Did the Guinness family ever imagine their Roman Tower would become such a beloved oddity? Here at St Anne’s Park, this curious structure stands as a testament to their whimsical tastes. The Roman Tower, also known as the Tomb of the Julii, isn’t an ancient Roman ruin. It’s a 19th-century folly, a decorative building designed to evoke the grandeur of ancient Rome. Benjamin Lee Guinness, of the brewing dynasty, had it built, inspired by the actual Tomb of the Julii in St. Remy, France. Originally, this tower perched atop the Guinness family’s main house. Later, Lord and Lady Ardilaun moved it to this scenic spot overlooking the lake and the Pompeiian Temple during renovations in the 1870s. St. Anne’s Park boasts twelve such follies, each a quirky window into the past. These follies, dotted along the Naniken River and oak-lined avenues, fell into disrepair over time. Thankfully, Dublin City Council initiated a restoration project in 2016, breathing new life into these whimsical structures. The Roman Tower, once almost hidden by overgrown vegetation, stands proudly once more. It serves as a charming reminder of a time when wealthy families indulged in fanciful architectural expressions.
Saint John the Evangelist
Whispers of history echo from these stones. This is the site of Saint John the Evangelist. Once a vibrant church