Wondering where the name Milltown comes from? It’s a tale of industry and flowing water. This southside Dublin suburb was once a hub of milling activity. The River Dodder powered many wheels here.
Milltown’s history stretches back centuries. It was known as Milton in the 14th century. After the Anglo-Norman invasion, Milltown and Clonskeagh became liberties of Dublin.
As early as the 14th century, a mill was already documented here. Historian Francis Elrington Ball described Milltown as a scene of industrial enterprise. Medieval quarrying here supplied stone to repair Christ Church Cathedral.
By the 18th century, Milltown was a hive of industry. Corn mills, an iron mill and even a paper mill thrived. A mill race diverted water from the Dodder. It powered a mill in what is now Dodder Park. Remnants of this mill can still be seen today.
Milltown was once a fording point on the River Dodder. A bridge was built here in the 17th century. This Old Milltown Bridge, or Packhorse Bridge, is a protected structure. A newer bridge was later constructed. The old bridge is now for pedestrians only.
Look towards the landmark railway bridge. It’s known as the Nine Arches. This bridge was part of the Harcourt Street railway line. The Milltown railway station operated from 1860 to 1958. In 2004, the bridge reopened for the Luas light rail system. Now the Luas runs from Broombridge to Bride’s Glen.
Shamrock Rovers football club once called Milltown home. They played at Glenmalure Park from 1926 until 1987. Milltown Golf Club celebrated its centenary in 2007.
Milltown sits on the River Dodder. The river marks the boundary between Dublin City Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The village itself lies within Dublin City.
Alexandra College, a Church of Ireland girls’ school, is in Milltown. The Ahlul Bayt Islamic Centre, Ireland’s only Shia mosque, is also here. The Jesuits have a long history in Milltown. Gonzaga College is a secondary school for boys. The Jesuit Training College evolved into the Milltown Institute.
The Franciscan Brothers once had a monastery and school here. They secretly taught Catholic boys during the Penal Laws. In 1818, they moved to Mountbellew in County Galway.
Milltown is an attractive area. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. From its industrial roots to its modern Luas line, Milltown continues to evolve. The spirit of enterprise and community endures.