stations towards Connolly due to cancelled services." plus "The 12:10 Maynooth/Connolly service has been cancelled due to a mechanical issue on a train at Broomsbridge. Update to follow - MH". "
The stark contrast between the well-maintained Broombridge LUAS tram terminus and the neglected Irish Rail station has long been a source of frustration for commuters. The lack of real-time signage, faulty ticket machines, and visible signs of vandalism create a negative impression of the station and raise concerns about its management.
This neglect is particularly puzzling given Broombridge's strategic importance as an interchange between the LUAS and Irish Rail services. Its location in a growing residential area with increasing passenger numbers should warrant better attention and investment.
Irish Rail's apparent undervaluing of Broombridge station may stem from several factors:
Prioritisation of larger stations: Irish Rail may prioritise resources and investment in larger, busier stations, leaving smaller stations like Broombridge neglected.
Financial constraints: Limited budgets may restrict the funds available for station maintenance and upgrades, particularly at less prominent locations.
Operational challenges: The mechanical issue mentioned in the service disruption notice highlights the potential operational challenges faced by Irish Rail, which can divert resources away from station maintenance.
Anti-social behaviour: The presence of vandalism suggests that anti-social behaviour may be an ongoing issue, requiring additional resources to address and deter.
However, there is hope for improvement. The recently announced plan to enhance the Dublin-Maynooth service and introduce Sligo service stops at Broombridge could be a turning point. This plan signals a recognition of Broombridge's growing importance and potential for increased passenger numbers. The proposed improvements aim to address some of the existing issues, including:
Increased service frequency: More frequent trains on the Dublin-Maynooth line would provide commuters with greater flexibility and convenience.
Sligo service integration: Extending the Sligo service to include Broombridge would enhance connectivity for passengers travelling to and from the northwest.
Station upgrades: While not explicitly mentioned, it's hoped that the plan will include improvements to the station's facilities, such as real-time signage, better ticket machines, and enhanced security measures to deter vandalism.
The successful implementation of this plan could transform Broombridge station into a more welcoming and functional transport hub, benefitting both local residents and those travelling from further afield.
It remains to be seen how quickly these improvements will be implemented and whether they will fully address the existing issues. However, the announcement of the plan is a positive step, offering a glimmer of hope for a much-needed upgrade to this vital interchange.
Since the beginning of the year I made a number of attempts to travel to Maynooth by train and failed due to a variety of problems which I will not discuss in detail.
Today [31 July 2024]I got the LUAS tram to Broombridge and on arriving at the Train Station I was surprised to see a huge number of people on the platform awaiting the train to Maynooth. A person that I knew showed me the following on his iPhone: "Maynooth Commuter services and Connolly/Sligo services are currently suspended through Broombridge station due to a mechanical issue onboard a train at Broombridge. The 09:05 Sligo/Connolly service is serving Maynooth commuter stations towards Connolly due to cancelled services." plus "The 12:10 Maynooth/Connolly service has been cancelled due to a mechanical issue on a train at Broomsbridge. Update to follow - MH". "
The stark contrast between the well-maintained Broombridge LUAS tram terminus and the neglected Irish Rail station has long been a source of frustration for commuters. The lack of real-time signage, faulty ticket machines, and visible signs of vandalism create a negative impression of the station and raise concerns about its management.
This neglect is particularly puzzling given Broombridge's strategic importance as an interchange between the LUAS and Irish Rail services. Its location in a growing residential area with increasing passenger numbers should warrant better attention and investment.
Irish Rail's apparent undervaluing of Broombridge station may stem from several factors:
Prioritisation of larger stations: Irish Rail may prioritise resources and investment in larger, busier stations, leaving smaller stations like Broombridge neglected.
Financial constraints: Limited budgets may restrict the funds available for station maintenance and upgrades, particularly at less prominent locations.
Operational challenges: The mechanical issue mentioned in the service disruption notice highlights the potential operational challenges faced by Irish Rail, which can divert resources away from station maintenance.
Anti-social behaviour: The presence of vandalism suggests that anti-social behaviour may be an ongoing issue, requiring additional resources to address and deter.
However, there is hope for improvement. The recently announced plan to enhance the Dublin-Maynooth service and introduce Sligo service stops at Broombridge could be a turning point. This plan signals a recognition of Broombridge's growing importance and potential for increased passenger numbers. The proposed improvements aim to address some of the existing issues, including:
Increased service frequency: More frequent trains on the Dublin-Maynooth line would provide commuters with greater flexibility and convenience.
Sligo service integration: Extending the Sligo service to include Broombridge would enhance connectivity for passengers travelling to and from the northwest.
Station upgrades: While not explicitly mentioned, it's hoped that the plan will include improvements to the station's facilities, such as real-time signage, better ticket machines, and enhanced security measures to deter vandalism.
The successful implementation of this plan could transform Broombridge station into a more welcoming and functional transport hub, benefitting both local residents and those travelling from further afield.
It remains to be seen how quickly these improvements will be implemented and whether they will fully address the existing issues. However, the announcement of the plan is a positive step, offering a glimmer of hope for a much-needed upgrade to this vital interchange.
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