Lost in the annals of Dublin’s history lies Artaine North a townland steeped in centuries of untold stories. Imagine yourself standing where Artaine North unfolds. For over 900 years this quiet rural area has witnessed the passage of time. It’s more than just a name on a map. Artaine North is a piece of Dublin’s enduring past.
Artaine North is one of several townlands that make up the civil parish of Artaine. This parish was once part of the ancient Barony of Coolock. It shares its history with neighboring districts like Kilmore West Coolock and Beaumont. The name Artaine itself is a puzzle. Some believe it stems from Ard Tain meaning Height of the Flocks. Others suggest Ard In or Little Height.
The story of Artaine North is intricately linked to the rise and fall of Artane Castle. Built around 1360 the castle belonged to the Hollywood family. Robert de Holywood Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer purchased it. The castle’s tale is dramatic. It played a crucial role in the rebellion of Silken Thomas in 1534. Archbishop John Alen sought refuge there only to be betrayed and murdered. This act led to Silken Thomas’s excommunication a significant turning point in the rebellion. The castle itself was demolished in 1825. Artane House was built on its site. The materials from the castle were used in its construction.
Artaine North is also etched in the memories of those who lived through the Artane Industrial School. Established in 1871 in Artane House it housed orphaned and abandoned boys. Sadly many allegations of abuse emerged after its closure in 1966. The school’s legacy is complex a painful reminder of a dark chapter in Irish history. The school’s buildings now house St David’s Primary and Secondary Schools.
Today Artaine North retains a quiet charm. It’s a blend of old and new a testament to Dublin’s ever-evolving identity. Its past whispers through its streets its history etched in every stone. As you walk its lanes remember the layers of stories that have unfolded here for centuries. Artaine North isn’t merely a place it’s a living tapestry woven from the threads of history. Remember the castle the rebellion the school and the quiet lives lived in between. Artaine North is a part of Dublin’s soul.