Killiney Historical Society Newsletter October 2024
Welcome
One of the highlights of last month was the re-opening of our ancient church, Cill Iníon Léinín. This created a considerable amount of interest and for those of you who were unable to attend we have recorded highlights which can be viewed HERE
The site is now open to visitors. The gate is normally locked and the key may be borrowed from the Café in Killiney Dart station (A small deposit is required). Please check café opening hours before visiting. Other enquires regarding access can be emailed to killiney.ancient.church@gmail.com. Guided tours can be arranged for larger groups by making contact in advance.
‘Shifting Foundations’ a talk by David Gunning on the Big Houses of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
KHS was delighted to host this talk by David Gunning on 2nd October. David’s passion for the topic was evident and we were treated to a whistle-stop tour of all of the significant houses of the Borough, some of which have sadly not survived. David’s archival talent has unearthed a treasure trove of images including old photographs, architectural drawings, paintings, sketches, maps and many more which have not been seen before. The stories and layers of history covered in this talk brought to life a bygone era which has vanished forever. Many of the finds are very recent and it goes to prove that there is still a lot of material yet to be discovered, archived and made available to the general public. The book upon which the talk was based is a beautifully produced publication which investigates the impact Big Houses had on the local landscape from the time they were built, how they fared during the revolutionary period when so many came under attack throughout Ireland, and how they were adapted and changed for use as convents, hospitals and schools during the twentieth century. A number of houses of Dalkey and Killiney feature. We have a very limited number of copies available to purchase, price €15. Also available to purchase in Dubray Bookshop, Dun Laoghaire.
Upcoming talks and meetings for your diary
Tuesday 5th November: KHS general meeting with an open agenda to discuss various topics of interest including a review of our ‘Killiney on the Move’ historical weekend which was held in May. Any ideas, suggestions for future events, talks, research etc gladly welcomed.
Tuesday 3rd December: A talk by Peter Pearson called ‘Architectural treasures of old Killiney’. We greatly look forward to this presentation by local author, artist and historian Peter Pearson which will focus on the Killiney area. Further information to follow.
Tuesday 7th January 2025: A presentation by Billy Saunderson called ‘The Journey of researching a family history’. Billy will be using the story of his journey of discovery into the Saunderson family of County Cavan as a guide to would be family historians with plenty of tips and suggestions along the way. Further information to follow.
Rights of way
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has given notice of its intention to consider the making of a declaration that roads, footpaths, public lighting, water mains, foul sewer and surface water sewer at Marino Avenue West laneway (Marino Avenue West to Station Road), be made public.
The Marino Avenue West laneway links the residential road Marino Avenue West to Killiney Dart station on Station Road. The route is about 170m in length. Following the taking in charge process, it is intended to improve the existing surface along the route. Works will also be carried out at the junction with Station Road to improve sightlines for pedestrians.
The Taking in Charge drawing relating to this development (Drawing Number RM-TIC-01) indicates the areas to be taken in charge and the areas to remain private.
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council now invite members of the public to make objections, observations or representations in relation to the proposed taking in charge of this development from September 30th to October 25, 2024 (4 weeks). Submissions and observations can be made using the link below.
We believe that this is a very positive development for the area. It is possible to envisage this public route becoming the starting point for visitors to Killiney as part of a heritage trail from the train station up to the first important historical monument, our ancient church Cill Iníon Léinín. From there access is easily gained to the Druid’s Chair and Martello Tower Number 7.