Dartmouth Park

Dartmouth Square Park Management Plan August 2013 ________________________________________________________________________

1

1. Introduction 1.1. This report has been commissioned by Mr. Leslie Moore, City Parks Superintendent,

Dublin City Council. Its purpose is to research the sequence of development, determine its

historical significance, comment on its current condition and make recommendations for

the future management of Dartmouth Square as a historical city park.

1.2. The report is based on site visits carried out during December 2012, February, March

and April 2013; appraisal of the historical Ordnance Survey maps (Map Library TCD); site

maps provided by DCC Parks Service; archive searches, discovered records and

comparative researches; conversations with DCC Parks staff and two retired parks staff

who were all very helpful with their information. Drawing upon discovered information

and appraisals of the park and its features, the report makes recommendations whether

these should be retained or whether their sites could or should be better utilised to develop

new ornamental or practical features as part of a general upgrading of the park.

1.3. I thank chairperson Carmen Neary, Peter O’Brien and other residents for their

information, views and memories, gleaned in conversations and interviews.

1.4. Dartmouth Square Park, as a well-loved place at the heart of the local community has

many opportunities and few threats. Its recent ownership struggles have been overcome so

now, through partnership with the local community and united in determination for it to

survive, a very precious part of Ranelagh’s historical heritage can be given its chance to

thrive and blossom again.

‘OBEDIENTIA CIVIUM URBIS FELICITAS’


2

2. Guiding Principles 2.1. The various international charters of ICOMOS and in particular the Florence Charter

for the protection of historic parks and gardens provides guidelines for carrying out

appropriate conservation, restoration and re-instatement works; these works must be

compatible with the historic ambience of the site and be based on long experience and best

practice for historic sites worldwide.

2.2. It is recommended that all future works are based either on the layout depicted on the

OS map of 1909 which shows the original design with great clarity, or the 1987/88

landscape scheme which, despite the vicissitudes of recent years, has managed to survive

remarkably well. The recommendations for actions contained in this report should be

referenced when considering works or new planting schemes, during implementation of

any future works or on-going maintenance. This is to protect the historical ambience of

Dartmouth Square Park, the core of the Architectural Conservation Area.

General view across park towards the south-east.


3

3. Report Summary 3.1. Dartmouth Square Park is a significant historical park dating from the late

Victorian/early Edwardian period. It is located in and bounded by Dartmouth Square

North, Dartmouth Square South, Dartmouth Square East and Dartmouth Square West,

Ranelagh. It lies midway between Upper Leeson St. and Ranelagh Road. Because of its

secluded location immediately south of the Grand Canal south bank but with no direct

access from Grand Parade road it is not a widely well-known square. To passers-by and

passing traffic short-cutting from Leeson Street to Ranelagh Road it seems to be a private

space solely for the residents of Dartmouth Square, though it is actually a public park.

3.2. Its boundary is still defined by its original wrought iron railings and gates and is the

focal point of an Architectural Conservation Area comprising several terraces of houses of

contemporary date surrounding it. Its built features and veteran trees are part of a

significant historical urban designed urban landscape and most worthy of continued

conservation. It has undergone a number of changes of use over its lifetime but despite that

has managed to retain a very pleasant ambience because of its setting in a quiet leafy

suburb among beautiful houses. The mature trees, wide pleasant paths, well-placed seats,

open grassed areas and views across it all contribute to its high amenity value.

3.3. Greatly used by strollers, dog owners and guide dog trainers, joggers, child minders,

‘tai chi’ and yoga practitioners, or those purely seeking a calm pleasant space, it is not

subject to any wanton ‘wear and tear’, very much litter or vandalism and therefore retains

its genteel Victorian ambience. This is a remarkable achievement through the combined

efforts of the residents and DCC staff.

3.4. With little cost much can be achieved to bring Dartmouth Square Park to a higher

level of awareness and enjoyment. It still has its original bones; that is the handsome

wrought iron railings and granite plinth walls and its four wrought iron gate entrances, its

veteran trees and its ambient setting amongst surrounding terraces. Its pergola, and paths

need a good smartening up, the grassed areas are fine but could be better, the cherry laurel


4

should be removed to open up the central areas to better view from the paths. The

shrubbery borders need re-vitalisation and much re-planting is needed though this should

not cause obstruction of open views or too dense a vegetation canopy.

3.5. Activities such as poetry, book readings (perhaps from the writings of Lafcadio

Hearn), classical music recitals should be encouraged. More seats should be provided to

encourage more people to enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. Passive recreations such as yoga,

tai chi, grass chess and bowls should be encouraged and facilitated, provided no permanent

fixtures are required or any ‘right’ is claimed that would affect other users.

3.6. The park, though simple is elegant in design and has a number of significant features

which taken as a whole gives it its distinctive character. Its original wrought iron railings

bedded in a low granite plinth wall and its wrought iron gates with their box piers are

beautiful. The dominant built feature is the pergola and its walkway, though its associated

flower beds are gone. The trees that enclose and frame the space are a huge asset to the

park environment. The perimeter shrubbery, and its trees and shrubs, that separate the

streetscape from the park landscape form a significant part of the park’s attraction for

visitors and wildlife. The path system is wide, spacious and easy underfoot, its edges

formed with fire-clay tiles in a ‘rope top’ pattern. The seats encourage people to linger and

enjoy the tranquility and views across the greenery. What better place to be than here.

3.7. Locals who enjoy the park’s amenities and whose properties benefit from its

environment could be asked to contribute to a ‘heritage’ fund for revitalisation works.

3.8. Archaeology could be undertaken to explore the water courses and the contents of the

old dumping ground (during the 1987/88 landscaping some contents were unearthed) and

would be fascinating for visitors. The information and documentation generated from these

works would form part of a historical archive for Dartmouth Park.


5

Gate entrance sign.

Glimpse of terrace.


6

4. General Description and History 4.1. Dartmouth Square Park is on a 2 acre (0.8 hectare) rectangular site which was

originally part of the Darley Estate, and developed as a central feature of Dartmouth

Square. The Square was the last one of a series of squares laid out and built in the late 19th

and early 20th centuries in Dublin as speculative developments. Comprising two-storey

over basement terraced red-brick houses, the terraces are protected structures and the entire

area is an Architectural Conservation Area. Its architectural history and development are

well documented in Dartmouth Square and Environs Architectural Conservation Area

((ACA) (Adopted Variation No. 23 ACA Dartmouth Sq.) and available on the web.

4.2. “According to the minutes of the Rathmines Urban District Council for 1896 the

owner of the land, a Mr Darley, ‘offered the council a small piece of land as a scavenging

station (dump)’ Some years must have elapsed between the laying out of the square and

the building of the houses, and this lapse of time suggests that the dump was used to raise

the level of the low-lying ground.” Extract from DARTMOUTH SQUARE AND ENVIRONS

Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) (Adopted Variation No. 23. ACA Dartmouth Sq.).

4.3. The ground area of Dartmouth Square and its park is still low-lying in relation to the

nearby Grand Canal. The canal (construction began 1756) is on significantly higher ground

level due to the fact that the canal route was raised and embanked wherever necessary to

provide a straight and evenly levelled ground for water flow. All the surrounding ground

levels along its route were corrected to facilitate the even flow between the locks, with

each lock dropping eastwards until it reached Ringsend and sea level. This is also evident

along other stretches of the canal, for example, near Robert Emmet Bridge, Harold’s Cross

where the old ground level is considerably lower. So the ‘low-lying ground’ mentioned in

the 1896 minutes of Rathmines UDC more likely resulted from the levelling carried out by

canal engineers. Mr Darley’s piece of low-lying wet land perhaps was a left-over of that

project and then used as a dumping ground.


