ABOUT THE VILLAGE

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MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHAPELIZOD VILAGE

Unfortunately, there isn't much documented information about the specific history of Maiden's Row in Chapelizod. Here's what I can piece together, along with some insights into the broader history of Chapelizod that might provide context.

Possible Origins of the Name:

Chapelizod had a connection to the woollen industry and woollen mills, and "Maiden's Row" could refer to a place where unmarried women working in the mills resided. This is, at best, speculation, but the name aligns with that possibility.

The narrow streets of Maiden's Row, New Row and their terraces of two storey houses are important features within the village. The buildings, the majority of which date from the eighteenth and nineteenth century, form an eclectic mix are also a distinctive feature of Chapelizod.

Maiden's Row is a short street with terraces of largely intact eighteenth and early-nineteenth century houses. The buildings are generally modest but due to the simple pallete of materials, the regularity of the pattern of windows and doors, the alternating two, three and multiple bays, they form an historic character of considerable sophistication. There has been a loss of character due to render being removed from the walls of a number of houses and the windows and doors being replaced.

New Row is an example of a street of mid-nineteenth century workers housing provided by William Dargan, the owner of the local woollen mill in the 1850s.

The houses have a rhythm of two bays in rendered walls with segmentally arched openings and also form an historic character of importance.

Up to the 1960s, most of the houses were owned by McMahon estate and were rented to generations of tenants. By the 1990s, the majority of the houses were in private ownership and had undergone radical transformation.

The loss of original windows and doors has taken from the character of the street. It is understood that this is a response to the need to provide more light to the interiors (i.e. due to the closeness of both terraces). There is pressure to install roof lights, to extend party walls into the attic space and to extend the buildings to the rear.

Chapelizod's Rich History:

Chapelizod is an ancient Dublin suburb with a history stretching back centuries. Here are some key points that might indirectly shed light on what Maiden's Row could have been like:

Viking Settlement: Chapelizod was likely founded by Vikings around the 9th century.
Norman and
Medieval Growth: The Normans established a presence, and the area became an important religious centre during the Middle Ages. The name Chapelizod comes from "Chapel of Isolde," possibly referring to the legendary Irish princess Isolde of Tristan and Isolde fame.

Industrial Development: The 18th and 19th centuries saw Chapelizod become a hub of industry, with mills and factories. This period likely played a role in the development of residential areas like Maiden's Row.

Preserved Village Feel: Despite Dublin's expansion, Chapelizod retains a village character with historical buildings and landmarks.