About Glasnevin
Glasnevin is situated on the banks of the River Tolka on the north side of Dublin, about two miles from the city centre. Dean Swift, who wrote "Gulliver’s Travels" once lived across the road from the Glasnevin Model School, which is now the North Dublin National School Project. St. Brigid’s School is situated on the Old Finglas Road in Glasnevin, and overlooks Glasnevin Cemetery and the Botanic Gardens. The school is part of Our Lady of Dolours parish. Here are some interesting places that are around St. Brigid’s School: The Tolka River
St. Mary’s Secondary School: This school is next door to St. Brigid’s School.
There are 654 students at the School.
Holy Faith Convent: The nuns that used to run St. Brigid’s School came from the Holy Faith Convent. The Convent is also next door to St. Brigid’s School.
Our Lady of Dolours Church is a Catholic church and is located beside the Tolka River, opposite the Botanic Gardens. It is built in the shape of a pyramid. I made my first holy communion in this church and I will also make my confirmation there too. On Wednesdays, I go to ballet in the community hall underneath the church.
Met Éireann is situated across the road from St. Brigid’s School. It was built in 1979. It is the leading provider of weather information and related services for Ireland.
Get today’s weather from www.met.ie
The Botanic Gardens cover an area of 48 acres. They were established in 1795 on a 27-acre site. The land was purchased from Thomas Tickel’s family. Dr. Walter Wade, a Professor of Botany, laid out the grounds. Prof. Wade produced the first complete catalogue of plants in 1802. In 1834, an additional 21 acres were purchased and the gardens increased to 48 acres. The gardens are very famous and they have a large variety of plants from all over the world. Thousands of visitors from all over the world come to the gardens every year. It is said that Thomas Moore was inspired to write “The Last Rose of Summer” from the roses inside the gates of the Botanic Gardens. Part of the gardens were originally the natural flood plain of the river Tolka. The gardens contain a large plant collection which includes approximately 20,000 species. There are four ranges of glasshouses. Notable features include herbaceous displays, the rose garden, a rockery, a vegetable garden, and extensive shrub borders and wall plants. I love going to the Botanic Gardens to see all the beautiful flowers, to run around and dance, and feed the squirrels!
The Bon Secours Hospital is a private hospital owned by the Bon Secours Sisters. It was built on the site of a house called Delville, where Dean Swift's friend, Dr Delaney, lived. The hospital has 195 beds (141 inpatient, 29 day case and 25 endoscopy), four major and two minor operating theatres. Over 30,000 patients visit the hospital each year.
The Washerwoman’s Hill Restaurant is located beside the school on the Old Finglas Road. Built in 1700 by Hugo Bath, it is one of the oldest buildings in Glasnevin, and it takes its name from the old washhouse which once stood on the hill.
Glasnevin Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Ireland with more than 1.2 million graves. The cemetery was founded by Daniel O’Connell who wanted people of all religions to be buried together. Daniel O’Connell is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery and he has a very tall round tower over his grave which was built in 1869. When you look at St. Brigid’s school, you can see this tower in the distance.
By Maria Comiskey (Aged 11)