Doubtless, Palmerston Upper has a story etched in its very name. Its story goes back to medieval pilgrims. These pilgrims returned from the Holy Land with palm branches. They were known as “palmers”.
Palmerstown, officially Palmerston, is a civil parish. It is a suburb in western Dublin. Palmerston Upper is part of Palmerstown. It is located in the Electoral Division of Palmerstown.
Between 1185 and 1188, Ailred the Palmer and his wife took religious vows. They founded a priory and monastic hospital. It was for Crutched Friars outside the West Gate of Dublin. They gave all their property to it. In 1188, Pope Clement III confirmed the priory’s grants. This included Palmerstown parish.
Gerard Lee connects palmers to leper hospitals. One such hospital dedicated to Saint Laurence existed in Palmerstown.
The Ordnance Survey of Ireland fixed the spelling as “Palmerston” in the 1830s. This is still the legal spelling. However, locals often use “Palmerstown”. Road signs have used both spellings.
In 2009, a vote to change the name to “Palmerstown” failed narrowly. Supporters said the ballot confused voters. They wanted “Palmerstown” but voted no. They also argued the spelling without “w” creates confusion. It can be confused with Palmerston Park in Rathmines. Opponents cited the cost of changing road signs.
Another vote in 2014 focused on Palmerston Village. The change to “Palmerstown Village” was approved in 2015. The title Viscount Palmerston derives from the place. The spelling varied but “Lord Palmerston” is now usual.
Palmerston Upper and Palmerston Lower straddle the old Lucan Road. This was the ancient western highway. Many local amenities are located along this road. Robin Villas and Hollyville were labourers’ cottages. They were built at the beginning of the last century. The old national school is now a community center.
Stewarts Hospital was formerly the residence of the Hely-Hutchinson family. The Roman Catholic Church of St. Philomena is nearby. Also here are the National School, the Palmerstown House Pub and Restaurant. You can also find a bank and convenience stores.
Stewartscare is a health care facility. It is located at the Stewarts buildings and grounds. They overlook the meandering Liffey valley. The Stewarts complex houses the Irish Health Service Executive administration. Stewarts Sports and Leisure centre is open to the public. It hosts an annual summer camp too.
Palmerston Upper is a place of historical significance. It has seen name changes and evolving communities. From medieval pilgrims to modern residents, its story continues. As you wander through Palmerston Upper, remember its rich past. Consider the people who shaped it. It is a place where history and community intertwine.