New podcast episodes feature tales of gunpowder and French Huguenots

A new podcast on the history of Corkagh launched recently was written and presented by Turtle Bunbury and commissioned by South Dublin Libraries with the support of the Heritage Council through its Heritage Stewardship programme, reports Shane Manscier.

The five episodes focus on the history of Corkagh, from the early story of Clondalkin, to the settlement of French Huguenot families in the area. The episodes cover the establishment of the gunpowder industry, through to the purchase of Corkagh House by the Finlay Family in 1750.

Speaking at the launch of the podcast in Clondalkin Library on Monday, November 28, Councillor William Carey, representing Mayor Emma Murphy, said: “One of the earliest references we have to Corkagh dates from 1326 when the lands were listed as part of the Archbishop of Dublin’s manor of Clondalkin, so we have a history here dating back almost 700 years.

“The fact that Turtle has managed to condense that story into a podcast, and relays Corkagh’s often complicated history in such a comprehensive and entertaining way, is a real testament to his skill as a historian and a storyteller.”

The gunpowder milling industry was run by several people over the years including Nicholas Greuber and the Arabin Family. The remains of one of the mills can still be seen in Corkagh Park today.

They and their descendants, the Colleys, remained in Corkagh for almost 200 years, establishing Corkagh Dairy, and leaving a lasting legacy in the Clondalkin area.

Corkagh Demesne was sold and reimagined as a public park which opened in 1986 and is one of the treasures of South Dublin County today.

Corkagh – The Life and Times of a South Dublin Demesne, a five-episode series, is now available to listen to on Spotify.