“Gibraltar” the sign reads. Can you believe there’s a place called Gibraltar right here in Dublin?
Gibraltar. It is not the famous British Overseas Territory. This Gibraltar is a townland. It is part of the Civil Parish of Clondalkin.
Let’s delve into some facts about this unique spot. Gibraltar is located in the Electoral Division of Clondalkin ED 1901. It resides in the Barony of Uppercross. You will find it in the County of Dublin.
Interestingly, Gibraltar is also sometimes referred to as Gibralter. The official name in both English and Irish is Gibraltar. The coordinates for this location are 53° 18′ 50″ N and 6° 24′ 26″ W.
Gibraltar isn’t huge. Nationally, it ranks as the 59428th largest townland. Within County Dublin, it is the 992nd largest.
We do not have a complete list of its borders with other townlands. Also there is no information about any subtownlands within Gibraltar.
A fun fact. Gibraltar was added to OpenStreetMap on 1 Feb 2015. The user was named brianh.
Although this Gibraltar may not have a dramatic history filled with sieges and naval battles, its name echoes the historical significance of its namesake. The original Gibraltar has a rich history. It has been fought over for centuries.
Gibraltar’s story begins around 950 BC. The Phoenicians were among the first to recognize its importance. The Romans called it Mons Calpe. This means Hollow Mountain. They considered it one of the twin Pillars of Hercules.
In 711 AD, the Moors invaded Europe. They renamed the territory Jebel Tariq. This means the Mount of Tariq. Over time, this became Gibraltar. For centuries, Spain controlled Gibraltar. In 1704, Anglo-Dutch forces seized the Rock.
The British government still controls the Rock today. The official language is English. However many residents speak Spanish too.
Flights from Dublin to Gibraltar can be found for as little as £89 one way. A round trip averages around £215. British Airways is a popular choice for that route.
The weather in Gibraltar is mild. January sees average highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. July and August are the hottest months. Expect average temperatures of 27°C.
This Gibraltar in Dublin might not have the Mediterranean climate. It lacks the strategic importance. It still carries a name with centuries of history. As we continue our tour. Remember that even the smallest places can hold echoes of grand stories.