THE DUCK POND AREA OF THE PEOPLES FLOWER GARDENS
Some online sources do claim that the pond was created by a bomb dropped during World War II. However, this is not quite accurate. While a German bomb did fall in Phoenix Park in 1941, it landed near the "Citadel Pond" (now known as the "Dog Pond"), which is located in a different area of the park, closer to the Dublin Zoo. This bombing was quite dramatic, even knocking over an elephant in the zoo (fortunately, the elephant was unharmed)!
The duck pond in the People's Flower Gardens, on the other hand, likely has more mundane origins. It was probably added to the gardens sometime in the mid-20th century, perhaps to enhance their beauty or provide a habitat for waterfowl. The exact reasons for its creation remain somewhat unclear, but it's a welcome addition nonetheless.
Now, about the Dog Pond...
This pond has a fascinating history of its own. It was originally part of a moat surrounding a grand, star-shaped fort known as the "Citadel" or "Wharton's Folly". This ambitious project was started in the 1740s by Thomas Wharton, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, but was never completed. The ruins were eventually demolished, leaving behind the water-filled moat, which evolved into the Dog Pond we know today.
So, while the duck pond and the Dog Pond have different origins, they both contribute to the rich tapestry of Phoenix Park's history. They remind us that even seemingly peaceful places can have unexpected stories to tell, and that even the most ambitious plans can sometimes go awry, leaving behind intriguing remnants for future generations to ponder.
The duck pond in the People's Flower Gardens, on the other hand, likely has more mundane origins. It was probably added to the gardens sometime in the mid-20th century, perhaps to enhance their beauty or provide a habitat for waterfowl. The exact reasons for its creation remain somewhat unclear, but it's a welcome addition nonetheless.
Now, about the Dog Pond...
This pond has a fascinating history of its own. It was originally part of a moat surrounding a grand, star-shaped fort known as the "Citadel" or "Wharton's Folly". This ambitious project was started in the 1740s by Thomas Wharton, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, but was never completed. The ruins were eventually demolished, leaving behind the water-filled moat, which evolved into the Dog Pond we know today.
So, while the duck pond and the Dog Pond have different origins, they both contribute to the rich tapestry of Phoenix Park's history. They remind us that even seemingly peaceful places can have unexpected stories to tell, and that even the most ambitious plans can sometimes go awry, leaving behind intriguing remnants for future generations to ponder.
THE DUCK POND AREA OF THE PEOPLES FLOWER GARDENS