7

4.4. The park was developed as part of the development of the terraces surrounding it and

intended for the sole use of residents who had keys to it. Within a short number of years of

its creation it was probably already a financial burden on residents for its up-keep. Prior to

when Dublin Corporation took over the park in the late 1980’s it had been leased and used

by Loreto Hockey Club since it was founded in 1926 by Mother Bernadette IBVM and

Una Murray for the past pupils of all Loreto schools.

4.5. It was first leased to Loreto Hockey Club in 1926 as a hockey pitch for past pupils

only and then later for current pupils of Loreto College, St. Stephens Green. Hockey

continued to be played until the 1950’s when it became increasingly a burden to keep and

maintain. In the 1930’s Loreto Past Pupils Hockey Club moved to Cherryfield in

Templeogue for about a decade and subsequently to grounds behind the present

Ballyboden St. Enda’s GAA Club. When all hockey finally ceased there in the 1950’s the

park began years of slow but sure deterioration. The central cross-path had already gone,

probably to facilitate the dimensions of the hockey pitch, and gone before the OS map of

1936 was published because this edition does not record it.

4.6. For many years afterwards the park became increasingly overgrown with scrub and

volunteer saplings, the shrubbery more unkempt, the place slipping into a semi-derelict

state. Although still private and for the sole use of residents, it had become a non-descript

piece of land being used by ‘gentlemen occasionally kicking football about and urinating’.

Its future became too problematic, the cost of cleaning up and keeping it in good order too

prohibitive so things had to change and the residents decided to act to save it.

4.7. In 1987 The Residents Association approached the Lord Mayor, Mrs Carmencita

Hederman (Lord Mayor 1987-1988), and thanks to her intervention, this led to the City

Manager, Mr Frank Feely, and his office becoming involved with the local community in

solving the problem that Dartmouth Square Park had become.


8

4.8. After discussions and meetings, imaginative new plans were devised by Dublin

Corporation Parks Dept., and the Survey and Drawing Dept. produced a bound

presentation of drawings and plans for consideration by all concerned. With the blessing of

the Lord Mayor who was the driving force behind the initiative, the City Manager, Dublin

Corporation and residents agreed the plans and it was decided it would be a Dublin

Millenium Year project, one of many in 1988 and a most successful one.

Drawing of gate entrance from 1987//88 landscaping scheme. Courtesy DCC.

4.9. Meanwhile Dublin Corporation (as it was then) tried to take out a lease from the

Darley Estate to allow its Parks staff to start clean up works with the intent to open it as a

public park. The title was imperfect and the lease never finalised so under the Derelict

Sites Act the City Manager and Corporation decided to commence the clean-up anyway.

4.10. The Parks staff set about cleaning out scrub and the heavily overgrown shrubbery

borders and preparing the soil for planting. Then the new designs and planting schemes

were implemented. The new shrubs were planted in groups, in a modern planting style, to

refill the shrubbery borders; many of these were robust evergreen species that would

tolerate the wear and tear of public use. A broad cherry laurel hedge, modelled on the

‘laurel lawn’ in Palmerston Park, was planted around the grass edges to separate the path


9

system from the grassed areas. An impressive new pergola was erected, its pillars planted

with climbers and associated flower beds also planted. The paths were realigned, widened

and edged with fireclay tiles in rope effect pattern. The pergola was the architectural centre

piece, its pillars modelled on the granite and brick detailing of the adjoining house

terraces. The flower beds around it were filled with low perennials and climbing roses,

wisteria and honeysuckle planted onto its pillars.

The new Landscape Plan of 1987/88. Courtesy DCC.

The Landscape Plan with vignettes. Courtesy DCC.


10

4.11. Because the old path system had long gone a new wider path system was installed in

a strictly formal layout and aligned with the old gate entrances. The cruciform path in the

central grass area was not re-instated; instead two sets of circular beds were installed, each

segmented into four curved strips of greenery/hedging with a tree in the each centre, one of

which still survives, though it is poorly. Two areas of grass were made, one at either end of

the east side and the west side. At the east end the new path accommodated an old weeping

ash (Fraxinus excelsior ‘Pendula’) that had survived the years of dereliction. This was

done by creating a hexagonal shaped edge around its trunk and main root zone.

4.12. All of these works were designed to restore the park to a formal Victorian layout like

other historical city parks and squares. The landscaping scheme was a striking

improvement on the condition of the park left fallow after decades of hockey playing when

mowing was the priority task of any maintenance regime. The re-vitalised park became a

much used local amenity for the residents and entire local community. For the next 18

years the park was enjoyed and well looked after. When the lease expired inconclusive

talks took place between DCC and the Darley Estate but meanwhile Dublin City Council

Parks staff continued to manage it.

4.13. In 2005 information emerged that ‘years previously’ the freehold was purchased,

reputedly for €10,000 from P.J. Darley, a descendant of the square’s builder, by a

businessman. DCC would now have to buy the lease from him. Extravagant estimates were

published in newspapers on the monetary value of the site for development but the DCC

stood firm and it became a stalemate situation.

4.14. In 2006 the gates of the park were locked and then a car park began to operate from

it. Local residents blocked the locked gates to prevent this happening. In 2007 one of

companies owned by this businessman began selling tiles from the park but local residents

objected on the grounds of his having no planning permission.


11

4.15. While this ownership saga was on-going DCC commissioned a tree survey. In

September 2007 ‘A Condition Assessment of the Trees on the Grounds of ‘Dartmouth

Square’ was carried out by Felim Sheridan, Arborist Associates Ltd. This was done to

assess trees for their suitability for inclusion in a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). This has

now been implemented and all significant trees tagged and numbered.

4.16. In October 2008 tents were erected in the park and residents urged city councillors to

take action. Somebody actually living in the park raised more concerns amongst the

residents and the businessman claimed that a man living in one of the tents was his

gardener. In December some tents caught fire and a man was hospitalised.

4.17. By June 2009 a deal was agreed with the businessman, facilitated by a local resident,

to allow the park to be opened again and run as an amenity for the local community until

the end of 2009. In September that year thirty three apple and pear trees were purchased

and donated by a local resident. These were planted in a tree planting ceremony co-

ordinated by another resident. One tree subsequently died.

4.18. In December 2012 the park was sold at auction by the liquidator of Marble & Granite

Tiles Ltd. and jointly purchased for €142,000 by DCC and local residents.

4.19. Finally, in January 2013 a report was commissioned by DCC Parks Service as the

beginning of an appraisal of its current condition and opportunities for its future use.

General view across the park


12

5. Analysis of the Historical Ordnance Survey Maps 5.1. Critical to an understanding of the site is the analysis of the historical ordnance survey

maps. These date from 1836/41 onwards and are valuable resources for the evolution of a

historical site, showing with every subsequent survey or revision of previous editions

subtle or significant changes. These changes when studied can bring forth information for

the interpretation of a site and its environs.

5.2. The first edition OS map is not relevant for Dartmouth Square as building

development did not commence until 1895 or thereabouts. The 2nd and later editions of OS

maps show the gradual development of Dartmouth Square and its Park. The second

edition, surveyed in 1865 and published in 1866 is the first one to show the proposed

location of what was to become the square with the park at its centre. Therefore the 1865

OS map is the earliest relevant one to study for the site’s evolution.

5.3. OS Map Publ. 1866. Surveyed 1865. 6 inch series:-

OS Map Publ. 1866 (Surveyed 1865).


13

5.3.1. The site is shown before the park and the sites for houses were apportioned and set

out. Buildings and trees are shown within an enclosed gated area of ground in the north-

west of the area; for its access this property opens onto the south bank of the canal. To the

east some houses are shown on narrow rectangular plots while other plots are still empty.

