Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ST WERBURGH'S CHURCH
CHURCH
( 01-478 3710; Werburgh St; services 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month at 11am, call for access at other times;
50, 50A or 56A from Aston Quay, 54 or 54A from Burgh Quay)
Lying west of Dublin Castle, St Wer-
burgh's Church stands upon ancient foundations (probably from the 12th century), but
was rebuilt several times during the 17th and 18th centuries. The church's tall spire was
dismantled after Robert Emmet's rising in 1803, for fear that future rebels might use it as
a vantage point for snipers. Interred in the vault is Lord Edward Fitzgerald, who turned
against Britain, joined the United Irishmen and was a leader of the 1798 Rising. In what
was a frequent theme of Irish uprisings, compatriots gave him away and his death resulted
from the wounds he received when captured. Coincidentally, Major Henry Sirr, the man
who captured him, is buried out in the graveyard. On the porch you will notice two fire
pumps that date from the time when Dublin's fire department was composed of church
volunteers. The interior is rather more cheerful than the exterior, although the church is
rarely used. Phone, or see the caretaker at 8 Castle St, to see inside. Donations welcome.
WAR MEMORIAL GARDENS
(
www.heritageireland.ie
;
South Circular Rd, Islandbridge; 8am-dusk Mon-Fri, from 10am Sat & Sun; 25, 25A,
26, 68 or 69 from city centre)
Hardly anyone ever ventures this far west, but they're missing a
lovely bit of landscaping in the shape of the War Memorial Gardens. By our reckoning as
pleasant a patch of greenery as any you'll find in the heart of the Georgian centre.
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the memorial commemorates the 49,400 Irish soldiers
who died during WWI - their names are inscribed in the two huge granite bookrooms that
stand at one end. A beautiful spot and a bit of history to boot.
PARK
