Ever wondered about Grangegorman’s hidden history? Look around you. This wasn’t always a bustling university campus. For centuries Grangegorman held a different kind of significance in Dublin.
Grangegorman is an inner-city Dublin suburb. Its name likely points to the Ui Bairrche clan who once held the land. They were displaced during the Norman invasion. For a long time Grangegorman was a rural area. It was one of only three villages north of the River Liffey in 1610.
The area’s story is interwoven with institutions. It began as a Dean’s Orchard. This large orchard served the Priory of the Holy Trinity. The farm laborers lived in nearby cottages. The manor house stood in what is now Manor Street.
Then came the House of Industry in 1773. This was Dublin’s second such institution. It housed the poor. It was built on the site of an old malthouse. The House of Industry shaped Grangegorman’s urban character. It reflected a long-standing east-west divide in Dublin’s social classes.
The 19th century saw the construction of more institutions. The Richmond Lunatic Asylum opened in 1815. It was designed by Francis Johnston a renowned architect. This building is now largely gone. A new Phoenix Care Centre stands in its place. Johnston also designed the Richmond General Penitentiary which opened in 1816. It was a large semi-octagonal building. It later became part of the asylum.
The site grew into a large mental hospital. Throughout the 19th century more buildings were added. The hospital once served over 2000 patients. In the 20th century changes in mental health care led to its closure. In May 2013 St Brendan’s Hospital closed. The Phoenix Care Centre replaced it. This modern facility has 54 beds.
Grangegorman’s transformation is remarkable. From a Dean’s orchard to a large mental hospital to the current Technological University Dublin campus. This is a place rich in layers of history. Each building each street holds a story waiting to be discovered. Now we’ll continue our walk exploring the vibrant present day of Grangegorman.