Later this area is to become Dartmouth Square East. At this stage ‘Northumberland Street’

is shown as the street name before it is changed to Dartmouth Square South. This OS map

also shows the pre-existing field system with marked boundaries and with Northumberland

Street cutting through it.

OS map 1866 (surveyed 1865).

5.3.2. According to the ACA - “the area where Dartmouth Square now is was relatively

low-lying with two streams crossing it. A small tributary of the river Swan, which started

in the vicinity of Portobello, went eastward along the canal and on reaching Ranelagh

changed course to diagonally cross the south-west corner of the square and continue down

Leeson Street. Another mysterious stream with no name is shown meandering snake-like

along the east side of the square. As the area was low lying this may account for the fact

that it was the last area between Ranelagh and the canal to be developed.”

5.3.3. This OS map edition does not show either of these streams. There is well

documented evidence and local knowledge that these two streams existed. Perhaps by this

time they were already underground, covered over by dumping activities or diverted into


14

box drains and therefore no longer visible over-ground for the OS survey of 1865 to record

them.

5.4. OS Map Revised and Publ. 1882. (Revision of 1866). 6 inch series.

This edition shows the site still vacant and the park dimensions still in outline. No

entrances are shown and there are no trees yet planted.

west side.

east side.


15

5.5. OS Map. 2nd edition revision. 25 inch series. Publ. 1888 (surv. 1868). The 2nd edition OS map of 1888, a revision of the 1868 survey, shows the area of ground

still set out in outline for the park and terraces. Still no trees are shown on the park site

though this is not evidence of the absence of trees at that time. The housing development

was under way in 1895 so it is likely that some trees were planted by now but perhaps not

considered of significant size to record them. Trees are shown in a formal alternating

street-planting pattern to the south-east of the allocated park site on what is now shown no

longer Northumberland Street but as Dartmouth Road. The houses facing west and

previously shown on the 1866 OS map to the east of the park site are now gone, replaced

by a new terrace facing south, all fronting onto Dartmouth Road. The new back gardens

layouts are clearly visible and all have conservatories attached to the rear of the houses.

The sites for the remainder of the east side houses are still not apportioned so it is still in

the early stage of development.

OS Map 1888 (surv. 1868).


16

5.6. OS Map. 6 inch series. Publ. 1909 (surv. 1907/08).

The 1909 OS map has the most information for the site so this is the map to focus on.

OS Map 1909 (Surv. 1907/08).

5.6.1. Dartmouth Square park is now actually a long rectangular plot of land with plots for

the proposed terraces of houses shown as long narrow rectangular strips of land with

generous spaces now set out for front and back gardens. Many of the house sites show

glass conservatories attached to the houses. More than half of the entire north terrace

houses have conservatories attached and adjoining each other and all of the east side

houses also have conservatories.

5.6.2. This OS map now shows the completed original path layout, a perimeter shrubbery

border sectioned to facilitate the four entrances, trees planted both inside the park and

older ones planted outside the park on the south side, four central grass plots, the four

entrances are now shown and at the centre a ‘diamond’ shaped bed with two deciduous

trees planted close together on a north to south axis to avail of maximum sunlight.

5.6.3. The area has a central path running east to west and a wider path or walk running

north to south. The path converges at a cross junction and this arrangement divides the

area into four main central plots, the same pattern as many walled kitchen gardens of the


17

period. The perimeter path separates the grass plots from the continuous border around the

perimeter which is intended to contain trees and shrubbery. The path follows a route

parallel to the railings around the rectangular circumference of the site. The path curves at

each corner but is sharply angled to form each short section leading to each entrance.

OS Map 1909. Enlarged scale.

5.6.4. The perimeter path bounds a central area of grass which itself is subdivided by two

intersecting paths into four rectangular plots. One is on a north to south axis connecting the

north path with the south path and the other path is from east to west, effectively

subdividing the area into four rectangular plots. The north to south path is considerably

wider than the east to west path and equates to the width of the west and south borders.

This could be interpreted as the favoured main axis path but the positioning of the trees in

the diamond shaped bed, possibly to become an archway, would indicate that the east to

west path was intended to be the main axis of the park. Unlike walled gardens of the

period the south border (north facing) and the west end border are wider than the north and

east borders. The wider borders facilitate the more staggered row of trees planted inside

the park boundary and also the street trees on the south side of Dartmouth Square.

5.6.5. The 1909 OS map also shows the north and east shrubbery borders equally wide

enough to facilitate a slightly staggered row of trees as depicted. Both of these borders are


18

narrower than the west and south end borders. The south and west borders are equally

much wider and trees are shown in more obviously staggered formation. This extra width

is an interesting detail and may be explainable by the presence of a number of veteran trees

still existing today on this side of the park that probably all predate the enclosure of what

was previously open ground.

OS Map 1909.

5.6.6. Bearing in mind that surveyors didn’t always accurately record tree sites and

planting patterns it does seem that this OS 1909 edition is showing quite clearly and

accurately the trees within the park and larger ones around the environs of the square.

5.6.7. At the intersection of the two cross paths the 1909 OS map clearly shows the

curving of the grass plots to facilitate creating this bed shape. This ‘diamond’ bed contains

two deciduous trees planted on a north to south axis. This would indicate that this pair was

perhaps intended to eventually form a vegetal arch or bower. They are correctly planted on

this north to south axis for the best aspect to sunlight. It is also noteworthy that the north to

south central path is wider than it is east to west. This detail shows a well-considered and

cleverly thought out original design.


19

5.7. OS Map. 1909. 25 inch series. 1936 revision.

1909 OS Map. 1936 revision.

5.7.1. By 1936 when this edition was published several dramatic changes had occurred.

The tree population had considerably diminished and the cruciform path and ‘diamond’

shaped bed had disappeared. The number of street trees had also considerably diminished.

5.7.2. The park at this time was still private but leased to the Loreto Hockey Club (1926)

as a practice pitch. This OS map confirms that the cruciform path and diamond bed must

have been removed to facilitate this use rather than worn away by ‘wear and tear’ as this

would have left some traces. The question arises whether the path base is still surviving;

only archaeological investigation could determine if this were the case.


20

6. Significant Features – Commentary & Recommended Actions 6.1. Pergola 6.1.1. The pergola is the architectural focal point within the park but its not part of the

original design shown on the 1909 OS map, but dates from the 1987/88 landscape design.

The pergola on the design drawing 1987/88.

The pergola as it is today.


21

6.1.2. It has a dominating presence because of its scale, positioning and chunky robust

construction. The structure visually dissects the park. It is constructed on a north-south

axis with its concrete flag/banded red brick walkway connecting the north and south

boundary paths. Its roof is unpainted horizontal timber planks and some planks are

missing. Its supporting pillars are constructed from cut granite blocks with two bands of

red brick in each. Each pillar is visually linked with a red brick band in the walkway.

6.1.3. As with other pergolas of the period there were flower beds at its base running

parallel to the walkway and filled with perennials but these beds have now gone and the

bed areas grassed down leaving just scraps of plants surviving. Roses, wisteria,

honeysuckle and jasmine were planted on the pillars. All the roses have gone while the

surviving wisteria, jasmine and honeysuckle struggle along so the area is ideal for a new

planting scheme. The pergola visually dominates the park, its architectural style could be

perceived by some as overbearing but this is partly because it is so bare of plants.

the pergola today.

It is similar in fashion to many other pergolas of the early 20th century design.

6.1.4. Because this pergola is apparently structurally sound and visual inspection shows no

settlement cracks or erosion of its stonework it is not a priority for repair.


22

6.1.5. Should it deteriorate or become damaged it would be worth considering its

replacement with a new metal feature on its site, to continue to provide an architectural

focal point. Thus allowing for the re-instatement of the original design of a ‘diamond’

shaped bed at the axis of the paths, as depicted on the OS map of 1909.

