How did Yellow Walls get its name? As you stand here, in this townland just outside Malahide village, you might be surprised to learn that the origin of the name is still debated. Some say it comes from the practice of bleaching linen, made from locally grown flax, in the sun. Others believe it stems from the vibrant yellows of vegetable dyes used to color textiles, which were then hung to dry on the stone walls. While the exact reason remains unclear, the name itself dates back to at least the 18th century, appearing on Rocque’s 1756 map of County Dublin. This predates the local cotton mill, dispelling the notion that industrial dyeing practices were responsible for the name. Yellow Walls itself encompasses a rich history, once consisting of two distinct areas known as Hamonstown and Balregan. These names hint at the area’s connections to Viking settlers and the Anglo-Norman invasion, adding another layer to the story of this unique place. Whether the walls were stained by the sun’s bleaching power or the vibrant hues of natural dyes, Yellow Walls whispers a tale of a time when life was intimately connected to the land and its resources.
Saint John the Evangelist
Whispers of history echo from these stones. This is the site of Saint John the Evangelist. Once a vibrant church