ALL THAT I KNOW ABOUT MEETINGHOUSE LANE
Meeting House Lane, a short cul-de-sac off Mary's Abbey in Dublin, presents a mixed picture. While some sections retain their historic charm, others exhibit signs of neglect and dereliction. A once-attractive redbrick building, formerly the Irish Labour History Museum, stands vacant and decaying towards the end of the lane, closer to Mary's Abbey. Its faded facade and boarded-up windows evoke a sense of abandonment and missed potential.
At the end of the lane, bordering the site of the former Capuchin Friary, lies a vacant lot, partly demolished and fenced off. The friary, a significant religious institution dating back to the 17th century, was demolished in the 1970s due to structural issues and a declining congregation.
The reasons for this state of dereliction are complex and multifaceted, encompassing economic factors, planning disputes, and changing urban dynamics. However, there is hope for the future. Redevelopment plans for the area are underway, with proposals to transform the derelict sites into mixed-use developments incorporating residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. These projects aim to revitalise Meeting House Lane, restoring its vitality and reconnecting it to the surrounding urban fabric.
Despite its current state of neglect, Meeting House Lane remains a place of historical significance and untapped potential. It serves as a reminder of Dublin's rich past while offering a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of urban regeneration.
Meeting House Lane derives its name from a former Presbyterian meeting house that once stood in the lane. This meeting house, a place of worship for Presbyterians, is visible on Rocque's map of Dublin from 1756.
The presence of a Presbyterian meeting house in the lane reflects the changing religious landscape of Dublin following the dissolution of monasteries in the 16th century. With the decline of Catholic institutions like St. Mary's Abbey, other denominations, including Presbyterians, established their own places of worship in the area.
The name "Meeting House Lane" thus serves as a reminder of this period of religious diversity and transition in Dublin's history.
St. Mary's Abbey, once a prominent Cistercian monastery in medieval Dublin, now exists primarily as archaeological remains. While the Chapter House and Slype, two significant structures dating back to the 13th century, are preserved as a National Monument, they are not visible from street level and are currently inaccessible to the general public. These ruins are located below ground, within the basement of a later building on Meetinghouse Lane, just off Mary's Abbey.
The abbey's rediscovery occurred gradually over time. While the site's historical significance was always known, the extent of the surviving remains was not fully understood until archaeological excavations began in the 20th century. These investigations revealed the Chapter House and Slype, along with other remnants of the abbey's structures and artefacts.
Limited access to the site is available through pre-booked guided tours organised by Heritage Ireland, the governing body responsible for the monument's preservation. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the hidden ruins and learn about the abbey's fascinating history. However, the lack of public access and visible remains from street level can be disappointing for visitors expecting to encounter more tangible remnants of this important historical site.
At the end of the lane, bordering the site of the former Capuchin Friary, lies a vacant lot, partly demolished and fenced off. The friary, a significant religious institution dating back to the 17th century, was demolished in the 1970s due to structural issues and a declining congregation.
The reasons for this state of dereliction are complex and multifaceted, encompassing economic factors, planning disputes, and changing urban dynamics. However, there is hope for the future. Redevelopment plans for the area are underway, with proposals to transform the derelict sites into mixed-use developments incorporating residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. These projects aim to revitalise Meeting House Lane, restoring its vitality and reconnecting it to the surrounding urban fabric.
Despite its current state of neglect, Meeting House Lane remains a place of historical significance and untapped potential. It serves as a reminder of Dublin's rich past while offering a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of urban regeneration.
Meeting House Lane derives its name from a former Presbyterian meeting house that once stood in the lane. This meeting house, a place of worship for Presbyterians, is visible on Rocque's map of Dublin from 1756.
The presence of a Presbyterian meeting house in the lane reflects the changing religious landscape of Dublin following the dissolution of monasteries in the 16th century. With the decline of Catholic institutions like St. Mary's Abbey, other denominations, including Presbyterians, established their own places of worship in the area.
The name "Meeting House Lane" thus serves as a reminder of this period of religious diversity and transition in Dublin's history.
St. Mary's Abbey, once a prominent Cistercian monastery in medieval Dublin, now exists primarily as archaeological remains. While the Chapter House and Slype, two significant structures dating back to the 13th century, are preserved as a National Monument, they are not visible from street level and are currently inaccessible to the general public. These ruins are located below ground, within the basement of a later building on Meetinghouse Lane, just off Mary's Abbey.
The abbey's rediscovery occurred gradually over time. While the site's historical significance was always known, the extent of the surviving remains was not fully understood until archaeological excavations began in the 20th century. These investigations revealed the Chapter House and Slype, along with other remnants of the abbey's structures and artefacts.
Limited access to the site is available through pre-booked guided tours organised by Heritage Ireland, the governing body responsible for the monument's preservation. These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the hidden ruins and learn about the abbey's fascinating history. However, the lack of public access and visible remains from street level can be disappointing for visitors expecting to encounter more tangible remnants of this important historical site.
ALL THAT I KNOW ABOUT MEETINGHOUSE LANE