Pergola Herbert Park. Courtesy DCC.

Pergola, Hever Castle, Kent.


23

6.1.6. “The pergola at Hever Castle is planted with wisteria and the well spaced overhead

beams allow sunlight to cast dappled light patterns on the paved pathway and low

perennials are planted between the piers on the left hand side. Wisteria is a deciduous

climber so its autumn tints adds seasonal colour; its bare winter boughs allow snow to fall

safely though to ground level, reducing the threat of snow lodging on it to any great

extent.” Extract from Herbert Park Report, Finola Reid, March 2011

6.1.7. Unfortunately wisteria does not perform as well here as it does in the south of

England, no matter what gardening books say. It is rare to see wisteria flowering well

unless it is on a very sheltered hot wall .The wisteria on the pergola in Dartmouth Square

Park is a poor advertisement for itself and should be removed.

6.1.8. The pergola is a centrepiece that has been there since 1988 and is greatly used by

visitors. It would be far more costly to remove it than simply clean and repair it and then

re-plant it. The Plans and Drawings dating from the 1986/87 are archived and can be used

for reference so it would be straight forward to repair timbers and replant its pillars.

6.1.9. Actions • Repair the pergola roof by replacing missing or broken timber beams as necessary

• Do not paint the timbers but continue to keep them in natural wood finish

• Power-hose the walkway to remove debris and grime from flags and bricks

• Clean and re-paint the garden seats in a more cheerful colour – eg. peacock blue

• Clear out old straggling plants that are still around the pillar bases

• Carry out remedial pruning on climbers and train them to grow onto the roof timbers

• Consider planting a selection of repeat flowering, scented, climbing roses on the pillars

• Re-instate the associated flower beds, according to their original layout and dimensions

• Design new planting schemes for the flower beds:

A) Use choice hardy perennials that don’t require staking or constant dead-heading.

Varieties and cultivars of hardy geraniums, dierama, dianella, agapanthus, iris,

lavender, old shrub roses such as ‘Perle D’Or’ or ‘Cecile Brunner’ would provide

constant enlivenment or


24

B) Use seasonal bedding schemes in traditional park planting style - red flowered

pelargoniums, heliotrope, coleus, antirrhinums, pansies, kochia, tobacco, cosmos, etc.

• Consider using dwarf boxwood edging to the flower beds to form a strong vegetal

counterpoint to the dominance of the structure.

6.2. Trees 6.2.1 It is evident from the historical O.S. map of 1909 (surveyed 1907/08) that trees were

planted as slightly staggered rows on the north, south and west perimeter boundary

borders, with a tendency towards some having been planted as pairs. The limes at either

side of the north entrance gate and south entrance gate are matching pairs.

Matching Lime trees (Tilia x europaea).

6.2.2. The east boundary has a straighter row of trees in a somewhat narrower border. The

south boundary shows a definitely more staggered row in a wider border. This current site


25

survey has found that some visibly older veteran trees are still thriving in the south

boundary border. These much older trees are possibly survivors of the old field system that

predates the setting out and enclosing of the park, already in progress by the time of

publication of the OS map of 1888 (survey 1868).

6.2.3. One tree in particular on the south boundary pressing right against the railing is an

old parkland tree that once had many low lateral branches. These have been severely

pruned off completely to encourage more verticality of habit, a regrettably bad way of

pruning a veteran tree. It may be a tree that was already growing in the open field system

before the park was enclosed. Another tree close-by has engulfed the railing support rod

and it too appears to be of an earlier date than the park.

6.2.4. Other trees outside the park railings on this south side are also older than those

within the park. One huge lime at the junction of Cambridge Terrace with Dartmouth


26

Square South seems to be considerably older than any limes within the park. This is

certainly evidence that older trees were there before the park area was enclosed, though the

1866 and 1888 O.S. maps don’t record the existence of any trees. It could be speculated

that the more pronounced staggered row pattern and deeper border on the south boundary

was to enable the planting of new trees alongside older trees of considerable size and good

quality already there taking up space. It would be useful if future tree assessments included

trees growing outside the park so their girths could be compared with those inside the park.

6.2.5. Most of the original trees still thrive in the perimeter shrub borders though elms

have disappeared because Dutch Elm Disease would have ravaged this park, like so many

other parks and gardens during the 1970’s and 80’s. There is a group of elm saplings

growing on the north border close to the gate; these are spontaneous suckers from an old

stump.

6.2.6. Other diseases are now as big a threat to the surviving trees as elm disease. It is

evident now that two trees on the south side are suffering from sap oozing out from their

main trunks. This may be bacterial infection. Both trees were subjected to severe pruning

of main limbs in the past and cavities are visible at these pruning-wound sites. This must

be a recent outbreak as it was not recorded in the 2007 tree condition survey. To determine

exactly what is causing this ooze would require an arboricultural inspection.


27

Ooze noticeable on several trees.


28

Weeping Ash.

6.2.7. There is a Weeping Ash tree at the east entrance. This is a double-grafted specimen

and though gnarled (and with some ‘reversion’ on it that should be pruned to prevent it

becoming dominant) it should be conserved.

6.2.8. Actions

• Carry out a review of the 2007 Tree Assessment to determine current disease status

• Update tree assessment tags; many are twisted, damaged and difficult to read

• Carry out essential surgery or removal of trees that are sources of infection or

causing pressure on more desirable species

• Remove volunteer saplings that may cause damage to the railings, stays and plinths

• Remove several eucalyptus, holly seedlings, one Cupressus x leylandii and all

scrappy shrubs to generate space for new good quality trees, shrubs and perennials

• Remove stumps by root grinding to create spaces for re-planting these sites.


29

6.3. Shrubs & Perennials 6.3.1. Many of the shrubs and perennials planted in the shrubbery borders as part of the

1987/88 planting scheme still survive though others have died out or were removed in a

recent clean-up of the park initiated by the residents. The 1987/88 landscaping scheme

involved planting groups of shrubs of the same genus/cultivar together to form large

blocks of greenery, a landscaping style not suited to a Victorian park. A great emphasis

was placed on evergreen species like buxus, olearia, ligustrum, euonymus, viburnum,

escallonia and other robust genera that could compete with the dry ground conditions and

shade created by the mature trees. The four perimeter shrubbery borders still contain a

collection of shrubs but most have become scraggy and tired from competing with trees.

North border shrubbery from west end.

6.3.2. There is a case to be made for a complete overhaul of the perimeter shrubbery

borders and a more traditional planting pattern implemented. This would entail selectively

removing all poorly, miss-shaped specimens and preparing the ground for planting new

flowering shrubs and low growing perennials under the mature trees. Using only the

choicest selection of flowering shrubs and perennials a sympathetic new scheme of

snowdrops, scented narcissus, native bluebells, species crocus, lily of the valley, spring

and autumn cyclamen, Algerian iris, brunnera, omphalodes, ophiopogon, polygonatum,

anemone, and many others, would quickly carpet the ground between the now more widely

spaced individual specimen shrubs.


30

6.3.3. The clean out of old shrubs and the carefully thought out wider spacing of new

shrubs would ensure no area would become dense with vegetation in the decades ahead.

The use of species that do not need annual pruning would alleviate pressure on staff time

input. Species that flower and produce berries, fruits or seeds would increase the

biodiversity of the park, encouraging wildlife and birds. The use of ground-hugging

perennials would be a good substitute for the present layer of thick common ivy which

constantly creeps onto the tree trunks and becomes a tedious maintenance problem. It also

harbours dog excrement and discarded bottles, cans and litter so it cannot be pleasant for

staff to deal with. New attractive plantings would encourage a greater respect for the park.

