ST ANNE’S PUBLIC PARK IN RAHENY
On Monday [15 August 2022] I was delighted to discover that the weather would be cooler so I decided visit St Anne’s Park but on arriving I was disappointed to discover the condition of the famous rose garden. I then decided to explore the wooded areas and the associated follies.
After about an hours it began to rain with an intensity that I have never seen before and I had to shelter in one of the follies [Herculanean House] for close to two hours. As my camera, which was weather resistant rather than weather proof, suffered some water damage I had to cancel my upcoming trip to Waterford.
The Roman Temple (Herculanean House) is situated near what was originally the northwestern corner of the walled garden near the house. It was a perfect replica in classical Roman style, with a courtyard and interior paved with tiles copied from a design found during the excavations of the original Herculaneum. During recent restoration wk these original courtyard mosaic tiles were unexpectedly unearthed and found to be remarkably intact and in very good condition. Works to the dome structure involved reinstating the stone parapet, reinstating the marble tiles and installing new stainless steel railings to the six bays. Works to the courtyard involved repointing and consolidating the surrounding brickwork and installing a new column at the entrance to match the existing.
