A Ramble about Tallaght

Morton’s of Firhouse- A History since 1865 (Part I)  (1865-1943) Morton’s, Ennis, Farrelly’s, McKenna’s, Nolan’s, Conlon’s, Dowling’s, M’Garry’s, Clifton’s, Browne’s. A word on the neighbourhood In 1883, on a bright Sunday evening in May, a mass demonstration was held at Firhouse Strand on the banks of the Dodder, only a stone’s throw from the Fir House Inn (Morton’s), opposing the introduction of the ‘Sunday Closing Bill’.  Up to 700 people gathered to listen to the speakers, assembled on a drag (temporary platform) by the riverbank.  From the raised floor, several workmen addressed the meeting and in the course of their harangues said they would not be deprived of “necessary refreshments”, such as a pint of stout on a Sunday, after travelling three miles.  “If the licensed houses were closed”, they were of the opinion, then “shebeens would be largely and fraudulently established throughout the country”.  The Terenure Band attended t...

Aherne’s of Old Bawn- A History since 1875 Aherne’s …The Shamrock Inn, The Elm Inn, Dowling’s “Greyhound Bar”, The Tap, Porter’s, Healy’s... What is now well known as Aherne’s of Old Bawn, may have started life as a gate-house to the Old Bawn Papermills, once situated just in front of what is now the site of Tymon Bawn Community Centre.  There has been a licensed premises here since at least 1875 and a substantial structure since the early 1800s.  Throughout the early part of the 1800s several hundred men worked in the mills along this stretch of the Dodder- in McDonnell’s Mill (Old Bawn) Haerlem Mill (Mill-brook Lawns) and Boardman’s Mill in Bolbrook (or Boldbrook). By the late 1800s many of the mills were in decline and McDonnell’s Mill had closed entirely. HEALY & PORTER In 1875, having recently returned from England, Patrick Healy of Old Bawn, applied to have his licence extended to a 7 day licence and to sell spirits, as well as bee...