A Ramble About Tallaght: History, People, Places by Albert Perris (Author)

Richly illustrated with period photographs and original drawings by Michael O’Brien, Albert Perris tells the often-surprising story of Tallaght.

A fascinating history of an ancient place.

From its first mention in legend in the Book of Invasions, through early Christian monastic settlements, castles and grand residences, Fenian raids and the Battle of Tallaght, there has been huge change in Tallaght. In more recent times it has seen car and motorcycle racing, an aerodrome, the rise and fall of a chocolate factory and a pioneering telecommunications firm. The massive population explosion and rapid modernisation towards the end of the twentieth century means this once-tiny village in Dublin’s foothills is now home to over 80,000 people.

Richly illustrated with period photographs and original drawings by Michael O’Brien, Albert Perris tells the often-surprising story of Tallaght.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Genesis – Tallaght in Pre-History 11

Chapter 2 Christianity, Comets and Cholera 19

Chapter 3 Tallaght Castle and the Archiepiscopal Palace 48

Chapter 4 Tallaght House 69

Chapter 5 The Battle of Tallaght, 1867 – What the Dickens? 91

Chapter 6 The Big Houses 105

Chapter 7 Oldbawn Paper Mills 120

Chapter 8 Those Damned Inquisitors – The Dominicans in Tallaght 127

Chapter 9 On the Move – Planes, Trains and Automobiles 148

Chapter 10 Tallaght in Times of Strife 167

Chapter 11 Industry and Commerce 191

Chapter 12 The Best Laid Plans 228

Chapter 13 The Coming of Age of Tallaght New Town 252

From a Settlement to a City – A Conclusion of Sorts 265

Works Consulted and Bibliography 271