6.3.4. Unwanted scrub, feral saplings, and weed vegetation has colonised the shrubberies

and various bed areas, engulfing many specimens. This vegetation must be carefully

removed to allow surviving, struggling plants to recover. Where plants have died out and

gaps have occurred these should be filled with appropriate new shrubs to enable the true

character and variety of the original planting scheme to be restored. More recently planted

shrubs should be assessed as to their suitability and compatibility with the original design

and if considered inappropriate then removed.

6.3.5. The residents recently planted a selection of spring flowering bulbs, daffodils, etc.

and these are filling the gaps well. However without a balanced structure to the plantings

of flowering deciduous and evergreen shrubs and hardy low growing perennials in clumps

– epimediums, polygonatum, ferns, brunnera, omphalodes, dianella, ophiopogon, comfrey,

etc. these spaces will seem empty all summer long when the daffodil foliage dies back.

6.3.6. Actions

• Re-visit the 1987/88 planting list as a basis for generating a new planting scheme

• Clear out all straggly shrubs, eucalyptus, holly seedlings and ivy

• Clear out old stumps except a few large ones to be left as larders for wildlife

• Carry out remedial work to the soil, adding fresh earth, compost and nutrients


31

• Design new planting schemes for each section of the perimeter border

• Plant thematically in different areas according to aspect, light and shade, moisture,

etc. so a wider variety of plants can be used to suit each location

• Use shrubs that are floriferous, produce fruits, berries and seeds and require a

minimum of pruning; the well tried and reliable old varieties and cultivars are best

• Choose a wide variety of hardy perennials that form clumps so the ground space

between shrubs gets blanketed in drifts of different foliage and flowers

• As part of the planting scheme consider planting high merit specimen shrubs that

commemorate local famous people – ‘local worthies’.

north border shrubbery east end.


32

6.4. Cherry Laurel 6.4.1. The formidable cherry laurel hedge is planted around the edges of the perimeter path

system separating it from the central grassed area. The cherry laurel forms such a solid

barrier along the path that people are confined to the path or the central grassed area and

have to enter and exit via the pergola walk or through one of the six exits cut in the hedge.

6.4.2. It is part of the 1987 planting design and instead of a single row or staggered double

row it was planted approximately three metres wide, with the effect of being a ‘laurel

lawn’ as seen in old and well managed woodlands. It was inspired by the laurel lawn in

Palmerston Park. However it is a feature that is taking up a lot of space that might be better

utilized and easier managed.

6.4.3. Presently it is cut by machinery under a landscape contract. If it were removed and

the space it occupies renovated then the grassed area would be widened by three metres on

all sides.

6.4.4. With the widening of the grass area the re-instatement of the original east to west

path could be considered and circulation would greatly improve for visitors.

6.4.5. A series of narrow beds for old shrub roses and flowers could be developed along

the perimeter path edges and the effect would be dramatically improved.

Cherry Laurel hedge


33

6.4.6. Actions

• Remove cherry laurel hedge entirely

• Carry out remedial work to the cherry laurel site, raising fertility with nutrients

• Design a series of new beds to replace the cherry laurel along the path route

• Consider installing a series of narrow rectangular rose beds along the perimeter

path to enable the planting of carefully selected repeat flowering old shrub roses

• Consider placing memorial plaques, one in each bed, to commemorate a local

worthy – of which there are many who lived in and around Dartmouth Square.

View across the formidable Cherry Laurel hedge.


34

6.5. Grassed Areas 6.5.1. The grassed areas are well used spaces so they should continue to accommodate

passive recreation. The openness of the grassed areas allows sky and clouds to be part of

the enjoyment of the park. The areas give a great breadth of view across to the houses,

gently screened by the trees.

6.5.2. A solitary poorly beech tree with damaged bark is in the west central plot, a survivor

from the 1987/88 planting scheme. It should be removed as it will never become a fine

veteran tree, even if it did manage to overcome its wound it would block a considerable

sunlight; either way it should go.

Damaged beech. A remnant of the 1987/88 landscaping scheme.


35

Sodden grass area.

6.5.3. A small area of grass close to the cherry laurel hedge on the south east side of the

park is continuously sodden. This may be a manifestation of water oozing up from the old

streams courses and/or collapsed box drains. Its relatively recent and should be checked.

Owing to the earlier history of the site as low-lying ground and a dumping site, and as

good practice anyway, the park development works probably included the installation of a

series of ‘herringbone’ box drains to ensure the park never flooded. Careful investigation,

hand digging around the spot might reveal more information. If water is seeping through

its source needs to be established in case it is coming from blocked box drains or a

domestic source and could be a hazard.

6.5.4. The set of two circular beds in the grass areas on the 1987/88 design should not be

re-instated as this would limit the use of the space for playing and relaxing in and it would

add greatly to the amount of maintenance needed to keep such beds in good order,

especially if they are in the ‘line of fire’ for ball playing.

6.5.5. Actions

• Keep the grassed areas in continued good trim

• Investigate the sodden area for blocked drains

• Consider using part of one section as a horizontal maze for small children to enjoy

• If the cherry laurel is retained consider placing seats inside the area at spaced

intervals to allow adults enjoy the area while keeping an eye on small children.


36

View towards north-east.

View towards south west.


37

6.6. Fruit Trees 6.6.1. There are fruit trees that were planted in the park four years ago. Thirty three were

purchased in the autumn of 2009 (Tully’s Nurseries, Co. Dublin) by a generous donor and

planted in short rows at either end of the grass areas. At the east end one tree died and has

gone. There are 16 pear trees and 16 apple trees still growing but four years on from

planting their growth has not been as good as it should. Competition for nutrients with the

grass sward, and cherry laurel and shading from the trees has stunted their development.

6.6.2. Fruit trees need a good open aspect well away from shade cast of trees and

competition from hedges and should be kept free of thick grass. They are grafted onto

‘medium rootstocks’ which limits their vigour and better suited to a small garden than a

large park. However if they were transplanted into beds where there is no competition

from grass they could make better growth. Mowing around them wastes precious time and

inevitably there is mechanical damage from time to time. Also there is petty vandalism

with branches being broken so transplanting into beds would give them a better chance. to

thrive.

fruit trees in poor condition.

6.6.3. One of the varieties, ‘Golden Delicious’, does not fruit reliably in Irish weather

conditions .It is well known and looks good on supermarket shelves; always asked for and

readily on sale in garden centres and nurseries. Nevertheless it should be replaced with

reliable varieties like ‘Discovery’ or ‘Katya’ that do crop better. The pear trees are more

vigorous in habit than the apples and will continue to grow vertically and get very tall so

pruning needs to be very carefully carried out or they will be disappointing croppers.


38

6.6.4. The suggested new beds on the site of the cherry laurel hedge could accommodate

the fruit trees to free them from the constraints of their present sites. The planting of roses

and these fruit trees is a compatible combination in path borders would hark back to

traditional planting patterns of walled kitchen gardens.

6.6.5. There is scope for planting a wider selection of fruit trees and bushes in properly laid

out beds/borders. Quince (Cydonia oblonga), black mulberry (Morus nigra), myrtle

(Myrtus ugni), damsons, sloes, elderberries, redcurrants, white-currants, blackcurrants,

gooseberries would all do well here with little effort. Finicky fruits that require a lot of

care should not be used. Raspberries, loganberries, etc. need training on wires and are

better suited to allotments or back gardens so these or strawberries, should not be

considered.

6.6.6. The more robust herbs like rosemary, fennel and lovage could also be planted.

6.6.7. Actions

• Re-plant the fruit trees into suggested new borders along the path system

• If decided not to transplant them then the grass should be cut in a wide circle

around each to allow for better growth

• Mulch and feed them annually with a balanced fruit fertiliser until they get strong

• Carry out judicious seasonal pruning to train them into better shape.


