Dolphin’s Barn
Dolphin’s Barn, a historic district in Dublin, is situated southwest of the city centre. In the 19th century, Dolphin’s Barn was known for its bustling industrial activity, including tanneries and mills.
The River Poddle, which once flowed prominently through the area, was a vital water source for Dublin’s early industries. By the 1840s, Dolphin’s Barn Lane was lined with tanneries and these operations often led to disputes over the Poddle’s water rights. Historical records, including Gilbert’s “Calendar of Ancient Records of Dublin,” highlighted conflicts between tanners and the City due to their impact on the Poddle’s water supply.
In August 1877, an inquest was held at 20 Rutland Avenue, Dolphin’s Barn, regarding the accidental drowning of a child, Eliza McMahon. She tragically fell into the River Poddle near her home, leading to public concern over the hazardous state of the river.
By April 1910, flooding and drainage issues, including problems in the Poddle drainage area from Dolphin’s Barn to the city center, were reported. Despite some minor issues, officials assured the public that the system was under control and needed only minor upgrades.
In September 1931, the body of an infant was discovered in the River Poddle at Dolphin’s Barn. This tragic event highlighted the Poddle’s role in both the community’s daily life and as a site of occasional tragedy.
Severe flooding struck Dolphin’s Barn in March 1937 when the River Poddle became choked where it flowed underground near Rutland Avenue. Homes were flooded to a depth of three feet, forcing residents to take drastic measures to protect their property.
In 1937, an inquiry regarding the compulsory acquisition of properties along Donore Avenue and Crumlin Road raised concerns about the lack of compensation for monthly tenants, including those at Dolphin’s Barn. Dublin Corporation’s £250,000 development plan included diverting the River Poddle.
George Carr Shaw and George Clibborn secured a loan on a mill near Hall’s Lane, now Rutland Avenue. This mill, operated by George Bernard Shaw’s father, was near the Grand Canal and powered by a branch of the River Poddle.
An article discusses Dublin’s historical water infrastructure, noting how the River Poddle once fed into a basin near the Grand Canal Harbour, providing water to Dolphin’s Barn. This basin, known as “The Back of the Pipes,” marked the waterworks serving the area before modern pressurised systems were introduced.
Association with Poddle
Dolphin’s Barn, a historic district in Dublin, is situated southwest of the city centre. In the 19th century, Dolphin’s Barn was known for its bustling industrial activity, including tanneries and mills.
What the Newspapers Say
- In August 1877, an inquest was held by Mr. Harty, the county coroner, at 20 Rutland Avenue, Dolphin’s Barn, regarding the accidental drowning of a child, Eliza McMahon. On the 24th of that month, the young girl fell into the River Poddle near her home and tragically drowned. The jury confirmed the death as accidental and requested that the Corporation address the hazardous state of the river. The incident highlighted the dangers posed by the Poddle in the Dolphin’s Barn area at the time.
- In April 1910, a Dublin paper claimed that the drainage machinery at Pigeon House Fort had failed, causing sewage to leak into the Liffey. However, investigations revealed no major breakdown, only minor wear and tear. Officials assured the public that the system, including the Poddle drainage area extending from Dolphin’s Barn to the city center, was under control. Although silting occurred in some areas, including Hawkins Street, it was being managed. Alderman Farrell emphasised that the main drain was functioning well, despite minor issues, and additional funds were needed to upgrade pumps to handle heavy rainfall.
- In the past, wealthier residents of Dublin, including those near the River Poddle at Dolphin’s Barn, were permitted to supply water to their poorer neighbours from private fountains. Landlords often provided water to tenants via pipes, though the Corporation restricted the pipes’ thickness to that of a goose quill. This ensured a continuous water flow, similar to systems in European towns. Along Thomas Street, residents took water freely from the stream, while those near Kimmage and Dolphin’s Barn cleverly created holes in the Poddle’s banks to irrigate their fields. This highlights the community’s resourcefulness in accessing water.
- Negotiations are in progress with the Grand Canal Co. for taking over the thoroughfare on the canal bank from Parnell Bridge to Dolphin’s. Barn Bridge, and there a very fine road will be constructed.
