A fascinating history of an ancient place.
From its first mention in legend in the Book of Invasions, through early Christian monastic settlements, castles and grand residences, Fenian raids and the Battle of Tallaght, there has been huge change in Tallaght. In more recent times it has seen car and motorcycle racing, an aerodrome, the rise and fall of a chocolate factory and a pioneering telecommunications firm. The massive population explosion and rapid modernisation towards the end of the twentieth century means this once-tiny village in Dublin's foothills is now home to over 80,000 people.
Richly illustrated with period photographs and original drawings by Michael O'Brien, Albert Perris tells the often-surprising story of Tallaght.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Genesis - Tallaght in Pre-History 11
Chapter 2 Christianity, Comets and Cholera 19
Chapter 3 Tallaght Castle and the Archiepiscopal Palace 48
Chapter 4 Tallaght House 69
Chapter 5 The Battle of Tallaght, 1867 - What the Dickens? 91
Chapter 6 The Big Houses 105
Chapter 7 Oldbawn Paper Mills 120
Chapter 8 Those Damned Inquisitors - The Dominicans in Tallaght 127
Chapter 9 On the Move - Planes, Trains and Automobiles 148
Chapter 10 Tallaght in Times of Strife 167
Chapter 11 Industry and Commerce 191
Chapter 12 The Best Laid Plans 228
Chapter 13 The Coming of Age of Tallaght New Town 252
From a Settlement to a City - A Conclusion of Sorts 265
Works Consulted and Bibliography 271