PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY SEPTEMBER 2024
![THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241977-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/ParksAndGardensWordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/THE-RUSTIC-ARCHED-GROTTO-ST-ANNES-PARK-241977-1-1422x1067.jpg "THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241977-1")
![THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241978-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/ParksAndGardensWordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/THE-RUSTIC-ARCHED-GROTTO-ST-ANNES-PARK-241978-1-1422x1067.jpg "THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241978-1")
![THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241979-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/ParksAndGardensWordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/THE-RUSTIC-ARCHED-GROTTO-ST-ANNES-PARK-241979-1-1422x1067.jpg "THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241979-1")
![THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241973-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/ParksAndGardensWordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/THE-RUSTIC-ARCHED-GROTTO-ST-ANNES-PARK-241973-1-1422x1067.jpg "THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241973-1")
![THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241974-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/ParksAndGardensWordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/THE-RUSTIC-ARCHED-GROTTO-ST-ANNES-PARK-241974-1-1422x1067.jpg "THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241974-1")
![THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241975-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/ParksAndGardensWordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/THE-RUSTIC-ARCHED-GROTTO-ST-ANNES-PARK-241975-1-1422x1067.jpg "THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241975-1")
![THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241976-1](https://excellentstreetimages.com/ParksAndGardensWordPress/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/THE-RUSTIC-ARCHED-GROTTO-ST-ANNES-PARK-241976-1-1422x1067.jpg "THE RUSTIC ARCHED GROTTO [ST ANNE'S PARK]-241976-1")
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.