Palmerstown ED 1901

Can you imagine a time when the name of a place caused so much confusion it required multiple votes to settle the matter? Well, that’s the story of Palmerstown ED 1901, or should I say Palmerston? This area, nestled along the River Liffey in West Dublin, has a history as rich and meandering as the river itself. Palmerstown ED 1901 takes its name from the much older civil parish of Palmerstown, whose roots trace back to the 12th century. A “palmer,” a pilgrim returning from the Holy Land with a palm branch, is believed to be the origin of the name. Ailred the Palmer and his wife founded a priory and hospital here, a testament to their devotion. The official name, as decreed by the Ordnance Survey Ireland in the 1830s, is Palmerston. However, the locals stubbornly clung to Palmerstown, and you’ll still hear it used today. This tug-of-war over the name even led to a plebiscite in 2009 to officially change the name to “Palmerstown.” While the “yes” vote won a majority, it didn’t reach the required threshold of eligible voters. Another plebiscite in 2014, specifically for Palmerstown Village, finally settled the matter, with a resounding vote in favor of Palmerstown Village. The Palmerstown ED 1901 area encompasses numerous townlands, each with its own unique character. From the bustling village center along the Old Lucan Road to the modern housing estates of Palmerstown Manor and Woodfarm Acres, the area has seen much transformation. The ruins of a pre-Norman church stand as a silent witness to the area’s long history. Imagine the mill hands and craftsmen who toiled in the 17th-century industrial village, complete with flax, seed, oil, flour, and cloth mills. Even the legendary Muhammad Ali graced Palmerstown with his presence during a visit to Stewarts Hospital in 1972. Today, Palmerstown ED 1901 is a vibrant blend of old and new. While the mills may be gone, the community spirit lives on.