Rollestown Parish District

Centuries ago a small river settlement grew at a crossing point. This is Rollestown Parish District. Its history is rich and spans hundreds of years. Rollestown nestled beside the Broadmeadow River. It became a significant location. This was because of its position on the river. The 1658 census shows Rollestown had 41 inhabitants. This was part of the larger Clonmethan area. Around 1700 lands were gifted to the Catholic Church. This gift included space for a chapel a garden and a paddock. The village grew. By 1837 it was big enough for a National School. This shows its growing community. This original school served the Rolestown and Kilsallaghan areas. A notable church Killossery or St Ossier’s was built in the 17th century. It stood near the river. This parish covered a large area. It included Rollestown and Lispopple. St Brigid’s Church replaced Killossery. It was built in the 1850s. It has had extensive repairs in the late 1990s. Rowlestown House a Georgian style building stands as one of the oldest still functioning structures. Built between 1750 and 1770 it remains a dwelling. It initially belonged to the Corbally family. Today the Griffin family owns it. The old castle in Kilsallaghan a part of Rollestown was destroyed in 1641. Its name Coill Saileacháin meaning Sally Wood reflects its woodland setting. Rollestown’s community has strong ties with Swords. Many local council houses in Swords housed families from Rollestown and Kilsallaghan. Many Rollestown children attend secondary schools in Swords. Many Swords residents play Gaelic football for Fingal Ravens GFC in Rollestown. Rollestown Parish is part of a team ministry with Garristown and Naul. The local Gaelic Athletic Association club is Fingal Ravens. Rolestown Cho’s Tae Kwon-Do also operates here. Public transport is available through Dublin Bus service 41B. This runs from Dublin city centre through Dublin Airport and Swords to Rolestown Bridge. The 197 Go-Ahead Bus Service also connects Swords to Ashbourne. Annually until the early 1960s carnivals took place. These carnivals included sheep-shearing competitions sheepdog trials and fancy-dress competitions. These were held near the old white gates at the entrance to Rowlestown House. The events ended with a night dance in a large marquee. Today the Rollestown Parish District is a vibrant community. Its past is visible in its buildings and traditions. The parish continues to evolve and thrive.