Local History

by John Keane on Dec 12th, 2024 - 11 Views

Saint Stephen’s Day and the Wren Saint Stephen’s Day, the 26th of December, was once commonly known in Ireland as Lá an Dreoilín  which means ‘Day of the Wren’ or  ‘Wren’s Day’. On this day, all over Ireland, men, usually local bachelors, called ‘Wren Boys,’ paraded through the... 

by Jack Croome on Dec 5th, 2024 - 87 Views

The History and Legacy of Brickwork in Dublin Bricks have been at the heart of construction for millennia. Their use can be traced back to around 7000 BC, with early examples discovered in areas such as southern Turkey and the ancient city of Jericho. These early bricks were made of sun-dried mud, a... 

by Aidan Crowley on Dec 5th, 2024 - 176 Views

Relic Of Times Past In Kilmainham Is Remembered In Art – In this article, Aidan Crowley discusses the history of the Orchard Shop in Kilmainham By: Aidan Crowley:  The Orchard was a small sweet shop which was located at Kilmainham Cross and stood at the junction of the South Circular Road and... 

by Patrick Ryan on Nov 26th, 2024 - 79 Views

The Politics Of Choice Patrick Ryan takes a look at how Ireland’s current voting system emerged from Britain’s attempts to control calls for independence from the crown. On Friday November, 29th voters in Ireland go to the polls in a general election to elect 174 Teachtaí Dála to form... 

by Jack Croome on Nov 19th, 2024 - 137 Views

The Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company (DADC) By the early 20th century, Dublin endured some of the harshest urban housing conditions across the United Kingdom. Slums spread throughout the city, not confined to hidden back streets but taking over once-grand Georgian homes in areas that had previously been... 

by John Keane on Nov 12th, 2024 - 105 Views

Dublin’s Pilgrim Route: Modern and Medieval Camino info office The Camino Information Office at Saint James’ Church has been open since 2015 and it issues and stamps Camino Pilgrim Passports, which cost five euro. Many Irish people start their journey on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route to... 

by John Keane on Oct 31st, 2024 - 149 Views

Dublin 8’s Medieval Knights and Pilgrims Nowadays, people embarking on their journey from Dublin to northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, whether it is with an organized tour group or travelling there independently on foot or by bicycle, can start their journey from Dublin by... 

by Jack Croome on Oct 22nd, 2024 - 179 Views

A Glimpse into the City’s Medieval Past with its Guildhalls Dublin, with its rich tapestry of history, is a city that still bears the marks of its medieval heritage at almost every corner. Among the most intriguing aspects of this history are the guildhalls that once dotted the city, serving as centres... 

by John Keane on Sep 25th, 2024 - 230 Views

Saint Michan’s Church Arson Update Dubliners were saddened to hear last June of an arson attack at Saint Michan’s Church in Church Street in  Dublin 7 in which five of the churches famous ‘mummies’ were badly damaged. The mummies had been on public view during guided tours of the Church’s... 

by Jack Croome on Sep 16th, 2024 - 256 Views

Spilling The Tea Tea drinking in Ireland has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Though tea was introduced to the country in the 1700s, it wasn’t until the 1800s that it became a widespread and popular beverage. Initially a luxury item, tea was primarily enjoyed by the upper... 

by John Healy on Sep 5th, 2024 - 290 Views

  The Coombe Portico The Coombe Memorial is the surviving portico and landmark of the original location of the Coombe Lying-In (Maternity), Hospital officially opened in 1829. It is primarily a monument dedicated to the hospital, the staff and the women who gave birth and children born there. Towards... 

by Jack Croome on Aug 9th, 2024 - 324 Views

The Echlin Building Situated on Echlin Street in Dublin 8, the Echlin Building stands somewhat as an unassuming monument to Dublin’s architectural and social history. Though relatively plan and industrial to look at this building sparks some curiously you may feel you haven’t quite seen anything... 

by Patrick Ryan on Jul 9th, 2024 - 441 Views

The Emporer and the Irish   Patrick Ryan takes a detailed look back to a visit to Dublin by a man regarded by many historians as the greatest Brazlian of all time.   For most of us Brazil inspires images of football and sun drenched beaches, but in it’s 200 year history one man puts even... 

by Patrick Ryan on Jun 26th, 2024 - 304 Views

A brace of US dueling pistols dating from about 1815 and similar to the firearm used by Daniel O’Connell in his famous duel in that year.     Dubs’ Deadly Duels – Patrick Ryan takes a look at the history of dueling and Dubliners’ love affair with the deadly method of... 

by Jack Croome on Jun 14th, 2024 - 375 Views

    The Brewer’s House at No. 10 Ardee Street No. 10 Ardee Street, also known as “The Brewer’s House”, is a historically significant building in Dublin’s Liberties district. Built around 1820, this three-story over basement structure served as the residence and office... 

by Jack Croome on May 3rd, 2024 - 445 Views

Portrait of a Famine Queen –Jack Coombe tells us the story of how the statue of Queen Victoria made her way from Dublin to Austraila If you’ve ever found yourself wandering around the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and its beautiful grounds you may have noticed on the upper terrace above the sunken... 

by Patrick Ryan on Apr 9th, 2024 - 671 Views

Handel’s Messiah. A Dublin History – Patrick Ryan looks at the history of Handel’s Messiah, one of Dublin’s most famous pieces of music. When it comes to a list of the great musical performances in Dublin some acts are nailed-on certainties. U2, Thin Lizzy, Sinead O’Connor,... 

by Jack Croome on Mar 25th, 2024 - 466 Views

Ireland’s Time Leap – Jack Coombe looks into Ireland’s turn to Greenwich What if I told you perhaps you aren’t always running late but maybe you’re just running on Dublin Mean Time? Before the late 19th century, time in Ireland was determined locally based on the timing of... 

by John Keane on Mar 11th, 2024 - 1522 Views

Understanding Dan Donnelly’s rise to fame   The Role of the Hero in Irish Folk Tradition. One powerful reason that Dan Donnelly became the folk hero that inspired Ireland was that the Irish have a deep emotional attachment to lone heroes who defend their country and its honour in single combat.... 

by Jack Croome on Feb 28th, 2024 - 1800 Views

Inchicore College: A Commanding Presence – In this article, Jack Croome tells us why he believes we are ignoring a hidden Inchicore gem Taking up a commanding presence on Emmet Road in Dublin 8, among the city’s rich tapestry of historical landmarks and modern developments lies a hidden...