HAMPTON IN DRUMCONDRA 14 OCTOBER 2024
The "Hampton" development is located on Grace Park Road in Drumcondra, Dublin. Before its development, the nine-acre site was occupied by Our Lady of Dolours Convent, a monastery that was home to the Dominican Sisters. The convent, established in 1898, was known for its beautiful gardens and mature trees, some of which have been preserved in the new development.
Grace Park itself is a historic area with a rich past. The land was originally part of the extensive estates of Drumcondra House, a grand mansion dating back to the 17th century. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was developed for residential use, with many large Victorian and Edwardian houses built. Grace Park Road, which runs through the area, is lined with these period properties, giving it a distinctive character.
The developers of "Hampton" have sought to retain some of the area's heritage by incorporating the convent's walled garden and mature trees into the design. The development also features a paved plaza and green open spaces, contributing to the overall sense of peace and tranquillity.
Our Lady of Dolours Convent! While it was indeed on the site of the "Hampton" development, it wasn't a school. It was a monastery that housed an order of Dominican Sisters.
Here's what I've been able to find:
Establishment: Our Lady of Dolours Convent was established in 1898. This was a period when many religious orders were establishing themselves in Dublin.
Not a school: It appears this particular convent was focused on a contemplative life of prayer and religious work within the community, rather than running a school. Many convents in Ireland did operate schools, but this wasn't always the case.
Closure and Sale: The convent closed in 2018, with the Dominican Sisters moving to a smaller residence. The site was subsequently sold to developers. This trend of convent closures and sales has been seen across Ireland in recent decades due to a decline in vocations and an ageing population of nuns.
Grace Park itself is a historic area with a rich past. The land was originally part of the extensive estates of Drumcondra House, a grand mansion dating back to the 17th century. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was developed for residential use, with many large Victorian and Edwardian houses built. Grace Park Road, which runs through the area, is lined with these period properties, giving it a distinctive character.
The developers of "Hampton" have sought to retain some of the area's heritage by incorporating the convent's walled garden and mature trees into the design. The development also features a paved plaza and green open spaces, contributing to the overall sense of peace and tranquillity.
Our Lady of Dolours Convent! While it was indeed on the site of the "Hampton" development, it wasn't a school. It was a monastery that housed an order of Dominican Sisters.
Here's what I've been able to find:
Establishment: Our Lady of Dolours Convent was established in 1898. This was a period when many religious orders were establishing themselves in Dublin.
Not a school: It appears this particular convent was focused on a contemplative life of prayer and religious work within the community, rather than running a school. Many convents in Ireland did operate schools, but this wasn't always the case.
Closure and Sale: The convent closed in 2018, with the Dominican Sisters moving to a smaller residence. The site was subsequently sold to developers. This trend of convent closures and sales has been seen across Ireland in recent decades due to a decline in vocations and an ageing population of nuns.
HAMPTON IN DRUMCONDRA 14 OCTOBER 2024