“Only 0.4 square kilometers” you might think. But Cabra West B ED holds more history than you might imagine. Cabra West B ED is a small area on Dublin’s northside. It’s part of the larger Cabra suburb. Cabra itself has a rich history. It was once known as Cabragh.
Let’s dive into Cabra’s past to understand Cabra West B ED better. The Plunket family held the manor of Cabra from about 1480. They lived at Dunsoghly Castle near Finglas. Interestingly three townlands meet near Cabra West B ED. These are Grangegorman Glasnevin and Castleknock. They converge at the roundabout of Ratoath Road and Fassaugh Avenue. This is where Cabragh House once stood.
Cabragh House has a story of its own. Completed in 1598 the Segrave family first occupied it. Later Lord Norbury the “hanging judge” lived there. The Segrave family reacquired it after his death. Charles Segrave lived there until 1912. His son was the famous racing driver Henry Segrave. Dublin Corporation bought the house in 1939. They demolished it to build local authority housing.
The Industrial Revolution impacted Cabra. The Royal Canal was constructed in 1790. A railway line also passed through the area. This boosted industry and transport. From 1880 to 1930 Cabra became a market garden center. Cattle were kept in pens before being brought to market.
Before the 1920s Cabra was mostly fields. Large-scale housing developments transformed the area. Many residents came from Dublin’s city center slums. Quarry Road has an interesting origin. It was named after a small quarry. The quarry was near the statue of Our Blessed Lady. It was filled in the early 1900s. A family grew cabbages on the reclaimed land.
Cabra is divided into East and West. The railway line from Phoenix Park Tunnel roughly divides them. Cabra West B ED falls on the western side. The Bradogue River rises underground nearby.
Public transport is vital to Cabra. Dublin Bus routes connect Cabra West B ED to the city. The Luas Green Line has stops at Broombridge Cabra and Grangegorman. Suburban rail stops at Broombridge and Pelletstown.
Cabra offers various amenities. Mount Bernard Park has tennis courts and playgrounds. The Phoenix Park lies at Cabra’s western boundary. The Royal Canal provides a scenic walking and cycling path.
Broom Bridge is a notable landmark. Sir William Rowan Hamilton discovered quaternions there. A plaque commemorates this mathematical breakthrough. The Church of Christ the King is another significant building. It was opened in 1933 after the Eucharistic Congress.
Deaf Village Ireland is located in Cabra West. It houses various Deaf organizations. Factories operate in Cabra West including a Batchelors beans factory.
Cabra boasts numerous schools. These include Coláiste Mhuire St. Declan’s College and St. Dominic’s College. Many notable people come from Cabra. These include Steve Collins Michael Gambon and Sheamus. Liam Whelan a Manchester United player is also from Cabra. Connaught Bridge was renamed in his memory. Cabra West B ED a small area holds a significant piece of Dublin’s story.