39

6.7. Path System 6.7.1. The path system has been thoroughly discussed in the section dealing with the OS

maps analysis. The perimeter path is in four sections with each gate entrance creating this

separation. The path surface is finished and dressed with fine limestone quarry dust/grit

and is comfortable underfoot. Limestone is dull grey and when it gets mucky with spillage

form the borders and leaf fall it becomes unattractive and sloppy. The path system is kept

in reasonable good condition with fresh grit applied where pooling occurs after heavy rain.

Some stretches are muddy underfoot and this is inevitable after the recent bad weather.

Autumn leaf fall also contributes its share of debris onto the path surfaces.

The present path.

6.7.2. To make a really positive impact the path surfaces could be scraped off and a layer

of Ballylusk crushed gravel applied, then cambered and rolled to firm it. This would create

a better visual effect. Cambering also helps cast water to the edges to drain into shrubbery

and reduces the pooling.


40

6.7.3. Ballylusk is honey-coloured sandstone and would blend well with the rope tile

edgings and enliven the whole park. It is also firm when rolled and easy to walk on for

visitors with less mobility. It shows up dirty patches and soil spillage quicker so these can

be cleaned off before they get muddy.

Walled garden path, Killruddery

6.7.4. Actions

• Continue to keep paths to the present standard, repairing worn spots as needed

• Consider replacing path surfaces with sand coloured material such as Ballylusk

• Camber the new surfaces so water is cast towards the edges.


41

6.8. Fire-Clay ‘Rope’ Edgings 6.8.1. The paths are edged with fire-clay tiles with a rope effect top which is a typical

Victorian pattern still seen in many of our Victorian and Edwardian gardens. These rope

edges are fresh looking with very little weathering, supplied by Flemings, Kingscourt, Co.

Cavan and newly installed during the 1987 works. They are attractive and functional so

should be kept as part of any improvements. There is damage to some tiles where mowing

has broken the tops and also some lamination from recent bad winters. Replacements are

still available so the little amount of damage can be repaired.

6.8.2. Actions

• Replace any damaged tiles where damage has occurred. Matching old tiles can be

sourced in salvage yards

• Avoid further damage when mowing by cutting a strip off the grass to allow a gap

Damaged edging Edging around the Weeping Ash.


42

6.9. Seats 6.9.1. Seats are positioned at intervals around the paths and six are under the pergola so

people can gather as a group if they wish.

6.9.2. The seats are reproductions of a traditional Victorian style, with painted timbers

bolted to metal end frames. There are two patterns, both equally appropriate for the park.

All seats need some cleaning, some need repairs and all would benefit from a new coat of

paint in a cheerful colour that would enliven the spots they occupy.

6.9.3. The seats are placed on the north and south end paths with another two sets of three

in the central section of the pergola. They look like traditional Victorian seats but are cast

metal reproductions installed in 1987/88. One has a date stamp of 1980 on its metal frame.

One of them is damaged and needs repair. They were last painted in 2009 by the residents

association and need freshening up again, perhaps with a more cheerful colour.

6.9.4. Actions

• Repair and paint seats in a cheerful Victorian period style colour – not black or

green but a more lively colour, perhaps a ‘peacock’ blue, royal blue or even red

• Consider providing more seats at spaced intervals on all the paths

• Continue to use the same style of seats so purchase matching ones if possible


43

• Consider using seats as memorials to local worthies, literary, artistic figures who

lived in the Ranelagh area and whose memory can thus be simply commemorated

• Record these ‘local worthies’ by the use of simple metal plaques on the seat backs

• Seek a number of sponsors to help purchase seats and plaques for this purpose.

a vandalised seat under the pergola.


44

6.10. Gate Entrances & Railings 6.10.1. The park has four entrances, one on each side of the park. The north entrance is

framed by a pair of lime trees as is the south entrance. The east entrance has an old

‘Weeping Ash’ set into the pathway. The west entrance has veteran sycamores.

6.10.2. Of the four gates three are open daily, though kept shut over to deter stray dogs, the

south entrance is kept locked as this is the busiest traffic side, so children and pets would

be more vulnerable if they ran out this gate.

6.10.3. The gates and railings are original to the park design, made of wrought iron in a

neo-gothic pattern and painted black. They are the same pattern as those made by Messrs

M’Gloughlin, Dublin, for Harold’s Cross Park and Palmerston Park (both 1894).

6.10.4. The railings are bedded with lead into a low granite plinth wall and supported by

wrought iron support rods or stays. A number of the stays are now embedded into tree

trunks as the trees increase in girth and engulf them. At some places the trees are planted

too close to the railings so they are pushing the railings off vertical plane and causing

pressure cracks in the low plinth wall. This is a problem not easily solved without

sacrificing either the railings or the trees. As in many old sites, vegetation and architecture

compete for space. The park railings and plinths under threat from some of the veteran

trees need to be monitored and remedial work done before this becomes a safety issue.


45

6.10.5. As part of an ACA the park gates and railings may take precedence over the

vegetation threatening them. Published guidelines for the care and conservation of

historical graveyards are not dissimilar and would provide information on management of

vegetation in conflict with the railings.

6.10.6. Actions

• Assess what trees are at risk and where railings and plinths are at risk

• Remove carefully all volunteer saplings growing too close to the railings

• Carry out annual inspection and cull any new saplings that pose a threat

• Monitor regularly the veteran trees that are putting pressure on railings and plinths

• Repair gates, railings and plinths as needed using traditional methods and materials

• Continue to paint railings in a plain matt colour rather than high gloss paint.

Box Pier at Gate Entrance.


46

6.11. Signs and labels 6.11.1. Currently signs are affixed to the gates otherwise there are none in the park. It

would be useful if information boards were installed so visitors could learn about the

history and architecture of the square and about the trees and vegetation.

6.11.2. The trees were all surveyed in 2007 and given numbered metal tags to tally with

that inventory. For visitors information and enjoyment it would be useful to label the prime

specimens with common and botanical names, family, wild origin, height, girth, seasonal

values, etc.

6.11.3. Actions

• Discreetly label prime specimens of trees and shrubs to generate more interest

• Provide all information/bye-law signage in an attractive period style display board

• Avoid clutter by using carefully chosen positions for all notices, signs and labels

• Affix signs to all gates (which are kept shut) to indicate opening/closing times.

Tagged tree.


47

6.12. Health and Safety 6.12.1. Visibility is one of the most important issues for public safety in public open

spaces. Being seen is important and not having to pass by dense, overhanging or tall

vegetation that can cause fear and reluctance to use public spaces. Dartmouth Square Park

does not have a problem with dense vegetation and is not a fearful place, though it is often

a very quiet spot to be when on one’s own. The north side greenery is somewhat thicker

than elsewhere and some thinning out and new planting would be beneficial. Generally the

park has good open views in all directions and it is a noticeably sunny and sheltered spot

despite the tall trees surrounding it. The trees themselves were well spaced when first

planted and have been recently pruned so good views are still afforded onto the terraces in

a most pleasing framing of their architecture. Any new planting scheme should reflect the

need to continue the sense of openness and visibility of the site.

6.12.2. The seats are well placed along the paths so people are visible from quite far off.

The seats under the pergola are set out in two groups of three so companionable

conversations can be struck up with strangers without being at too close quarters.

6.12.3. The formidable cherry laurel hedge forms such a solid barrier along the path that

people are either confined to the path or to the central grassed area. Having to enter and

exit via the pergola walkway or through one of the six exits cut in the hedge controls

circulation so people sitting on the path seats can clearly see others approaching.

