ORCHARD ROAD SOUTH

ORCHARD ROAD SOUTH AUGUST 2024

Orchard Road South: A Gateway to Palmerston Park's Victorian Charm

Orchard Road South in Dublin 6 may be a quiet, unassuming street, but its proximity to the LUAS Milltown Tram Stop and its connection to Palmerston Park make it a noteworthy thoroughfare.

While there's limited information specifically about Orchard Road South, its significance lies in its role as a gateway to the captivating Palmerston Park. This attractive Victorian public park, with its distinctive semi-circular layout bisected by a walkway, provides a welcome green space amidst the urban landscape.

The walkway itself, linking Palmerston Road to Orchard Road South and onwards to Temple Road, serves as a central axis within the park, inviting visitors to explore its various nooks and crannies.

Palmerston Park's history is as intriguing as its design. The land, once belonging to the Mount Temple family, was generously offered to the Commissioners of the Rathmines and Rathgar Township in 1881. However, the park's transformation into its current form didn't occur until the 1890s.

Before its enclosure and redesign, the area was open for public use. Yet, as historical accounts reveal, this unrestricted access had its downsides. While the park was frequented by "respectable public by day," the "nocturnal patrons and patronesses" reportedly caused some concern, highlighting the complexities of maintaining public spaces in the past.

Today, Palmerston Park stands as a testament to Victorian landscaping and a cherished recreational area for locals and visitors alike. And Orchard Road South, though perhaps overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbour, plays a vital role in providing access to this historical gem.