Extract from ‘Glimpses of Old Dalkey’

From Dublin Historical Record, December 1941 ‘Glimpses of Old Dalkey’ by F. M. O’Flanagan p.50

Further on this ” Old Green Road ” may be seen silhouetted above against the skyline, it can also be seen from the Vico Road, a striking granite figure of a bird about 4 feet high. This is known as the ” Eagle of Vico ” and is commonly put down as the work of Nature. Knowing that granite is too hard to weather, even after centuries, into such a shape, rather would it break off in lumps. I was sceptical and looked for another explanation. This I eventually obtained from Mr. Joe Archbold, aged over 8o years, retired world seafarer and pilot. He says that the “Eagle ” was fashioned out of a piece of granite by two brothers, Joe and Tom Cooper, stonemasons, who lived in a lodge at the back of “St. Germains,” near ” Mount Henry.” So after the lapse of over 70 years let us give them, and not Nature, the credit for this outstanding landmark.

---

Photos by Michael Hill

---