Croppies' Acre: Dublin's Memorial to the '98 Rebellion
A solemn tribute situated on the banks of the River Liffey, commemorating the fallen of a pivotal moment in Irish history.
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What is Croppies' Acre?
A Public Memorial Park
Croppies' Acre, officially known as the Croppies Acre Memorial Park, is a municipal public park located in Dublin, Ireland. Its primary purpose is to serve as a memorial to the individuals who perished during the tumultuous events of the 1798 Rebellion.
Commemorating the Fallen
The park stands as a significant site of remembrance, specifically honoring the casualties of the 1798 Rebellion, often referred to as the "Croppies." This memorial aspect is central to its identity and historical significance within the city.
Riverside Location
Situated on the north bank of the River Liffey, adjacent to Wolfe Tone Quay and south of Collins Barracks, the park occupies a historically resonant area of Dublin. Its location places it within a landscape marked by significant historical events.
Historical Context
Traditional Burial Ground
The site is traditionally believed to have served as a mass grave for Irish rebel casualties of the 1798 Rebellion, who were known as "Croppies" due to their distinctive short-cropped hairstyles. During that era, the area was referred to as "Croppies' Hole."
Accounts of the Deceased
Historical accounts suggest that some rebel bodies were displayed publicly, impaled on pikes, at Croppies' Hole. Furthermore, the National Graves Association posits that veterans of the conflict, including Matthew Tone (brother of Wolfe Tone) and Bartholomew Teeling, were also interred here.
Archaeological Uncertainty
Despite these historical traditions, archaeological investigations conducted at the site have notably failed to uncover any human remains. This has led to uncertainty regarding the precise nature and extent of its use as a burial ground. The exact location of any potential burials remains a subject of historical debate.
Landscape Alterations and Former Use
The area has undergone significant landscape changes, including the realignment of the River Liffey to extend the city's quays. For a considerable period, the land now known as Croppies' Acre was utilized as a playing field for soldiers stationed at the nearby Royal Barracks.
Memorial Park Development
The Memorial Park was formally designed and established in 1998. However, its history includes periods of closure, notably in 2012, due to persistent issues with anti-social behavior, including public intoxication and illicit drug use. Following its transfer to Dublin City Council, the park was reopened in 2016, aiming to restore its intended purpose as a place of respectful commemoration.
Location and Coordinates
Geographic Placement
The park is situated at Wolfe Tone Quay, within the Dublin 7 postal district of Ireland's capital city.
Positional Data
OSI Grid Reference: O 141 344
Coordinates: 53.347464ยฐN 6.287136ยฐW
Park Specifications
Area and Management
Croppies' Acre encompasses an area of approximately 1.8 hectares (4.4 acres). Its administration and upkeep are managed by Dublin City Council.
Operational Status
The park is designated as open year-round, providing continuous access for the public to visit and reflect.
Notable Parks in County Dublin
A Wider Context
Croppies' Acre is one of many significant parks and green spaces within County Dublin. These areas collectively contribute to the city's landscape, offering recreational, ecological, and historical value. The following is a comprehensive list of parks within the county, categorized by their location relative to the River Liffey.
References
Source Citations
- Acra na gCraipithe/Croppies' Acre. Logainm.ie.
- Collins, Peter (2019). Who Fears to Speak of '98'?: Commemoration and the Continuing Impact of the United Irishmen. Ulster Historical Foundation. ISBN 978-1903688236.
- Beiner, Guy (2018). Forgetful Remembrance: Social Forgetting and Vernacular Historiography of a Rebellion in Ulster. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0198749356.
- Collins, James T. (28 January 1978). "Life in Old Dublin". Tower Books.
- Selection of Reports and Papers of the House of Commons: State of Ireland ; [1]. 28 January 2019.
- Collins, James T. (1978). "Life in Old Dublin". Tower Books.
- Forchรฉ, Carolyn; Wu, Duncan (2014). Poetry of Witness: The Tradition in English, 1500โ2001. W.W. Norton & Company. ISBN 978-0393347661.
- Fitzgerald, Cormac (14 June 2016). "1798 Rebellion memorial park that closed due to anti-social behaviour will reopen today". TheJournal.ie.
- A shocking picture from the Croppies Acre memorial. 11 October 2013.
- Larkin, Laura (8 June 2016). "DCC report places question mark over Croppies Acre 'burial ground'". Herald.ie.
- Falvey, Deirdre. "National Museum to unveil plans for major revamp". The Irish Times.
- McNally, Frank (2019). 111 Places in Dublin that you must not miss. Emons Verlag. ISBN 978-3960410263.
- Croppies stand up โ An Irishman's Diary about reclaiming a Dublin park. The Irish Times.
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Historical interpretations can vary, and this content reflects the information presented in the source material.
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