Can you picture Cabragh Ward in 1936? It was a time of change and growth for this area of Dublin. Cabragh Ward was commonly known as Cabragh until the early 20th century. The name Cabragh comes from the Irish “An Chabrach”. This means “The poor land”.
Back then Cabragh was transforming. Large-scale housing developments were beginning. Many people were moving from the city center slums to Cabragh Ward. These new homes offered a fresh start. The Dublin Corporation bought Cabragh House in 1939. The purchase was compulsory. The Corporation planned to build local authority housing. Sadly Cabragh House was razed to the ground.
The Industrial Revolution had already left its mark on Cabragh. The Royal Canal was built in 1790. A railway line from Broadstone Terminus cut through the area. Cabragh was becoming more connected.
Before the housing boom Cabragh was mostly fields and open countryside. From 1880 to 1930 Cabragh was a market garden center. Cattle were kept in pens before market at Hanlon’s Corner.
Even earlier in history the manor of Cabra was held by the Plunket family from about 1480. They lived at Dunsoghly Castle near Finglas.
Let us talk about some places in Cabragh. The Church of Christ the King opened in 1933. This followed the Eucharistic Congress of Dublin. The statue of Christ was sculpted in Trieste. It was hidden during the war. Later it was shipped to Cabragh.
Broom Bridge crosses the Royal Canal. Sir William Rowan Hamilton discovered quaternions here. He wrote the formula on the bridge in 1843.
Today Cabragh is a vibrant suburb. Mount Bernard Park offers green space. The Royal Canal provides a scenic route. Naomh Fionnbarra GAA Club promotes Irish culture. Cabragh Ward has a rich history. From open fields to housing estates Cabragh has evolved. It continues to be a vital part of Dublin.