A clear streamlet. That’s what Fionnghlas means. The name echoes through the centuries right here in Finglas and Saint Margaret’s Parish. This is a place steeped in history a place where ancient legends intertwine with modern life.
Finglas and Saint Margaret’s Parish boasts a rich heritage. Its story begins long ago with an Early Christian abbey. Some say Saint Cainnech or Canice founded it in 560 AD. Legend claims Saint Patrick himself sanctified the ground. He prophesied a great town would rise at the ford in the valley below. You can still see the Nethercross from that first abbey in the old graveyard. This ancient cross is a tangible link to Finglas’s distant past.
The Finglas or Finglass family were prominent in the 16th century. They were lawyers and politicians. Many eventually settled in Drogheda. They even opened the Boyne River for salmon fishing. Finglas played a role in significant historical events. In 1649 the Duke of Ormonde used it as a staging post. His army launched an unsuccessful siege of Dublin from here. After the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 William of Orange camped here for four days. He issued the Declaration of Finglas offering pardons to James II’s supporters.
For nearly two centuries Finglas celebrated its May Games. These vibrant festivities honored May Day and the arrival of spring. The Finglas maypole was one of the last to survive in Dublin. It was the center of a week-long celebration. Games competitions and the crowning of a Queen of the May were all part of the tradition. Even in 1803 Major Sirr noted the continued celebration. He reported that the old custom was not interrupted.
The 20th century brought significant changes to Finglas and Saint Margaret’s Parish. In 1932 Ireland’s first commercial airport opened in Kildonan. This airport hosted the first Irish commercial aircraft. It also launched the first commercial air taxi service. The 1950s saw the development of large housing estates. Many inner-city Dublin residents were rehoused here. Many estates honor prominent Irish republicans from the early 20th century.
Today Finglas and Saint Margaret’s Parish continues to evolve. It’s a vibrant community with a rich history. The Finglas Maypole Arts Festival celebrates this heritage. The festival is a testament to Finglas’s enduring spirit. It’s a reminder of the area’s unique past and its exciting future. This parish is more than just a place on a map. It’s a living story a vibrant tapestry woven from centuries of history. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. A true hidden gem within Dublin’s rich tapestry.