Standing before Kilsallaghan ED a name whispered through time you might wonder what stories lie within this place. Let’s journey back to discover its hidden history.
Kilsallaghan ED is a place with a story etched in its very soil. Once known as Kilsaughan this parish is in the barony of Castleknock. It is located in County Dublin. Kilsallaghan is about eight miles north of Dublin. It sits on the old mail road to Drogheda.
In the past Kilsallaghan was bordered to the north by a small stream. This stream is called the Fieldstown river. It flows into the sea just north of Swords.
Back then Kilsallaghan comprised about 2595 statute acres. About 120 acres were common land. Around 1134 acres were arable. The rest was meadow and pasture.
Locals used a rich black marl as manure. Building stone of good quality was found here. Several good houses dotted the landscape. One notable residence belonged to a Mr Smith. His property featured the ruins of Kilsallaghan castle. These ruins were a striking sight for miles around.
Other significant houses included New Barn owned by J Segrave Esq. A rath or moat was located on its grounds. There was also Dunmickary belonging to J T Armstrong Esq. A rath surrounded by a deep ditch sat near it.
Fairs for horses cattle and pigs were held on Ascension Day and September 8th. A constabulary police station was at New Barn.
The church was rebuilt in 1812. The Board of First Fruits provided a loan of £768. It is a neat small edifice. In 1837 about 120 children were taught in two public schools. One school was supported by subscription. The other was under the New Board of Education.
In Kilsallaghan the Church of Ireland stands proudly. St David’s Church in Kilsallaghan was built in 1812. It was supported by the Board of First Fruits. The parish of Kilsallaghan is now part of the Swords Donabate and Kilsallaghan Union of Parishes. This includes Clonmethan and Lusk. In 1871 the parish united with Swords. Donabate joined the United Parish in 1968.
Michael Healy created the church’s stained glass windows. Kilsallaghan once had a chapel of ease at Chapel-Midway. The chapel ruins are within a walled graveyard. Fingal County Council manages it.
Rev Crofts Bullen donated land in 1864. This allowed for the building of the first Kilcoskan National School. Bishop John Gregg once served as Rector of Kilsallaghan. Archbishop Robert Gregg his son was born in the rectory. Brian Lenihan Jnr a former government minister is buried in the churchyard.
Kilsallaghan’s story includes trespassing incidents. A man in his 70s was arrested for trespassing and threatening behavior. This happened in Kilsallaghan in north County Dublin. It was on Tuesday August 6th. Three other men were previously arrested.
So as we stand here let us remember Kilsallaghan ED. From ancient parishes to modern events its story continues.