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MILL LANE PARK
MILL LANE PARK IN PALMERSTOWN [AND PALMERSTOWN FOOTBALL CLUB]
The photographs featured here are from my most recent visit to the park on Mill Lane 22 October 2024.
There is a stone obelisk or standing-stone sculpture at Mill Lane Park or Palmerstown FC and it is most likely be a recent addition, as I have not seen it before, and it appears to feature Ogham an Early Medieval alphabet used primarily to write the early Irish language. Unfortunately I cannot find any mention of this online - does anyone have any information?
My first visit to Palmerstown, earlier this year, led me on an unexpected adventure through Mill Lane. Initially, I encountered the locked gates of Palmerstown FC, which gave the impression of an exclusive or private club. However, as I continued along the lane, I discovered an open entrance within a stone wall, beckoning me to explore further.
Stepping inside and following a rustic pathway, I found myself in a spacious green area that could have easily been mistaken for a football practice ground. Was this part of the football club, or was it a public park? Luckily, a friendly local resident cleared up the confusion. This was indeed a public park, a hidden gem she often enjoyed with her dogs.
A Note of Caution: While this park is a lovely spot for a stroll, it's important to be aware that dogs are often off-lead here. There have been some reports of dog bites, so it's advisable to exercise caution, especially if you're nervous around dogs.
Unravelling the Connection to Palmerstown FC:
Although the park isn't directly affiliated with Palmerstown FC, understanding the club's location helps to paint a clearer picture.
Palmerstown FC: This local football club is based in Palmerstown, Dublin 10.
Glenaulin Park: The club plays its home matches at Glenaulin Park, situated on Glenaulin Green. This park, managed by South Dublin County Council, boasts two football pitches and is open to the public.
Mill Lane's Charm:
The area surrounding Mill Lane, where Palmerstown FC is located, possesses a unique charm. With its picturesque river, abundant wildlife, ancient churchyard, quaint buildings, and even the occasional sighting of roaming horses, it has an almost fairytale-like quality.
A Glimpse into the Past:
During my research, I came across an intriguing account of Mill Lane's history:
"The Mill Lane consists of several houses, and the ruins of four mills, which show, that, at one time the Mill Lane was a busy centre of industry. A few years ago, there was an 'Ink Factory' established there. In this factory, there are about twenty men employed making ink. At one time the Mill Lane must have been large. It was there the old Catholic School was, and it is said there was also a Protestant School. The very ancient church now in ruins is still to be seen in the old graveyard."
While I couldn't find concrete evidence of the ink factory, I did discover a fascinating discussion about early schools in Mill Lane in a historical document from South Dublin Libraries (https://source.southdublinlibraries.ie/bitstream/10599/12263/4/AncientPlacePDF.pdf).
This document reveals that the earliest known school in Palmerstown was a Female School located in Mill Lane and marked on an 1816 map. It delves into the challenges of funding such schools and highlights the role of local landlords, particularly the Earls of Donoughmore, in supporting education. It also mentions the presence of two Free Schools in Mill Lane by 1821, offering education to both boys and girls.
In Conclusion:
Mill Lane Park is a delightful, albeit somewhat hidden, green space in Palmerstown. While its connection to Palmerstown FC might initially seem confusing, it's a separate public park offering a peaceful retreat amidst the remnants of a historically rich and industrious area.
FATHER COLLINS PARK
TILTING AT WINDMILLS NO MORE [THE CURIOUS CASE OF FATHER COLLINS PARK]
My October 2024 visit to Father Collins Park in Clongriffin revealed a curious sight: the park's iconic wind turbines, once symbols of sustainability and innovation, stood motionless, their blades conspicuously absent. This seemingly quixotic scene, reminiscent of Don Quixote's famous battle against windmills, begs the question: what led to the decommissioning of these prominent features?
While initially it may have seemed like a case of "attacking imaginary enemies" – trying to generate significant power from wind in a potentially less-than-ideal urban setting – the windmills were a bold statement of intent when the park opened in 2009. However, recent reports have shed light on their demise, revealing that the turbines, installed in 2010 at a cost of €1.15 million, were simply "past their useful work life."
The windmills in Father Collins Park have indeed been decommissioned, but not due to typical maintenance reasons. News reports from December 2023 indicate that the five wind turbines, installed in 2010 at a cost of €1.15 million, were "past their useful work life" and scheduled for removal in the new year.
This is somewhat surprising considering their relatively short lifespan, but it seems they weren't operating as efficiently as intended. A 2010 report revealed that the turbines, meant to power the park's lighting, pumps, and fountains, were only supplying about a quarter of the park's electricity needs.
Father Collins Park: A Sustainable Legacy in Evolution
Despite this setback, Father Collins Park remains a significant landmark in Clongriffin and a testament to sustainable design. Opened in 2009 after a €20 million redevelopment, it was hailed as Ireland's first "self-sustaining city park." Named after Father Joe Collins, a local priest who championed its creation, the park was designed to showcase eco-friendly features like:
Wind turbines (now decommissioned): Originally intended to provide renewable energy.
