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ROYAL CANAL CRESCENT AND CRESCENT PUBLIC PARK
AT PELLETSTOWN WHICH IS ADJACENT TO RATHBORNE VILLAGE
Pelletstown, a vibrant urban quarter nestled beside the Royal Canal, Rathborne Village, and Tolka Valley Park, offers a modern take on classic Dublin architecture. Royal Canal Crescent, with its distinctive terraced housing and communal green spaces, draws inspiration from the enduring charm of Dublin’s traditional red-brick neighbourhoods.
The Crescent itself is comprised of three terraces of duplexes, framed by apartment buildings at either end. All residences enjoy views overlooking Crescent Park, a welcoming green space that provides a tranquil escape within the urban landscape. Narrow laneways weave between the terraces, leading to a network of home-zones and pocket parks, each bordered by attractive brick-built homes.
The development’s warm and unifying aesthetic is achieved through the use of buff-coloured brick, while white brick and stone accents highlight entrances and key architectural features.
Rathborne Village: A Neighbouring Community
Adjacent to Pelletstown, Rathborne Village is a newer development in Ashtown, Dublin 15. This planned community seamlessly blends residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, fostering a vibrant and sustainable atmosphere.
A variety of apartments and townhouses cater to diverse needs and preferences. Residents benefit from a range of amenities within the village, including a SuperValu supermarket, a pharmacy, a medical centre, and a selection of cafés and restaurants.
Green spaces are interwoven throughout Rathborne Village, and its proximity to the Royal Canal and Ashington Park provides further opportunities to connect with nature.
Excellent transport links, including nearby Ashtown train station, Pelletstown railway station and bus routes, ensure convenient access to Dublin city centre and beyond.
THE 9TH LOCK AT PELLETSTOWN 11 OTOBER 2024
A WALK ALONG THE ROYAL CANAL FROM PELLETSTOWN TO ASHTOWN
I recently walked along the Royal Canal from Pelletstown to Ashtown, hoping to experience the upgraded Royal Canal Greenway. However, as of 12th October 2024, this section has yet to be fully completed. Despite this, the walk was still enjoyable, offering a glimpse of both the area’s history and its ongoing transformation.
The 9th Lock: This historic lock, dating back to the late 18th/early 19th century, is a reminder of the canal’s important role as a transport route. While waiting to see if any boats passed through, I took a moment to appreciate this piece of industrial heritage.
Royal Canal Avenue/Crescent: This area is a testament to the ongoing regeneration efforts along the canal. Numerous new apartments and townhouses have sprung up, creating a vibrant new community. At the Ashtown end, I found a welcoming selection of cafés, restaurants, and shops.
The Royal Canal Greenway: A Work in Progress
The Royal Canal Greenway is a major project aimed at creating a high-quality off-road route for walking, cycling, and wheeling along the entire length of the canal. The section between Phibsborough and Ashtown (Phase 4) is the final piece of the puzzle within Dublin City Council’s boundary.
To manage this complex undertaking, Phase 4 has been divided into four stages:
Phase 4A (Completed): This involved improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists at Broombridge Road by installing a toucan crossing and ‘shuttle signals’.
Phase 4B (Delayed): This stage focuses on upgrading the existing greenway between Phibsborough and Ashtown, providing segregated cycling and pedestrian paths. However, the project has encountered delays due to an environmental assessment referral. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) is now required to assess the potential impact of widening the canal bank on the surrounding ecosystem and Dublin Bay.
Phase 4C (Pending): This stage will upgrade the railway underpass near Liffey Junction and the 7th Lock, and address any remaining pinch points along the route. Further ground investigations are needed before this work can begin.
Phase 4D (Planning Stage): This involves creating an Active Travel link between Tolka Valley Park and Phoenix Park at Ashtown Gate, enhancing connectivity between these green spaces.
