EXPLORING THE DARTMOUTH SQUARE AREA
I had intended to spend some time photographing the park in detail but as there was a large number of children and sunbathers I decided that it was best to return at a later date.
Dartmouth Square is a Victorian garden square located in Dublin, Ireland. The square was originally part of the Darley Estate and was developed alongside the surrounding red brick terraced houses. Initially, the square was intended for the private use of the residents living in these houses.
In 1926, the Loreto Hockey Club leased the square and used it as a hockey pitch for past pupils and later for current students of Loreto College. However, the maintenance of the park proved difficult, and it fell into a state of disrepair.
In 1987, the Dublin City Council undertook a project to revitalise the neglected park as part of the Dublin Millennium Year project. The park was cleaned up, the paths were realigned, and new flower beds were planted, transforming it into a beautiful public space.
However, controversy arose in 2005 when businessman Noel O’Gara purchased the freehold on the square. He locked the gates in 2006, attempting to use it as a car park, but community resistance forced him to reopen it as an amenity.
In 2012, a group of local residents bought the square at auction and donated it back to Dublin City Council, ensuring its preservation as a public park.
The origin of the name Dartmouth Square is not entirely clear. However, it is believed to be linked to William Legge, the second Earl of Dartmouth, who served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1874 to 1876. It is plausible that the square was named in his honour during his tenure, reflecting the common practice of naming streets and squares after prominent figures of the time.
Dartmouth Square is a Victorian garden square located in Dublin, Ireland. The square was originally part of the Darley Estate and was developed alongside the surrounding red brick terraced houses. Initially, the square was intended for the private use of the residents living in these houses.
In 1926, the Loreto Hockey Club leased the square and used it as a hockey pitch for past pupils and later for current students of Loreto College. However, the maintenance of the park proved difficult, and it fell into a state of disrepair.
In 1987, the Dublin City Council undertook a project to revitalise the neglected park as part of the Dublin Millennium Year project. The park was cleaned up, the paths were realigned, and new flower beds were planted, transforming it into a beautiful public space.
However, controversy arose in 2005 when businessman Noel O’Gara purchased the freehold on the square. He locked the gates in 2006, attempting to use it as a car park, but community resistance forced him to reopen it as an amenity.
In 2012, a group of local residents bought the square at auction and donated it back to Dublin City Council, ensuring its preservation as a public park.
The origin of the name Dartmouth Square is not entirely clear. However, it is believed to be linked to William Legge, the second Earl of Dartmouth, who served as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1874 to 1876. It is plausible that the square was named in his honour during his tenure, reflecting the common practice of naming streets and squares after prominent figures of the time.
EXPLORING THE DARTMOUTH SQUARE AREA