LORD ELY'S GATE IS NOW A REJUVENATED PUBLIC SPACE
LORD ELY'S GATE IS NOW A REJUVENATED PUBLIC SPACE [PHOTOGRAPHED USING A FUJI GFX100RF]
1. Introduction: Lord Ely's Gate - A Landmark Reimagined
Lord Ely's Gate, a historic structure situated on Lower Dodder Road in Dublin, originally served as a grand entrance to the Rathfarnham Castle estate. Located at the junction of Dodder Park and Braemor Roads, it historically marked the boundary of the Loftus family's property. Recent initiatives by South Dublin County Council have revitalised the area surrounding the arch, transforming it into a publicly accessible pocket park. This enhancement strengthens its role as both a valuable community amenity and a symbolic gateway to the county. This report will explore the historical significance of Lord Ely's Gate and detail the recent improvements that have culminated in the creation of the Ely Arch Pocket Park.
2. Historical Significance of Lord Ely's Gate
Constructed in the 1770s, Lord Ely's Gate is attributed to Henry Loftus, the Earl of Ely. It was conceived as a prominent entrance to the Rathfarnham Castle Demesne, underscoring the Loftus family's ownership of the estate. This architectural feature, sometimes referred to as a triumphal arch, is situated in proximity to the River Dodder. Over time, alterations to the surrounding landscape, including the development of new road networks and suburban areas, led to the arch becoming separated from the castle grounds.
3. Recent Improvements and the Ely Arch Pocket Park
Recent improvement works, undertaken by South Dublin County Council, have significantly enhanced the area around Lord Ely's Gate, resulting in the creation of the Ely Arch Pocket Park. These upgrades include the enhancement of landscape boundaries and the installation of new paving and steps to improve access to the arch and the adjacent green space. A Ballylusk courtyard has been established, and new trees have been planted, providing opportunities for leisurely recreation. The pocket park now features several benches and grassy areas, creating a welcoming environment for public enjoyment.
The Ely Arch Pocket Park now serves as a symbolic entrance to South Dublin County for those travelling from Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The integration of the pocket park with the Dodder Greenway further improves its accessibility and appeal to both pedestrians and cyclists.
4. Street Furniture and Signage
The recent enhancements to Ely Arch Pocket Park included the installation of street furniture designed to improve the usability and comfort of the public space. While specific details of the street furniture are not provided in the research material, the presence of several benches suggests that the park is intended to offer resting places for visitors.
The project also involved the design and installation of signage. However, the material does not specify if corten steel was used for the signage. Signage in such a location would likely provide historical information about the arch and wayfinding for the Dodder Greenway.
5. Integration with the Dodder Greenway
The Ely Arch Pocket Park enjoys a strategic location along the route of the Dodder Greenway, a 17-kilometre greenway project with the aim of connecting Sir John Rogerson's Quay in the city centre to the Bohernabreena reservoirs. The section of the Greenway near Lord Ely's Gate offers a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, improving connectivity and encouraging active travel within the area. The Dodder Road Lower Upgrade, a component of the Greenway development, extends from Ely's Arch towards Dartry Park, further integrating this historical landmark into the modern greenway network.
6. Conclusion
Lord Ely's Gate has been successfully restored and integrated into the Ely Arch Pocket Park, transforming it into an attractive and functional public space. The recent improvements, encompassing landscaping, accessible paving, seating, and signage, have enhanced its appeal as both a significant landmark and a valuable recreational amenity. Its location along the Dodder Greenway ensures accessibility for a broader audience, further solidifying its importance as a historical and community asset within Dublin.
7. Note
It seems "Ballylusk" refers to a type of stone, specifically Ballylusk Quartzite, which is quarried in County Wicklow, Ireland. So, a "Ballylusk Courtyard" would be a courtyard that incorporates this type of stone in its construction or design.
1. Introduction: Lord Ely's Gate - A Landmark Reimagined
Lord Ely's Gate, a historic structure situated on Lower Dodder Road in Dublin, originally served as a grand entrance to the Rathfarnham Castle estate. Located at the junction of Dodder Park and Braemor Roads, it historically marked the boundary of the Loftus family's property. Recent initiatives by South Dublin County Council have revitalised the area surrounding the arch, transforming it into a publicly accessible pocket park. This enhancement strengthens its role as both a valuable community amenity and a symbolic gateway to the county. This report will explore the historical significance of Lord Ely's Gate and detail the recent improvements that have culminated in the creation of the Ely Arch Pocket Park.
2. Historical Significance of Lord Ely's Gate
Constructed in the 1770s, Lord Ely's Gate is attributed to Henry Loftus, the Earl of Ely. It was conceived as a prominent entrance to the Rathfarnham Castle Demesne, underscoring the Loftus family's ownership of the estate. This architectural feature, sometimes referred to as a triumphal arch, is situated in proximity to the River Dodder. Over time, alterations to the surrounding landscape, including the development of new road networks and suburban areas, led to the arch becoming separated from the castle grounds.
3. Recent Improvements and the Ely Arch Pocket Park
Recent improvement works, undertaken by South Dublin County Council, have significantly enhanced the area around Lord Ely's Gate, resulting in the creation of the Ely Arch Pocket Park. These upgrades include the enhancement of landscape boundaries and the installation of new paving and steps to improve access to the arch and the adjacent green space. A Ballylusk courtyard has been established, and new trees have been planted, providing opportunities for leisurely recreation. The pocket park now features several benches and grassy areas, creating a welcoming environment for public enjoyment.
The Ely Arch Pocket Park now serves as a symbolic entrance to South Dublin County for those travelling from Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The integration of the pocket park with the Dodder Greenway further improves its accessibility and appeal to both pedestrians and cyclists.
4. Street Furniture and Signage
The recent enhancements to Ely Arch Pocket Park included the installation of street furniture designed to improve the usability and comfort of the public space. While specific details of the street furniture are not provided in the research material, the presence of several benches suggests that the park is intended to offer resting places for visitors.
The project also involved the design and installation of signage. However, the material does not specify if corten steel was used for the signage. Signage in such a location would likely provide historical information about the arch and wayfinding for the Dodder Greenway.
5. Integration with the Dodder Greenway
The Ely Arch Pocket Park enjoys a strategic location along the route of the Dodder Greenway, a 17-kilometre greenway project with the aim of connecting Sir John Rogerson's Quay in the city centre to the Bohernabreena reservoirs. The section of the Greenway near Lord Ely's Gate offers a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, improving connectivity and encouraging active travel within the area. The Dodder Road Lower Upgrade, a component of the Greenway development, extends from Ely's Arch towards Dartry Park, further integrating this historical landmark into the modern greenway network.
6. Conclusion
Lord Ely's Gate has been successfully restored and integrated into the Ely Arch Pocket Park, transforming it into an attractive and functional public space. The recent improvements, encompassing landscaping, accessible paving, seating, and signage, have enhanced its appeal as both a significant landmark and a valuable recreational amenity. Its location along the Dodder Greenway ensures accessibility for a broader audience, further solidifying its importance as a historical and community asset within Dublin.
7. Note
It seems "Ballylusk" refers to a type of stone, specifically Ballylusk Quartzite, which is quarried in County Wicklow, Ireland. So, a "Ballylusk Courtyard" would be a courtyard that incorporates this type of stone in its construction or design.
LORD ELY'S GATE IS NOW A REJUVENATED PUBLIC SPACE