6.12.4. The worst problem is dog fouling and excrement which is regularly encountered,

particularly at the east end grass area and throughout the perimeter shrubbery. Dogs are

often let off leads as they enter the park but despite that most owners are well behaved and

responsible. I witnessed one owner letting his dog race back and forth along the full length

of the path and dash into the shrubbery at terrific speed – this has caused a regular worn

track through the vegetation at either end of the south side. Young children could be

frightened or knocked over as animals dash along, but, discarded broken bottles and cans

pose a great risk too.


48

6.12.5. Litter is minimal, randomly discarded cans and bottles are thrown into the greenery

or stuck onto the railings but it all seems to be a small problem.

6.12.6. There are key holders among the residents who voluntarily keep an eye out and

open and lock the gates. This is a good example of community partnership between the

residents and the DCC as it engages the local community in keeping an eye out for litter,

petty vandalism or any suspected unsavoury activity.

East end of park – gate and railings used to dispose of drink cans.


49

6.13. Owners & their Dogs 6.13.1. The park is well used by dog owners to exercise their pets. There is a group of

owners who meet regularly to train guide dogs and this is a most welcome activity as it

probably has some beneficial effect on other owners with more boisterous animals. It

would be mutually helpful if the guide dog trainers were encouraged to do obedience

classes with other owners and their dogs on a weekly basis, even for 30 minutes, to raise

awareness of their work and receive voluntary donations for time well spent. This might be

more effective strategy than haranguing a few dog owners with signage about dogs being

kept on leads. ‘Well behaved owners and dogs are Welcome’ perhaps is the message.

6.13.2. Actions

• Encourage dog owners to use the park responsibly as this will increase everybody’s

enjoyment of the area

• Encourage dog owners to stop using the shrubbery borders to dispose of excrement

• Place a Bye-law Notice at each gate about dog soiling/health issues, dogs on leads

and under proper control, and the welcome there is for owners who do behave well

• Agree an initiative with the Residents Association so the few who are letting dogs

‘run wild’ are encouraged rather than challenged to control their pets better

• Encourage the use of the park for regular weekly or monthly ‘guide’ dogs training

sessions that would encourage others to teach their pets similar skills.

unleashed dog.


50

6.14. Litter Bins 6.14.1 Litter is minimal, randomly discarded cans, bottles and paper wrappings thrown

into the cherry laurel, shrubbery or stuck onto railings is generally a small problem

compared to other public parks. The staff and residents are vigilant about fly tipping and

petty littering.

6.14.2. Actions

• Consider eliminating litter bins; those who do litter won’t use them, those who

don’t litter will walk to a nearby one outside the park or take their litter with them.

Robust litter bin.


51

6.15. Wildlife & Birds 6.15.1. Wildlife and birds in Dartmouth Square have good opportunities for habitat. The

maturity and height of the trees, the nearby canal, the relative quiet and safety of the area

and the sheltered aspect of the park landscape must encourage many wild creatures.

Fieldfares, blackbirds, thrushes, robins and starlings all browse the ground. There are

probably tree creepers in the area as they prefer tall trees with fissured bark to browse;

long tailed tits which are in the area prefer tall conifers as roosts but will populate tall

deciduous trees as well. The population of beneficial insects, bees, butterflies wasps,

hoverflies must be relatively high given that the trees and canal and large mature gardens

offer them wide opportunities. The opportunity to encourage a more diverse range of bird

species can be greatly increased by planting of species that encourage birds.

6.15.2. With so many trees a bird survey and a bat survey would be useful for conservation

purposes. Determining the species that are present would add to the park’s biodiversity.

6.15.3. Urban foxes should be encouraged as they control the rodent population that the

canal attracts.

6.15.4. Actions

• Carry out a bird and bat survey to determine their populations in the park

• Encourage foxes to inhabit the park as a discouragement to rodents

• When replanting the shrubbery and borders - use beneficial plants that produce

nectar, fruits, berries and nuts to attract birds, red squirrels and beneficial wildlife

• Increase the number of fruit trees and plant fruit bushes to attract more wildlife

• Leave old dead stumps and large dead limbs as ‘larders’ for beetles, weevils,

centipedes, woodlice, snails, slugs and other small creatures to inhabit and feed off

• Utilise autumn leaf fall as a natural resource by recycling it into shrubbery borders

• Allow some of the limes to retain their ‘skirts’ to encourage small creatures

• Place suitable nesting boxes, bat boxes, roosts, etc., in the taller trees

• Provide an information board so birds and wildlife can be better appreciated.


52

6.16. Cats 6.16.1. Birds and small creatures are at risk if cats are roaming. So the cats, if they are feral

and ownerless, that are seen prowling around the park should be humanely trapped and

neutered to limit their population. Pet cats should also be neutered and kept indoors at

night. Cats with bell-collars will deter them from hunting the birds on the grass areas.

6.16.2. Actions

• Seek the advice of a cat charity to help limit and control the feral cat population

• Provide an information board so birds and wildlife can be better appreciated.


53

7. Chronology of the Park Land where the park and square are now located was initially in the ownership of the Rt.

Hon. Luke Gardiner (1745-98) and bought by the Darley Estate for the purpose of

developing it for residential use. Development of the square began shortly before 1865.

1866 OS map shows the site as a field with buildings in enclosed area to the north east.

Water is not evident on this map though other sources say two streams are here.

1882 OS map shows outlines of proposed new square and park with houses on east side.

1888 OS map shows corrected outline of the park, now with a gate entrance on the north

side. This map shows the park dimensions are not quite finalised.

1895/6 Development of the square starts with house Nos. 1 to 17 on the western side ready

for occupation in 1897. At this time it is called Uxbridge Terrace. The park is

solely for the use of residents with each house having its own key. There is no

indication that there are any other gates other than the one shown on the north side.

1897 The development of the park itself is now well under way. The period for its

development is from 1895, when the first terrace was started, to shortly before

1907/08 when the survey for the 1909 OS map was carried out, and that survey

records the full layout. The park can thus be dated to between 1895 and 1907.

1909 OS map shows the park plan with four gates, trees, a perimeter border and path

running around all sides and a cruciform path through the centre with a ‘diamond’

bed at the centre point of this path.

1926 The Loreto Schools Hockey Club is founded by Mother Bernadette IBVM and Una

Murray for past pupils. The park is leased from the Darley Estate for use as its


54

hockey pitch. Hockey is played there until the club moves to Cherryfield,

Templeogue, in the 1930’s and to another site in Templeogue in the 1940’s.

1936 OS map shows the park without its central bed and cruciform path. The likely

reason for the disappearance of the cruciform path and diamond bed is its use for

hockey. This indicates that the path was purposely removed. This edition also

shows a considerable reduction in the tree population in the perimeter border from

59 to only 24 trees and even less street trees than the previous OS map recorded.

1930’s - 1950’s there is a gap in the information. Differing accounts say that hockey

ceased in the 1930’s and other accounts say it continued until the 1950’s.

Loreto Archive and the Hockey Club are checking on the truth of these dates.

1950 - 1980’s The condition of the park deteriorates and residents consider their options.

1987 The residents approach the Lord Mayor who becomes the driving force for change

and the City Manager makes it a Dublin Millenium project.

Dublin City Parks devises a landscaping scheme to return it to a Victorian park.

Dublin City Council offers to buy the land but enters into a ten year lease instead

and begins its landscape renewal scheme and opens it as a public park.

The Dartmouth Square Park landscape renewal scheme is implemented. Entrances,

shrubbery borders remain unchanged but perimeter paths are widened and slightly

changed and a new Pergola Walk made on route of the old path connecting the

north gate to the south gate.

