ULVERTON ROAD AND BREFFNI ROAD IN DALKEY-SANDYCOVE
ULVERTON ROAD AND BREFFNI ROAD IN DALKEY-SANDYCOVE [1 JANUARY 2025]
Breffni Road and 2 Cliff Terrace:
Breffni Road, historically considered part of Sandycove rather than Dalkey, dates back to the early 1800s. It was developed by four merchant brothers seeking a summer escape from the city. Of particular interest is 2 Cliff Terrace:
Construction: Built in the early 1860s during a period of significant development in Sandycove, it served as a summer retreat for wealthy residents.
Architecture: Designed in the Victorian style, typical of the era, the architect remains unknown. The house is a classic red brick terrace with white trim, a slate roof, large bay windows, and a charming front garden. The interior likely features high ceilings, original woodwork, and period fireplaces.
Ownership: The land originally belonged to the Earl of Wicklow, who sold it to the builder. The builder retained number 2 for himself.
Jimmy Murakami: From 1970 until his death in 2014, 2 Cliff Terrace was the home of renowned animation director Jimmy Murakami. He directed "Battle Beyond the Stars" (giving James Cameron his first art director job) and supervised "The Snowman." The house served as both a creative hub and a personal retreat.
Current Status: 2 Cliff Terrace is a private residence, not open to the public. It is a highly sought-after property in Sandycove, but contrary to some reports, is not a protected structure according to the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Ulverton Road: A Journey Through Time:
Ulverton Road was created as an alternative route to Harbour Road, connecting Dún Laoghaire and Bullock Harbour with Dalkey Village. Its wide expanse and elegant late 19th-century terraces, set back amidst spacious front gardens, are defining features, although recent road widening near Castle Street has slightly altered its character.
Early Transport: In the late 19th century, the Blackrock Company Car, an early form of public transport, operated along Ulverton Road.
Architectural Diversity: The road showcases a blend of architectural styles. Victorian terraces stand alongside more modern residences like One The Paddocks, influenced by Alvar Aalto’s designs.
Social History: Ulverton Road has been home to a diverse range of residents. In the early 20th century, Dr Richard Parkinson, a Dublin surgeon, lived in Tudor House, built with materials from the demolished Wolverton Castle. Later, the King family, with connections to the Irish National Theatre and the fight for Irish independence, resided here.
Civil War Tragedy: A tragic incident occurred during the Irish Civil War on 13 November 1922, when an ambush by anti-treaty forces resulted in the deaths of a soldier and a civilian.
Future Development: A proposed 104-bed nursing home has generated local controversy, raising concerns about its impact on the area's character and wildlife.
Bulloch Castle:
Overlooking Bulloch Harbour, Bulloch Castle is a testament to Dalkey's medieval past.
Origins: Built in the 12th century by the Cistercian Monks of St Mary's Abbey, it protected their valuable fisheries. The monks collected levies from fishermen and used ingenious underground ice storage to preserve their catch. A small stone quay facilitated boat landings.
Later History: Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, the castle was seized by the Crown and subsequently leased to private individuals. Remnants of town defences, including a watchtower, remain near the steps leading to Ulverton Road.
Architecture: The castle's oblong shape, flanked by towers, projects strength. An archway beneath the western tower likely connected internal courtyards.
Wolverton Castle: Wolverton Castle, once located at the corner of Castle Street and Ulverton Road, was demolished in the 19th century. Its stones were used to build Tudor House.
Castle Park School and James Joyce:
Near the junction of Ulverton and Harbour Roads, Castle Park School (formerly Clifton School) holds a unique literary connection.
Ulysses: James Joyce immortalised the school in Ulysses, Episode Two, depicting Stephen Dedalus teaching Roman history. The headmaster, Mr Deasy, is believed to be based on Francis Irwin, the school's founder.
Conclusion:
Ulverton Road’s evolution reflects Dalkey's transformation. From its origins as a bypass to its development as a residential area, it has witnessed both peaceful daily life and moments of conflict. Bulloch Castle and Castle Park School provide tangible links to the past. Ulverton Road, with its blend of history, architecture, and community, remains a vital part of Dalkey’s identity.
