Five hundred years ago a judge named Richard Delahide lived in Ward Lower. His castle stood proudly. It overlooked the very spot where we stand. Ward Lower a townland in the civil parish of Ward. It is part of the barony of Castleknock in County Dublin. The area’s name An Barda Dochtarach means Lower Ward in Irish. The Ward River flows nearby. It probably gave the parish its name.
The history of Ward Lower is deeply intertwined with the le Bank family. They owned extensive property after the Norman invasion. Sir Raymond le Bank even granted rights to the canons of All Saints. This was a right to cut peat on his land near Finglas. Delahide’s castle was later taken over by the Barons of Howth. Powerful families shaped Ward Lower’s past. Their influence lasted for centuries.
Ward Lower was once a chapelry of Finglas parish. Its chapel was dedicated to St Brigid. It was subordinate to St Canice’s Church in Finglas. This shows the strong religious ties of the area. Imagine the religious processions walking along the same ground we are now on. The faithful made their way to these important places of worship.
Ward Lower covers 284 acres. It’s one of seven townlands in Ward. Others include Irishtown Killamonan and Newpark. Each townland has its own unique history and character. They all contribute to the rich tapestry of Ward. Today Ward Lower has a quieter existence. But its history whispers of power and faith.
Today Ward Lower is a peaceful place. It is a far cry from the bustling activity of the past. But the echoes of Richard Delahide’s castle still linger in the air. They remind us of centuries of change. The passing of time has transformed the area. It has left behind a legacy of stories waiting to be discovered. The legacy of Ward Lower continues.