Environmental Concerns and Future Plans
The requirement for a Natura Impact Statement highlights the importance of balancing development with environmental protection. The revised plan for Phase 4B, which involves widening the canal bank at certain locations, has raised concerns about its potential impact on the canal’s ecosystem and the wider Dublin Bay area.
It’s clear that completing the Royal Canal Greenway is a complex process, requiring careful consideration of various factors. However, once finished, it will provide a valuable amenity for Dubliners and visitors alike, offering a safe and enjoyable way to experience the beauty and history of the Royal Canal.
OUR LADY’S PARK 7 OCTOBER 2024
AT DRUMCONDRA BRIDGE NOW NAMED FRANK FLOOD FLOOD BRIDGE
Our Lady’s Park is a small, 0.37-hectare (0.91-acre), boomerang-shaped park nestled on the banks of the River Tolka in Drumcondra, Dublin. Located next to Frank Flood Bridge (formerly Drumcondra Bridge, renamed in 2018), the park is notable for its statue of the Virgin Mary.
A History of the Site
Before becoming a public park, the triangular section of land opposite Fagan’s public house was occupied by a row of single-storey dwellings known as Tolka Cottages (or Botanic Cottages). Built before 1890, these cottages housed workers from a nearby flour mill (now the site of the Millmount House pub). Their proximity to the River Tolka, however, made them susceptible to flooding. In December 1954 [Marian Year], a severe flood caused significant damage to the area, inundating Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Fairview, Ballybough, North Strand and East Wall. Deemed a safety hazard after this event, the cottages were demolished.
The area was also once home to a factory owned by Irish confectioners Lemon’s Pure Sweets, leading locals to refer to the area as “Lemon’s Park.” Lemon’s ceased trading in 1983. In the summer of 2012, Dublin City Council officially named the park “Our Lady’s Park.”
Marian Statues: Symbols of Faith and Devotion
Throughout history, statues of the Virgin Mary have served as powerful symbols of faith and devotion for Catholics worldwide. Often found in churches, homes, and public spaces, these artistic representations invite contemplation, prayer, and a sense of connection to the divine.
Marian statues are diverse in style, size, and material, reflecting varied cultural and artistic traditions. Some depict Mary alone, serene and contemplative, while others portray her with the infant Jesus, highlighting her role as the Mother of God. Others capture specific events from Mary’s life, such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, or the Pietà.
The meanings associated with Marian statues are equally diverse. They can represent Mary’s purity, grace, and compassion, or serve as reminders of her role as intercessor and protector. In many cultures, Mary is venerated as a source of comfort, hope, and guidance.
The act of erecting a Marian statue often carries special significance. It can commemorate a particular event, honour a local community’s devotion, or express gratitude for a perceived blessing. The Marian Year of 1954, declared by Pope Pius XII, saw a surge in the creation and dedication of such statues, many of which remain as testaments to that period of intense Marian devotion.
Our Lady’s Park and the Question of Origins
The statue of the Virgin Mary in Our Lady’s Park has intrigued and puzzled researchers. While often assumed to be a “Marian statue” connected to the 1954 Marian Year, closer examination reveals some intriguing ambiguities.
Unlike many Marian statues from that era, which typically bear plaques commemorating their dedication during the Marian Year, this statue has only a simple inscription: “Ave Maria.” This lack of explicit reference to the Marian Year, combined with the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage’s dating of the statue to between 1950 and 1955, raises the possibility that it may not be directly associated with the 1954 events.
Adding to the intrigue, James Joyce mentions a “faded blue shrine of the Blessed Virgin” near the Tolka bridge in his 1916 novel, “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,” suggesting a long-standing tradition of Marian devotion at this location that predates the 1950s.
Could this statue represent a continuation of that older tradition, rather than a direct response to the Marian Year? Could it have been erected for another reason altogether, perhaps to commemorate a local event or to express personal devotion? These questions remain open, inviting further exploration and adding a layer of mystery to this seemingly simple statue.
While its exact origins may remain elusive, the statue in Our Lady’s Park serves as a focal point for contemplation and prayer. Whether directly linked to the Marian Year or not, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of Marian devotion and the enduring presence of religious symbolism in Dublin’s landscape.
