Why is Ward Upper called Ward Upper? Ward Upper is part of a civil parish in Fingal Ireland. It lies within the historical barony of Castleknock. The Ward River flows through this area. It may have given the civil parish its name.
Ward Upper is a fascinating place. It holds layers of history waiting to be uncovered. After the Norman invasion of Ireland the lands of la Garde became possessed by the le Bank family. King Henry II of England granted extensive property in Ireland to Nicholas le Bank.
Sir Raymond le Bank conveyed a right of turbary. It was in his tenement near Finglas. He gave it to the canons of All Saints in the thirteenth century. Richard Delahide occupied the castle in the sixteenth century. He was a judge. Later the barons of Howth took possession of the castle.
Ward Upper was once a chapelry of Finglas parish. The chapel was dedicated to St Brigid. It was subordinate to St Canice’s Church in Finglas. Today Ward Upper is one of seven townlands. They include Cherryhound and Irishtown.
The nearest Roman Catholic Church is in St Margaret’s. It is a Chapel of Ease. The main church is St Canice’s. For the Church of Ireland the nearest churches are in Finglas or Mulhuddart. Ward Upper offers a glimpse into Ireland’s past.