Dolphin’s Barn

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.
Related newspaper articles
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Inquest
27 Aug 1877

Mr. Harty, county coroner, held an inquest on Saturday at 20 Rutland Avenue, Dolphin’s-barn, on tho body of a child named Eliza McMahon, who was accidentally drowned on the 24th…

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Dublin – Alarming Statement Denied
27 Apr 1910

DUBLIN. ALARMING STATEMENT DENIED. FURTHER LARGE OUTLAY REQUIRED. One of the Dublin evening papers yesterday published an alarming statement to the effect that the Main Drainage machinery of the pumping…

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Die-hards ignore B and T Office
27 Oct 1922

The butter buttons referred to in this column reminds a correspondent of the Tongue fields, where a button manufactory flourished fifty years ago, with waterpower from the River Poddle. This…

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Seen and Heard – Notes on notions for Men and Matters
20 Jun 1923

An adequate supply of clear water is one of the first essentials looked for by colonists, and the early visitors to what is now the city of Dublin found that…

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A Quaint System
12 Aug 1923

A QUAINT SYSTEM ACCUSTOMED as we are to a plentiful supply of water at high pressure, and, in cases of fire, to the services of. a, skilled brigade, it is…

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Relief of Dublin Distress
23 Dec 1924

Further details of the comprehensive scheme of works prepared by the Dublin Borough Commissioners for the relief of unemployment, for which the Government has allocated £45,000 to be expended in wages before March 31,…

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Body of infant found
25 Sep 1931

The body of an infant was found in the River Poddle at Dolphin’s Barn, Dublin, last, evening, by a boy named Rooney, of Rutland Avenue.

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Telephone Service Dislocated
13 Mar 1937

The whole force of the Post Office engineering staff was called out for the task of repairing damage to telephone poles and ‘wires in Dublin and all over the county…

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Cottages Invaded
13 Mar 1937

Water entered cottages in Rutland Avenue to a, depth of three feet, when the River Poddle, where it passes underground at Dolphin’s Barn, became choked up late on Thursday night.…

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Position Of Short Term Tenants
6 Oct 1937

REVISION OF LAW IN REGARD TO COMPULSORY ACQUISITION FORECAST SUGGESTED revision of the law in regard to the compulsory acquisition of houses, held under monthly and weekly tenancies, was foreshadowed…

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New flat scheme for Dublin to cost £250,000
11 Jan 1938

A new housing scheme for Dublin which will cost approximately £250,000, forming part of the Corporation’s recently-announced £7.000,000 plan, is to be proceeded with immediately. The scheme provides.for the erection…

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George Bernard Shaw and Dolphin’s Barn
6 Sep 1938

George Carr Shaw and George Clibborn, trading as “Clibborn and Shaw.” of Jervis St.. Dublin_ merchants, secured a loan on the ” mill_ mill pond, mill machinery, water wheel,” and…

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Fill Her Up Please-With Water
2 May 1958

The ratepayers of Dublin are in business, says the “HERALD”. Man with the Inquiring Mind-exporting water of all commodities! Fill Her Up Please-With Water I had the telephone directory in…

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The Liberty Watercourse
22 Mar 1968

The Poddle River at Harold’s Cross makes almost its last appearance before going underground. This was part of the old Watercourse serving the Liberties of St. Patrick’s, dating back to…

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Street of the Tanners
25 Apr 1969

Not so long ago, geography consisted of a simple smattering of seemingly unchangeable economic facts—Dublin for porter and biscuits, Belfast for linen and ships, Cork for cattle and butter that…

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New Dublin District Office For Irish Life
9 Jun 1970

LATEST and most impressive milestone in the continuous progress of the Irish Life Assurance Company Limited is the opening of the company’s new Dublin District Office at 16/19 Wellington Quay. Rising high in…

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Industrial Liberties
21 Jan 1973

LIAM took his stand to make this drawing just about where Dowker’s Lane comes in from the right, to meet Blackpitts. In the distance you can see the silvery outlines…

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On Sale-Spy Mary’s Old Estate
12 Sep 1986

On sale – Spy Mary’s old estate A LARGE slice of old Dublin housing stock, with quaint washing rights in the River Poddle, owned by a British Great War spy.…

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Proposed New Footbridge
31 Mar 2004

Proposed New Footbridge over the River Poddle at Poddle Park, Kimmage, Dublin 6W. Planning and Development Act 2000 Planning and Development Regulations 2001-Part 8 Pursuant to the requirements of the…

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