1988 Dublin’s Millenium Year sees the completion of the works.


55

1997 When the lease expires inconclusive talks take place between DCC and the Darley

Estate. Dublin City Council continues to manage it.

2005 The information emerges that ‘years previously’ the freehold was purchased,

reputedly for €10,000 from P.J. Darley, a descendant of the square’s builder, by a

businessman.

2006 Businessman locks the gates of the park and begins to operate a car park from it.

Local residents block the locked gates to prevent this happening.

2007 Businessman begins selling tiles from the park but local residents object on the

grounds of his having no planning permission.

2007 September. A Condition Assessment of the Trees on the Grounds of ‘Dartmouth

Square’ is carried out by Felim Sheridan, Arborist Associates Ltd for DCC, to

assess trees for suitability for inclusion in a TPO (tree preservation order).

2008 October. Tents are erected in the park and residents urge city councillors to take

action. A man apparently living in one of the tents is reported to be a gardener.

December. Tents catch fire and a man is hospitalised.

2009 June. A deal is agreed between a local resident and businessman to run the park as

an amenity for the local community until the end of 2009.

September. 33 apple and pear fruit trees purchased, donated and planted in a tree

planting ceremony co-ordinated by a local resident. One subsequently dies.

2012 December. Park sold at auction by the liquidator of Marble & Granite Tiles Ltd.

Park is jointly purchased for €142,000 by DCC and local residents.

2013 January. Report commissioned by DCC Parks and Landscape Services Division.


56

8. Some noteworthy figures who have lived on Dartmouth Square

No. 7 Dartmouth Square. Luke Kelly, of The Dubliners traditional ballad group.

No. 23 Dartmouth Square. 1923 – 1930. Alfred (Alfie) Byrne. Lord Mayor of Dublin

from 1930 to 1939 and from 1954 to1955.

No. 51 Dartmouth Square. 1921 – 1927. Frank Duff, founder of the Legion of Mary.

No. 55 Dartmouth Square. Joseph Michael O’Byrne SC, 1916 veteran, Bolands Mills and

Registrar of Deeds, Land Registry Office, Dublin.

No. 57 Dartmouth Square. 1944. Paul Durcan, the poet, was born in this house.

No. 61 Dartmouth Square. 1930’s. Micheal MacLiammoir & Hilton Edwards, Theatre duo.

No. 62 Dartmouth Square. Thomas Lopdell O’Shaughnessy, Recorder for Dublin.

In the 1950’s Power O’Mara, Globe Theatre Company and eldest son of opera

singer Joseph O’Mara lived here.

No. ? Dartmouth Square. Date unknown. Barry Fitzgerald (William Joseph Shields),

Actor, Abbey Theatre from 1916 - 1920 and an Oscar winning actor.

No. ? Donagh MacDonagh (1912-1968). Son of Thomas MacDonagh, Irish Patriot 1916.

A poet, playwright and short story writer lived on Dartmouth Square for a time.

No. ? Professor Kevin B. Nowlan. Conservation Supremo. Veteran of many battles to

save Dublin’s historic fabric and historical places.


57

9. Lafcadio Hearn – a brief biography

9.1. Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo). Born 27th June 1850. Died 26th Sept. 1904 in

Japan.

9.2. Born in Lefkada a small village in Greece, to a local girl, Rosa Antonia Cassimati, of

the Greek Orthodox faith and an Irishman, Charles Bush Hearn, when he was serving as a

military surgeon there in the 76th Foot Regiment, British Army. Lafcadio, named after

Lefkada, as a very young child was sent home to Dublin with his mother when his father

went to the West Indies. They first stayed with an aunt, Elizabeth Holmes Hearn, in 48

Lower Gardiner Street, also at 73 Upper Leeson Street and then he was moved to 21

Leinster Square, off Lower Rathmines Road, to stay with another aunt, Mrs Sarah

Brenane, younger sister of Elizabeth Holmes Hearn. His father returned in 1853, the

marriage had broken up, his mother departed for Greece and she never saw her son again.

His father afterwards invalidated the marriage and re-married, abandoned Lafcadio, aged

seven, leaving him with his sister. She adopted him and, as a convert herself, raised him as

a Catholic. Lafcadio never saw his father again.

9.3. His early education was in Dublin before being sent to school in England. He lost the

sight of his left eye in an accident playing a school game. He later attended a Jesuit college

in France but gave up his studies. Meantime his aunt became bankrupt, her financial

advisor haing mismanaged her money. Lafcadio was brought back to Dublin, given a ticket

to sail to New York, where he arrived penniless. He worked at various jobs, ending up in

Cincinnati as a crime reporter, then a politics reporter in New Orleans, becoming a literary

editor there. He then went to Martinique, West Indies and wrote two books.

9.4. In 1890, aged 40, he went to Japan and within a year he had married a twenty-two

year old Japanese girl, Setsuko Koizumi, and became a Japanese citizen, taking her

family’s surname of Koizumi. They had a happy marriage, three sons, and he earned his


58

living writing and teaching. From 1896-1903 he lectured at the Imperial University in

Tokyo and later University of Waseda.

9.5. He wrote a great number of books on Japan and Japanese subjects, ghost stories, fairy

tales and folklore. His books are still widely read and on the school curriculum in Japan.

He is hugely well known, respected and commemorated there, all Japanese schoolchildren

know his work while he is almost unheard of in Ireland. In Tramore, Co. Waterford where

he spent many summer holidays with his aunt, the town council has recently began a

project to develop a Japanese garden in his memory. Dartmouth Square Park wasn’t even

built when he sailed to New York but perhaps he still could be given greater recognition

here, near to where he lived. A selection or a small grove of Japanese native plants with an

extract from ‘A Dream of a Summer Day’, in which he uses a theme used by W.B. Yeats in

his poem, ‘The Wanderings of Oisin’ might trigger more interest in his literary legacy.

9.6. A simple way to commemorate any of these noteworthies would be to add more seats

with small discreet plaques affixed. Another way would be to install small metal plaques in

the path surface similar to the ones embedded in the city pavements by Dublin Tourism

commemorating literary and historical figures. A theme could be ‘walking in the footsteps

of giants’ to encourage children to want to know more about figures from history. Another

way would be to plant more trees each with a label giving short vignette of these lives.


59

10. Sources & References

TCD Map Library OS Map Publ. 1866. Surveyed 1865. 6 inch series.

OS Map Publ. 1882. Revision of 1866. 6 inch series.

OS Map Publ. 1888. Surveyed 1868. 25 inch series.

OS Map Publ. 1909. Revised 1907/08. 25 inch series.

OS Map Publ. 1936. Revision of 1909. 25 inch series.

Dublin City Council Parks Service OS Map 1868. 1888 revision. Coloured.

OS Map, undated. Revised layout of 1987. Survey & Mapping Section.

11. Bibliography A Literary Guide to DUBLIN, Vivien Igoe, Methuen, 1994.

DARTMOUTH SQUARE AND ENVIRONS Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)

(Adopted Variation No. 23 ACA Dartmouth Sq.)

Dublin City Public Libraries and Archive website.

Encyclopaedia of Dublin, Douglas Bennett, Gill and Macmillan. 1991.

Four Roads to Dublin, Deirdre Kelly, The O’Brien Press Ltd. 1995.

Irish Architectural Archive, Merrion Square, Dublin.

Library, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin.

Loreto Archive and Hockey Club website, Bronwyn O’Donnell, Club Vice-President.

ULARA newsletters archive, courtesy Carmen Neary, Chair, Dartmouth Sq. Res. Assoc.

The Rivers of Dublin, Clair L. Sweeney, Dublin Corporation 1991.

UCD School of Archaeology Reports Archive.

Various newspapers and websites for the recent ownerships saga.

Dartmouth Park

Documents

Transcript of Dartmouth Park