Breffni Road and 2 Cliff Terrace:
Breffni Road, historically considered part of Sandycove rather than Dalkey, dates back to the early 1800s. It was developed by four merchant brothers seeking a summer escape from the city. Of particular interest is 2 Cliff Terrace:
Construction: Built in the early 1860s during a period of significant development in Sandycove, it served as a summer retreat for wealthy residents.
Architecture: Designed in the Victorian style, typical of the era, the architect remains unknown. The house is a classic red brick terrace with white trim, a slate roof, large bay windows, and a charming front garden. The interior likely features high ceilings, original woodwork, and period fireplaces.
Ownership: The land originally belonged to the Earl of Wicklow, who sold it to the builder. The builder retained number 2 for himself.
Jimmy Murakami: From 1970 until his death in 2014, 2 Cliff Terrace was the home of renowned animation director Jimmy Murakami. He directed "Battle Beyond the Stars" (giving James Cameron his first art director job) and supervised "The Snowman." The house served as both a creative hub and a personal retreat.
Current Status: 2 Cliff Terrace is a private residence, not open to the public. It is a highly sought-after property in Sandycove, but contrary to some reports, is not a protected structure according to the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Development Plan 2022-2028.
Ulverton Road: A Journey Through Time:
Ulverton Road was created as an alternative route to Harbour Road, connecting Dún Laoghaire and Bullock Harbour with Dalkey Village. Its wide expanse and elegant late 19th-century terraces, set back amidst spacious front gardens, are defining features, although recent road widening near Castle Street has slightly altered its character.
Early Transport: In the late 19th century, the Blackrock Company Car, an early form of public transport, operated along Ulverton Road.
Architectural Diversity: The road showcases a blend of architectural styles. Victorian terraces stand alongside more modern residences like One The Paddocks, influenced by Alvar Aalto’s designs.
Social History: Ulverton Road has been home to a diverse range of residents. In the early 20th century, Dr Richard Parkinson, a Dublin surgeon, lived in Tudor House, built with materials from the demolished Wolverton Castle. Later, the King family, with connections to the Irish National Theatre and the fight for Irish independence, resided here.
Civil War Tragedy: A tragic incident occurred during the Irish Civil War on 13 November 1922, when an ambush by anti-treaty forces resulted in the deaths of a soldier and a civilian.
Future Development: A proposed 104-bed nursing home has generated local controversy, raising concerns about its impact on the area's character and wildlife.
Bulloch Castle:
Overlooking Bulloch Harbour, Bulloch Castle is a testament to Dalkey's medieval past.
Origins: Built in the 12th century by the Cistercian Monks of St Mary's Abbey, it protected their valuable fisheries. The monks collected levies from fishermen and used ingenious underground ice storage to preserve their catch. A small stone quay facilitated boat landings.
Later History: Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, the castle was seized by the Crown and subsequently leased to private individuals. Remnants of town defences, including a watchtower, remain near the steps leading to Ulverton Road.
Architecture: The castle's oblong shape, flanked by towers, projects strength. An archway beneath the western tower likely connected internal courtyards.
Wolverton Castle: Wolverton Castle, once located at the corner of Castle Street and Ulverton Road, was demolished in the 19th century. Its stones were used to build Tudor House.
Castle Park School and James Joyce:
Near the junction of Ulverton and Harbour Roads, Castle Park School (formerly Clifton School) holds a unique literary connection.
Ulysses: James Joyce immortalised the school in Ulysses, Episode Two, depicting Stephen Dedalus teaching Roman history. The headmaster, Mr Deasy, is believed to be based on Francis Irwin, the school's founder.
Conclusion:
Ulverton Road’s evolution reflects Dalkey's transformation. From its origins as a bypass to its development as a residential area, it has witnessed both peaceful daily life and moments of conflict. Bulloch Castle and Castle Park School provide tangible links to the past. Ulverton Road, with its blend of history, architecture, and community, remains a vital part of Dalkey’s identity.
ULVERTON ROAD AND BREFFNI ROAD IN DALKEY-SANDYCOVE