“One penny, please.” Can you imagine those words echoing here? This is Lord Meath’s Lodge. It once stood as a gatekeeper to the scenic Bray to Greystones cliff walk.
Lord Meath’s Lodge may appear as just a ruin now. It has an interesting history tied to the Dublin Wicklow and Wexford Railway. The railway construction started in 1850. It opened in 1856.
Originally, the railway was planned inland. It would have crossed the Glen of the Downs. Lord Meath of Kilruddery estate objected. He felt the railway would divide his estate. This objection led to the difficult Bray Head route. It involved tunnels and bridges. Isambard Kingdom Brunel was involved in this project.
The cliff path was built during railway construction. This allowed workers access. After the railway opened, the public could use the path. Lord Meath intervened again. He said the path crossed his estate. A lodge was built as a toll house. A gate was installed. A toll of one penny was charged. This applied to anyone wanting to continue to Greystones. An individual manned the gate to collect tolls. This levy was active Saturday to Thursday. On Fridays, the gate was locked. The Brabazon family used the cliff path for leisure.
The lodge was a two-story dormer-style building. It used redbrick and local stone. It had an arched doorway. Only a remnant of the arch remains. Overgrowth is wild inside. You can still see the overall shape. Remains of a fireplace exist. A gable still stands. It may have been the southern end. Building continues beyond it. Stone steps lead up. They once led to the Kilruddery estate. Now, they end in scrubland. Great views surround the ruins.
When tolling ceased is unknown. The lodge has been in ruin for a long time. A short walk past the lodge reveals rail tunnels. One tunnel mouth led to a timber trestle bridge. An 1867 accident killed two and injured twenty-three. This ended the tunnel/bridge system. New tunnels were built further into the cliffs.
Nearby, the Brandy Hole contained a cave. Smugglers used it to bring contraband from France. A tunnel may have led inland. Railway construction destroyed the cave.
Today, the cliff walk is temporarily closed. This is due to rock collapse and subsidence. Some still risk access. Remedial work is planned. Hopefully, access will extend to the lodge when it reopens. Lord Meath’s Lodge stands as a reminder of railway history. It also reminds us of the power of landowners. It is a testament to a bygone era.