New heritage walking trail map ‘preserves local history’

THE official launch of the Ballyfermot heritage walking trail map and guide took place this week, reports Maurice Garvey.

Dublin City Council and Ballyfermot Heritage Group worked together to complete the design of the heritage walking trail, which has been in operation since its original launch during Heritage Week last August.

On Tuesday morning, Dublin City Council Mayor Daithí de Róiste was at Ballyfermot Road to launch the venture, beside a sign for the trail at the corner of Tesco’s.

The walking trail map features 15 prominent landmarks in the area, including the Church of Our Lady of Assumption, De La Salle, Ruby Finnegans and the Ranch, De La Salle Monastery, Seven Oaks Convent, and Le Fanu Road Railway Bridge.

An interactive map of the trail is available on the Ballyfermot Heritage website.

Visitors who click on one of the 15 sites can enjoy an audio and oral history of the site, with narration by local historian Sean Brennan, a member of the Ballyfermot Heritage Group.

“It is a great idea that preserves local history for future generations,” Sean said.

 “De La Salle monastery, in another five to ten years time, people might not know it existed, but this will preserve that.

We have the walking trail map as an interactive on our heritage website.

“You can go from one to 15, or just click on the one you are interested in, which will provide you a video, photos and an oral history.”

Dublin City Council printed 2,000 copies of the heritage trail map and some are available at the library, credit union, civic centre and some local shops.