PALMERSTOWN VILLAGE

Palmerstown Village, nestled in the suburbs of Dublin, boasts a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Its name originates from a pilgrim, or "palmer", named Ailred, who established the Palmers' Hospital there. This hospital later became known as the Hospital of St. John the Baptist and eventually merged with the Augustinian Order.

Note: Palmerston [different spelling] is a small area located in Rathmines, on the south side of Dublin City. It's primarily known for a park, Palmerston Park, and the surrounding residential streets. It has no historical connection to Palmerstown Village.

Throughout the centuries, Palmerstown has seen its fair share of notable residents and events:

Early History: In 1188, Pope Clement III officially recognised the priory's land grants, which included the parish of Palmerstown. A renowned scholar, Thomas Hibernicus, also resided in Palmerstown in the 13th century.
Post-Dissolution: Following the dissolution of monasteries in 1539, the hospital's property, including a large house, church, mill, and kiln, was granted to Sir John Allen, the Irish Chancellor.
17th Century: Sir Maurice Eustace, a prominent figure in Irish law and politics, became the primary owner of Palmerstown. After his death, the estate passed to Sir John Temple, Solicitor-General for Ireland under Charles II.
18th Century: The prominent Anglo-Irish politician, John Hely-Hutchinson, held ownership of Palmerstown. He also served as Provost of Trinity College Dublin.
Modern Era: Palmerstown experienced significant growth and development in the 20th century, transforming into a bustling suburb of Dublin.
Today, Palmerstown retains its village charm while offering modern amenities. It's a popular residential area with a strong sense of community.

The spelling of "Palmerstown" has been a source of local contention and even led to a plebiscite in the village.

Here's a breakdown of the situation:

The Issue:

Two Spellings: "Palmerstown" with a 'w' is the historical and traditional spelling of the village, reflecting its origin from the pilgrim "palmer." However, "Palmerston" (without the 'w') became common in official usage, particularly on road signs and by some government agencies.

Local Identity: Residents felt that the 'w'-less spelling eroded their village's historical identity and connection to its past. They argued that "Palmerston" was associated with the area in Dublin City and caused confusion.

The Plebiscite:

2009 Vote: An initial attempt to restore the 'w' in 2009 through a vote of the wider area failed due to low turnout.

2014 Village Vote: In 2014, a local councillor organised a plebiscite specifically for Palmerstown Village residents. This time, the vote was overwhelmingly in favour of officially reinstating the 'w'.
Outcome:

Official Recognition: South Dublin County Council acknowledged the results of the plebiscite. While the surrounding area may still sometimes be referred to as "Palmerston," the village itself is officially recognised as "Palmerstown."

Ongoing Changes: Efforts have been made to update signage and official documents to reflect the correct spelling. However, you might still encounter the 'w'-less version from time to time.
Significance:

The "Palmerstown" spelling dispute highlights the importance of local identity and historical preservation for communities. It demonstrates how even seemingly small details like a single letter can carry significant meaning for residents.