FAGAN’S PUB IN DRUMCONDRA 7 OCTOBER 2024
THE BUILDING DATES FROM 1907 AND WAS DESIGNED BY GEORGE O’CONNOR
Fagan’s Pub, a landmark establishment in Drumcondra, Dublin, boasts a rich history that intertwines with the neighbourhood’s evolution.
Location and History:
Fagan’s is prominently situated at 146 Lower Drumcondra Road, a bustling intersection with Botanic Road. This location places it along the historic Slighe Mhidhluachra, one of the four ancient roads of Ireland. The pub’s striking Edwardian architecture dates back to 1907, when it was constructed by William Connolly & Sons based on designs by the Dublin architect George O’Connor.
Names and Ownership:
The pub has consistently operated under the name “Fagan’s” since its establishment in 1907, indicating a likely continuous ownership or a deliberate preservation of the original name by subsequent owners.
Architectural Significance:
Fagan’s is renowned for its distinctive architectural features. The building’s tall, narrow proportions, coupled with the main corner block and lower wings, create a commanding presence. The Art Nouveau script displaying “1907” adds an elegant touch. Despite renovations, the pub retains its original character, offering a glimpse into Dublin’s Victorian past.
Present Day:
Today, Fagan’s continues to serve as a beloved local pub, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. Its traditional charm, coupled with its historical significance, makes it a popular destination for both Dubliners and visitors.
THE HAVEN AND CHURCH AVENUE IN GLASNEVIN
BOTH ARE JOINED BY A SHORT LANE
The Haven and Church Avenue
The Haven and Church Avenue are joined by a short lane, which I took as I walked from St Mobhi Road to Ballymun Avenue. I had hoped to visit St Mobhi’s Church from Church Avenue, but the gates were locked. I later discovered that the gates are usually locked and only open for Sunday morning services.
St Mobhi’s Church
St Mobhi’s is a modest Church of Ireland church nestled within an enclosed graveyard off Ballymun Road. Built in phases to serve the growing Protestant community, it stands on the site of an early medieval church. The nave was constructed in 1707, adjoining a pre-existing tower. In the nineteenth century, the south aisle and chancel were added under the supervision of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.
The building’s architecture reflects its historical development, with evidence of gradual additions over time. It holds social significance as a place of worship for the local Church of Ireland community and as a burial ground for both Catholics and Protestants.
The surrounding churchyard, steeped in history, further enhances the site. Its boundary features and gates create a sense of tranquillity, reminiscent of the area’s past as a rural village, now a densely developed part of Dublin. The church is dedicated to St. Mobhi, who founded a monastery in the sixth century that formed the nucleus of the early settlement of Glasnevin.
The Former Model School on Church Avenue
The former model school on Church Avenue was put up for auction on 6th November 2018. Described as a ‘magnificent opportunity for redevelopment’ in a ‘prime residential and commercial location’, the building was owned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) at the time, and it appears to remain in their ownership.
Originally opened in 1847, the school served generations of Glasnevin residents. It was one of the first schools established after Catholic Emancipation, as part of the ‘model system’ that later floundered.
The building continued to operate as a national school under various names, including Sacred Heart National School. Most recently, it housed the Glasnevin Educate Together National School until January 2017, when they relocated to a purpose-built school on Griffith Avenue. The entire site encompasses over 16 hectares, bordered by Bon Secours Hospital and adjacent to Met Éireann HQ.
Additional Information:
St Mobhi’s Church: Historical records indicate that the tower may actually date back to the 14th century and was restored in the 17th century. The churchyard is the final resting place of several notable figures, including members of the Guinness family.
Former Model School: The model system aimed to provide non-denominational education, but it faced opposition from both Catholic and Protestant churches and ultimately failed. The building’s prolonged vacancy and potential redevelopment highlight the challenges of balancing preservation with contemporary needs in a changing urban landscape.