- In September 1931, the body of an infant was discovered in the River Poddle at Dolphin’s Barn, Dublin. The tragic discovery was made by a young boy named Rooney, who lived on Rutland Avenue. The incident likely caused shock in the local community, as Dolphin’s Barn, a historically significant area near the Poddle, had witnessed various events tied to the river. The circumstances surrounding the infant’s death remain unknown, but the event highlighted the Poddle’s role not only as a key feature of the community but also as a site of tragedy in this instance.
- In March 1937, a severe storm caused widespread damage to telephone lines across Dublin, affecting communication with London and Liverpool. The Post Office engineering staff worked tirelessly in harsh weather to restore services. Dublin Fire Brigade was also called to address flooding in several areas, including Rutland Avenue and Kimmage. At Dolphin’s Barn, the River Poddle, which runs underground, became blocked, causing water to flood homes to a depth of three feet. Residents stayed up all night trying to divert the floodwaters. The event highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying areas near the Poddle during heavy storms.
- In March 1937, heavy flooding struck Dolphin’s Barn when the River Poddle became choked where it flows underground near Rutland Avenue. The clogging of a grating above Rutland Cottages caused the river to overflow, flooding homes to a depth of three feet. Many residents, including Mrs. McNamara of 5 Rutland Cottages, were forced to spend the night bailing water out or carrying children to safety. The floodwaters entered homes from both the front and rear, destroying household goods. Despite the chaos, residents like Mrs. McNamara tried to maintain normalcy, even preparing breakfast in knee-deep water.
- In 1937, an inquiry was held regarding the compulsory acquisition of properties along Donore Avenue and Crumlin Road, affecting short-term tenants. Among the objectors were Mrs. Susanne Fox and Mr. Thomas Byrne of 12 Dolphin’s Barn Street, who argued they deserved compensation under the Rent Acts. The case raised concerns about the lack of compensation for monthly tenants under current laws. During the hearing, Dublin Corporation outlined their £250,000 development plan, which included diverting the River Poddle. Businesses like Mirror Laundry also objected, citing potential economic losses. The Corporation suggested law revisions to address compensation in future acquisitions.
- In 1938, it was revealed that George Carr Shaw and George Clibborn, trading as Clibborn and Shaw, secured a loan on a mill, its pond, and machinery, located near Hall’s Lane in the Barony of Uppercross, Dublin. The mill, once operated by George Bernard Shaw’s father, was in the Dolphin’s Barn area. The lane, now known as Rutland Avenue, lay near the Grand Canal and was powered by a branch of the River Poddle. Locals fondly remembered Shaw’s connection to the area, with his father’s mill, referred to as “Shaw’s Mill,” still standing in ruins at the time.
- In 1958, Dublin’s water supply system, linked to the River Poddle, was highlighted in an article about the city’s historical water infrastructure. The Poddle once fed into a basin near the Grand Canal Harbour at James Street, providing water to the area around Dolphin’s Barn. Known locally as “The Back of the Pipes,” this footpath by the canal at St. Kevin’s Hospital marked the waterworks serving the area between the South Circular Road and the Liffey. The article explored how, before modern pressurised systems, Dublin relied on low-pressure water from surface reservoirs and hand pumps in old houses.
- In 1968, an article described the historical significance of the River Poddle and its role in Dublin’s water supply. At Harold’s Cross, the Poddle made its final appearance before going underground. From 1244, the Poddle, diverted from the Dodder, became the main water source for the Liberties, including areas like Dolphin’s Barn and Thomas Street. A “Tongue” near Sundrive Road split the water, with some flowing towards Dolphin’s Barn. This watercourse served the city until 1775, supplemented by Tymon’s stream, before the canal took over, though the Mayor could divert it for Dublin Castle’s moat.
- Not long ago, Dublin’s economic geography was straightforward, with specific industries tied to different cities. However, this rigid view has changed over time. In the 1840s, Dolphin’s Barn, near Cork Street, was home to several tanners, including James O’Neill, Patrick Ledwidge, Peter Byrne, and Margaret Jones. Their operations were closely linked to the River Poddle, which was Dublin’s primary water source. Historical records, such as Gilbert’s “Calendar of Ancient Records of Dublin,” noted disputes between these tanners and the City due to their impact on the Poddle’s water supply, highlighting the river’s importance to Dublin’s economy.