Survey Data
Reg No
50070148
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Historical, Social
Original Use
Barracks
In Use As
Park
Date
1850 - 1870
Coordinates
313899, 234392
Date Recorded
27/09/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Triangular-plan park, enclosed c.1860, former recreation grounds associated with Collins Barracks. Cut granite plinth wall having wrought-iron railings with cast-iron spear heads. Having London Plane trees, lawn, perimeter shrubs, timber and cast-iron benches and water feature. Asphalt paths having stone edgings. Limestone paved surround to water feature. Bronze 'Anna Livia' sculpture by Eamonn O'Doherty to centre. Recent flat-roof stone ancillary building to south-east corner. Stone fountain, built c.1983, to centre of south boundary on axis with Frank Sherwin Bridge.
Appraisal
Croppies Memorial Park was dedicated in 1983, and together with the Esplanade or 'Croppies' Acre' commemorate those executed during the 1798 rebellion. The park is much older however, formerly part of the Military Recreation Grounds of Collins (formerly Royal) Barracks, it was known as the Crimean Trophy Plot due to the presence of guns captured during the Crimean war. Its age is evident in the mature planting and the patina of age to the boundary railings. It was owned by the OPW until it was made over to Dublin City Council in 1969. In 2011 the Memorial Park became the new home to Eamonn O'Doherty's bronze sculpture. Anna Livia, a representation of the River Liffey, was formerly located on O'Connell Street 1988-2001. The sculptor adapted the monument for its new location. It was commissioned for the Dublin Millennium celebrations of 1988. The park received a civic award in 1984. Dublin Chamber of Commerce presented the stone fountain on the south boundary to the city of Dublin in 1983 to commemorate the bicentenary of the chamber. It is formed from Wicklow granite and columns from the former Guinness Mansion in Saint Anne's Park. The park is well maintained and offers tranquillity amidst its busy surrounding streets.