The remains of a grand house stand before you. This is Corkagh Park. It was once known as Corkagh Demesne, a vast estate in the heart of Clondalkin. Across its grounds once stood the imposing Corkagh House, a grand estate built around the year 1690. The house served as a home for notable residents and visitors like Arthur Wolfe and Elizabeth Bowen, prominent figures in Irish history. The park, however, is perhaps most famous for its explosive past. Corkagh was once home to gunpowder mills, which during the 18th and 19th centuries provided employment for local people. These mills were vital to the production of gunpowder and were a dangerous enterprise. The park still bears the scars of several significant explosions, including one in 1787 that was felt all the way in Dublin city and caused damage to buildings around Clondalkin. The mill itself was destroyed. The story of Corkagh’s gunpowder past reminds us of the turbulent history of Ireland and the hard work that local communities endured. But today, peace reigns in this sprawling park. It boasts 120 acres of tranquil green space, a playground for children, and a network of trails for walking, jogging, and cycling. Corkagh Park is a reminder that even amidst the changes of time and circumstance, the spirit of community and history endure.
Saint John the Evangelist
Whispers of history echo from these stones. This is the site of Saint John the Evangelist. Once a vibrant church