ONE OF MANY FOLLIES
The Herculanean Temple at St. Anne's Public Park: A Journey Through Time and Restoration [25 July 2024]
Despite the rain, which seems to be a recurring theme during my visits, I ventured back to St. Anne's Park yesterday, drawn by its captivating follies. These whimsical structures, dotted throughout the park, offer a glimpse into the past and the artistic vision of the Guinness family.
The Herculanean Temple, a particular favourite of mine, has witnessed a dramatic transformation over the years. My first encounter with it over a decade ago revealed a structure ravaged by time and vandalism. However, recent restoration efforts by Dublin City Council have breathed new life into this architectural gem.
Follies, while purely decorative, hold a unique charm, serving as whimsical additions to gardens and parks. St. Anne's Park boasts a collection of twelve such follies, each inspired by diverse architectural styles like Roman, Greek, and even hints of Chinese influence. The Herculanean Temple, a testament to the Guinness family's fascination with ancient Roman ruins, stands as a prime example of this eclectic mix.
Built in 1835 by Benjamin Lee Guinness, the second Earl of Iveagh, the temple's limestone facade and Doric portico with six columns evoke the grandeur of Herculaneum, the ancient Roman city buried by volcanic ash in 79 AD. Its interior, a small circular space with a domed ceiling, once served as a charming tearoom for the Guinness family.
While the temple may no longer offer afternoon tea, its recent restoration has opened it up to the public, allowing visitors to admire its architectural beauty and imagine the gatherings that once took place within its walls. Nestled on the banks of the Naniken River, the Herculanean Temple serves as a picturesque reminder of the park's rich history and the Guinness family's enduring legacy.
Despite the rain, which seems to be a recurring theme during my visits, I ventured back to St. Anne's Park yesterday, drawn by its captivating follies. These whimsical structures, dotted throughout the park, offer a glimpse into the past and the artistic vision of the Guinness family.
The Herculanean Temple, a particular favourite of mine, has witnessed a dramatic transformation over the years. My first encounter with it over a decade ago revealed a structure ravaged by time and vandalism. However, recent restoration efforts by Dublin City Council have breathed new life into this architectural gem.
Follies, while purely decorative, hold a unique charm, serving as whimsical additions to gardens and parks. St. Anne's Park boasts a collection of twelve such follies, each inspired by diverse architectural styles like Roman, Greek, and even hints of Chinese influence. The Herculanean Temple, a testament to the Guinness family's fascination with ancient Roman ruins, stands as a prime example of this eclectic mix.
Built in 1835 by Benjamin Lee Guinness, the second Earl of Iveagh, the temple's limestone facade and Doric portico with six columns evoke the grandeur of Herculaneum, the ancient Roman city buried by volcanic ash in 79 AD. Its interior, a small circular space with a domed ceiling, once served as a charming tearoom for the Guinness family.
While the temple may no longer offer afternoon tea, its recent restoration has opened it up to the public, allowing visitors to admire its architectural beauty and imagine the gatherings that once took place within its walls. Nestled on the banks of the Naniken River, the Herculanean Temple serves as a picturesque reminder of the park's rich history and the Guinness family's enduring legacy.
ONE OF MANY FOLLIES