Solar panels: Harnessing solar power for park operations.
Rainwater harvesting: Conserving water resources.
A large lake and wetlands: Promoting biodiversity and natural water filtration.
Clongriffin's Ongoing Transformation
The park has become a vital amenity for the rapidly growing community of Clongriffin. In recent years, the area has witnessed a significant increase in population and development, with new housing estates, a Dart station, shopping centres, and schools transforming the once rural landscape.
Father Collins Park provides a green oasis amidst this urban expansion, offering:
Playgrounds for children
Sports pitches (GAA, soccer)
A skate park for teens and young adults
A 1.5km circuit track for walking and cycling
An outdoor amphitheatre for community events
The decommissioning of the wind turbines provides an opportunity for Dublin City Council to re-evaluate the park's sustainability strategy and explore new technologies or energy-efficient solutions to maintain its eco-friendly commitment.
OUR LADY'S PARK
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.
WISHING WELL
Capturing this photograph was challenging due to the limited natural light. Although the information signs and the engaging children's tour refer to it as a wishing well, I'm not entirely convinced by this label. The absence of coins within the structure suggests that other visitors might share my scepticism.
St Ann's Well, nestled in Raheny, Dublin, was once a revered holy well. It lent its name (with a slight spelling variation) to the renowned St Anne's Park, Dublin's second-largest municipal park and former home of the Guinness family.
The well, sheltered by a protective stone hood, is situated just beyond the park's old lake, adorned with its Roman temple, and below the Watchtower folly, near the main coastal entrance.
Sadly, the well dried up in the 1950s. Despite several attempts by Dublin City Council to rediscover the water source, it remained dry as of 2021. However, the site retains its significance and was even visited in 2000 by a joint procession of worshippers from both the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland parishes in Raheny. In early 2018, the site was carefully cleaned, the original well opening was identified, and a protective grille was installed to prevent debris from entering.
It seems I was a bit hasty in dismissing, in the past, the idea of wishing wells in Ireland! While dedicated wishing wells might be uncommon, the lines between wishing and holy wells can blur, particularly with the tradition of rag trees.
Holy wells are ancient sites deeply embedded in Irish tradition, often linked to saints or pre-Christian deities. People visited these wells for prayer, healing, and spiritual solace. Wishing wells, on the other hand, are more about folklore and superstition, with the act of tossing a coin and making a wish.
The prevalence of holy wells in Ireland, with their profound religious significance, might explain the scarcity of dedicated wishing wells. However, the practice of tying rags to trees near holy wells introduces an element of wishing. These "rag trees" served as repositories for prayers and hopes, with the rags symbolising the wishes and desires of those who tied them. In a way, this practice blended aspects of both holy and wishing well traditions.
So, while Ireland might not have many standalone wishing wells, the tradition of making wishes and offerings at holy wells, particularly through rag trees, demonstrates that the desire to connect with the spiritual realm and seek blessings is a universal human impulse, regardless of the specific label attached to the site.
Essentially, even at holy wells, people were, in a sense, making wishes, blurring the lines between the two types of wells.
RUSTIC GROTTO
A journey through the gardens at St Anne's Park often begins at the conservatory to the rear of the house. From there, a linear walk leads you to the enchanting Rustic Grotto. This captivating feature, nestled within an artificial embankment, is composed of three rustic arches faced with rubble conglomerate stone. Dating back to approximately 1855-1860, the grotto adds a touch of mystery and intrigue to the landscape. It's believed that the grotto may have served as a viewing point, offering a picturesque vista across the gardens towards the sea. Its secluded location and the textured, natural materials used in its construction create a sense of intimacy and rustic charm.
The Final Chapter of St Anne's House
The grandeur of St Anne's House, sadly, was not destined to last. Following the death of Lord Ardilaun in 1915 and Lady Ardilaun in 1925, the estate passed to their nephew, Bishop Plunket. However, the house and its contents were sold to Dublin Corporation in 1939 for £55,000, and a fine art auction dispersed the family's treasures.
The once vibrant house fell into a state of neglect. Then, tragedy struck on Christmas Eve 1943. A devastating fire, discovered around midnight by the caretaker, Mr Hugh Savage, engulfed the mansion. Flames quickly spread through the east wing, fuelled by A.R.P. equipment, including gas masks, boots, and highly flammable chemicals stored within the building during the Emergency. Despite the valiant efforts of the local fire brigade, the inferno raged for three days, leaving the house a ruin.
The skeletal remains of St Anne's House stood as a poignant reminder of its former glory for 25 years. Finally, in 1968, a wrecking ball delivered the final blow, demolishing what remained. Although the house is gone, its memory lives on in the hearts of many Dubliners who recall childhood explorations amidst the romantic ruins.
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