Windy Arbour

Robert Emmet’s ghost still walks Windy Arbour. At least, that’s what the locals whisper on misty evenings. Windy Arbour isn’t just another Dublin suburb. It’s a place steeped in history, nestled between Dundrum and Milltown, alongside the murmuring Slang River. The name itself, Windy Arbour, hints at a breezy, green past, a stark contrast to its current suburban life. Originally known as Na Glasáin, meaning “the green land”, the name evolved, possibly from a landing point on the river, becoming Windy Harbour or Sandy Arbour. It’s even thought that “Arbour” might be a direct translation of “glasáin,” referencing a grassy plot or garden. Imagine young Robert Emmet, the Irish patriot, playing on the grounds of The Casino, the grand manor house where he grew up. Now called Emmet House, it stands as a testament to his legacy, housing the Secretariat of Secondary Schools in Ireland. It’s right next to the Church of the Miraculous Medal on Bird Avenue, a landmark in itself. Windy Arbour isn’t just about historical figures. It’s a living, breathing community with shops, a supermarket, a post office, and even a bakery filling the air with the warm scent of fresh bread. The Luas tram glides through, connecting it to the heart of Dublin, while buses hum along the nearby roads. Despite its modern amenities, Windy Arbour retains a village charm. The older townland of Farranboley sits at its heart, a reminder of its 18th-century origins. The Slang River, once a bustling waterway with a starch mill on its banks, still flows, a constant presence throughout Windy Arbour’s history. So, next time you’re in Dublin, take a detour to Windy Arbour. Walk along the riverbanks. Feel the breeze whisper stories of Robert Emmet, the bustling starch mill, and the transformation from green land to vibrant suburb. You might even catch a glimpse of Emmet’s ghost.