Thursday, April 9, 2020
Man O War Pub - Balbriggan, County Dublin
Situated on a hill on the original Dublin to Belfast Road, the Man O’War Public House has been recorded in deeds dating back to 1595.
In 1732 an Act of Parliament established the tolled Coach Road called the Dublin to Dunleer Turnpike (1732—1855) and a turnpike (toll booth) was situated at the Man O’War Pub.
Weary travellers stopped at the Man O’War for refreshments as it was halfway along the turnpike route. Wolfe Tone had his breakfast here in July 1792. Other famous visitors include Dr. John Gamble and Austin Cooper who both wrote about their stay at the Man O’War.
Various highwaymen plied their trade along the route, the most famous of these being “Collier the Highway man” (1780—1849).
The origin of the name “Man O’War” is the subject of much speculation. Its location on a hill (mean bharr, meaning “middle height”) is an obvious answer, but more romantic views have been put forward. One is that the area was once covered by trees which were felled and used to construct British Man O’War ships. Another theory is that the name arose because of the cavalry barracks which was situated at nearby Malhenry.
However, the most popular story concerns the “Turks Head” — a massive wooden carving depicting a Turks Head which for ages adorned the pillar outside the pub. It was thought that this unusual figurine which came from a shipwrecked Man O’War ship, may have lent its name to the area.
http://www.manowar.ie/
Osprey Irish History Titles
The titles below are some of what Osprey has to offer Irish history buffs. They also cover Irish regiments of The Great War and the Second World War.
Let It Grow- First time Experience of the Garden Allotment
I tried to get this article published back in August of 2019 but the main newspapers were not interested. I still feel it has something to say. The allotment was sadly closed during the corona epidemic. It will eventually reopen and we will rebuild.
Let It Grow- First time
Experience of the Garden Allotment
Community
gardens are becoming more popular in urban areas and are a common feature in several
European capitals. I was deeply
impressed by the mini-gardens dotted around Vienna, a city which was my home
for five years, and to see and how much they enhanced the built up areas. Dublin
too has several garden allotments around the city and county, though they are often massively
under advertised and their relevance to quality of life is equally understated.
Last February, I realised I was spending
way too much time on the couch and decided to try one out. Apartment living in
Dublin has its limitations and though our gated apartment complex does have a
communal garden, consisting of a few token trees and a patch of grass, it is
not supposed to be used for anything.
The allotments are run by
the council and the Belmayne allotments, just off the Malahide Road at Northern
Cross, were launched in 2014. They were initially intended only for the
residents of the area but now open to anyone in North Dublin. The choice of
location is apt as more than 30% of the vegetables grown in Ireland are from
North Dublin. They cover a mere two
acres but enhance the area greatly. The site itself was once the garden of a
Big House which has long since disappeared from the landscape.
A communal area provides
a place to relax. Anti-social activity is discouraged by a surrounding fence
and a padlocked gate. Every February, two types of allotments from the 112 on
offer are available at a very reasonable rate. The larger plot measuring 64
squares metres costs 120 euro while the smaller one, measuring 30 square metres
costs 60 euro. We chose the latter as we were initially unsure whether we could
make it work.
As
I had no previous gardening experience I was unsure how to start. Other
allotment holders were however quick to introduce themselves, offer the loan of
tools and more importantly impart tips. So I pulled weeds and prepared the
soil. We planted fool proof vegetables such as potatoes and onions and
experimented with strawberries and raspberries, with varying degrees of success.
The most interesting feature was a small pond I dug which I hope will attract
frog spawn and which has developed into its own mini eco system.
Working
the allotment is a way for the whole family to do something outdoors. It is ideal for young
children and it is on their doorstep. My son is obsessed with Minecraft
and while I recognise that computers will be a large part of his life so to do
I realise the need for fresh air. After initial protestations the fine weather
encouraged his participation. Both he and his twin sister are now content to
pull weeds, water plants and dig for insects, all in a safe environment. Though
only six years old, they can now identify several plants and insects that would
leave many stumped.
The allotment like nearby Father Collins’ Park offers a refuge from the
noise of the traffic. The pace of life suddenly slows down and only a few
metres away from a busy road an oasis of tranquillity in the urban sprawl reveals
itself.
It has also proven
surprisingly inexpensive. Tools were acquired second hand and among allotment
holders there is a readiness to share extra seeds and bulbs as well as avail of
the use of the greenhouse on site. Twice a year the council delivers top soil
free of charge.
The allotment is more
than just getting your hands dirty. The mushrooming residential developments
leave little time for community and often a terse greeting from the neighbours,
if at all, is all you can expect. Not so at the garden allotment where the
allotment holders readily give you the time of day. The allotment is all about
community building and experiencing quality of life. To further enhance this the allotment holders gather together at the
end of the harvest for a barbeque and to discuss future plans. The future
however like many other things is uncertain. It is not just the
weeds that threaten to choke the allotment but the need for residential
development may soon see their obliteration.
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