Crumlin has a long history going back many centuries

THERE was a massive turnout for the launch of the Crumlin Walking Trail Map and Guide in St Mary’s Parish Hall, Crumlin.

At the parish hall on Thursday night, the crowd started filing in early ahead of the 7pm start, and this would prove to be the right decision for the lucky ones who were able to secure seats.

It was standing room only for late arrivals, but it did not diminish a crackling atmosphere, and all in attendance enioyed the talks on the night by local historians, free tea/coffee and sandwiches clourtesy of the city council, and copies of the trail and a local heritage audit report.

The walking trail features 15 different locations in the area, including St Mary’s Cemetery, Glebe House, St Agnes Church, Crumlin House, Iveagh Gardens, Drimnagh Castle and the Halfway House.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Carolyn Moore, representing the Lord Mayor, officially launched the trail and map.

“Crumlin has a long history going back many centuries. The Crumlin Walking Trail Map and Guide highlights the very interesting buildings and places of interest in the area which provide a link back to the past. It is great to see the enthusiasm of the local community in their local history and heritage through their development of the walking trail,” said Kimmage-Rathmines Cllr Moore.

Deputy Mayor Moore also launched the Crumlin Heritage Audit Report and the renewed Crumlin and Walkinstown History Group, which has replaced the now disbanded local community forum.

The Audit Report identifies and highlights heritage sites and features of interest in Crumlin and provides recommendations on the best way to highlight and interpret these.

The audit report provides a summary of Crumlin from the earliest times up to the present with photographs and links for further reading.

Mary Thomas, a committee member of the renewed Crumlin and Walkinstown History Group, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout.

“Very pleased, we weren’t expecting such a big crowd – everyone spoke so well including Aidan Hudson, who led proceedings, and Cathy Scuffil, a DCC historian,” said Mary.

“I left the walking trail maps in at local businesses and pubs in the area, and even had to replace them at the credit union and post office the next day, because of the interest in them. All the audits we were handing to attendees were gone at the end of the night.”

Crumlin and Walkinstown History Group is a voluntary group of individuals who are interested in the history of Crumlin and Walkinstown and the surrounding areas. The group has decided to initiate a call for new members and plans to carry out a number of projects over the coming year.