Lucan House grounds ‘are very special’
LUCAN House and its grounds contains 18th century structures that are still intact today, but the history of the site goes back way further, possibly to the early medieval period, according to heritage group Society for Old Lucan (SOL).
South Dublin County Council bought Lucan House, the former Italian Ambassador’s residence since the 1940s, for around €15m last year from the Italian State. The vast 25-acre estate is closed off to the public at the moment, and it is unclear at this stage when it will re-open.
The council have not commented publicly on their plans yet, but it is envisaged that it will incorporate existing cycle greenways and tourism projects for the area.
“It’s a wonderfully positive development,” said Helen Farrell, Chair of SOL, whose group provided volunteer tours on the grounds for a number of years, and provide walking tours at other historical sites in the area.
“The grounds are very special, most of it is untouched without elements like footpaths, which makes it intriguing. An early 18th century stables is intact. It’s like they just walked out one day with the horses and left the stables.”
Farrell recalls the storied ownership of the house and grounds – which is an article in itself – from Anglo Normans in the 12th century to the Italians in the 20th century and numerous landowners in between.
“It’s a really rich domain, the fishing, timber woodlands, rich salmon river, arable land, which all of Lucan was at the time, a very healthy domain. There is some really rare archaeology,” said Farrel, a former archaeologist.
“My group (SOL) have worked with the National Monument Service for three years, we were given access, and you can see this unique archaeology in the medieval church, and what looks like an 18th century bathhouse. There is a tower attached to the church and this is still intact.”
SOL have asked the council if they can have access to continue tours but accept it may be a while before the site re-opens.
Farrell speculates that the 18th century stone wall surrounding the site, of which some is in disrepair, will be a priority for the council, before they move onto “other aspects.”
“I’m sure there is European funding available for these types of projects. Fair play to the council for securing the site. It is not an opportunity that is going to be repeated.”
Lucan business and active travel groups have welcomed the potential for Lucan House and grounds to be a “game changer” for tourism and trade in the area and identified “scrubland” in the grounds that could manage 400 to 500 car parking spaces.
This is something Farrell agrees with.
“My worry is that because it is untouched lands, people may be concerned about a car park but changes have to happen.
When you go to Malahide Castle you park there. This site in Lucan is not just for tourists but for locals as well.”