Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Strategy for Dublin aims to provide additional visitor attractions beyond the city centre to appeal to a more diverse range of tourists and encouraging longer stays. South Dublin County Council’s own Tourism Strategy seeks to position the county as “Dublin’s Great outdoors” and in so doing is committed to developing a diverse range of clustered visitor attractions. Among those underway and in planning are the Clondalkin Round Tower (due to open this summer), walking trails and facilities at Hell Fire Club, and the creation of a significant attraction on the footprint of the Rathfarnham Castle Stables. These will link to a growing cycling and walking network to be expanded in the coming years at Dodder Greenway, Grand Canal Walkway and the Liffey Blueway.
The precise nature and planned uses of the redeveloped stables site have yet to be determined but work is set to begin on vegetation clearance and survey works at the stable buildings in the coming days. South Dublin County Council are the owners of the stable buildings which are protected under the National Monument status of Rathfarnham Castle. Works to the Castle by the Office of Public Works in 2015 unearthed a treasure trove of artefacts from the early 1600’s including lead-crystal goblets, Chinese tea-sets, rare coins and armour. These works improved public access and facilities at the Castle as well as creating an elegant entrance courtyard off Rathfarnham Road. South Dublin County Council is committed to extending this refurbishment work with the stables, protecting and stabilising their historic fabric as well as bringing the buildings and yards back into public use.
Survey works on Rathfarnham Castle will commence with the removal of weeds and undergrowth now damaging the historic walls. This work will facilitate survey analysis and stabilisation works before conservation works commence. The works will be under the direction of respected conservation architect Gráinne Shaffrey who will produce a Conservation Plan for the Council-owned lands in consultation with Office of Public Works, Statutory bodies as well as local groups and traders in the coming months. This Plan will address issues of archaeology, conservation and environmental impact to allow the sustainable growth of public access to new and vibrant uses for this historical setting.
For information, please contact the Communications Unit.
Email: communications@sdublincoco.ie
Phone: 01 4149285
