AND PALMERSTOWN FOOTBALL CLUB
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.
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