Full title: 50 Years on the Liffey: a history of hydro-electric power on the River Liffey
Creator / Author: Liam Kenny (editor)
Item Type / Page count: Book / 87p
When Published: October, 1994
Publisher / Place of Publication: ESB ’50 Years on the Liffey’, Commitee, / ESB Turlough Hill, Co. Wicklow
About: Commemorating half a century of power generation from the waters of the Liffey, this book details the history and operation of the dams, reservoirs and power stations that make up the Liffey Scheme. The editor draws on the memories of several former ESB employees who were directly involved in what one of the major infrastructure projects of 1930’s-1940’s Ireland.
ID number(s): 0952456206
Contents: Foreword — Preface — Editor’s Note / Liam Kenny – Of Electricity, Water and Boats ‘with coloured sails and dipping oars’ – Pollaphuca Long Favoured but Loses Out to Ardnacrusha – ESB and Dublin Corporation Join Forces – Liffey Scheme Electrifies Dáil Eireann – Compensation Controversy : Dublin’s Gain but Wicklow’s Loss – Stirring the ‘Puca’ from his Lair: Construction 1937-1947 – Strikes and Accidents: the Men who Poured the Concrete and Bent the Metal – Swastikas Over Ballymore: Michael Murphy’s Memories – Born and Reared on the Riverside Jim Graham Could not Escape From the Liffey – Wicklow Water Refreshes a Thirsty City – Nature Could Hardly Have Done Better: Environment, Recreation and Amenity – The Pollaphuca Lakes: a Second Coming – Slide Rules. Linen and India Ink – Dam Engineering: Winning the Battle of Underground Physics – Pollaphuca: the Future – Notes on Sources – Appendix: Turlough Hill Staff 1994 (including Liffey Stations) – Appendix: ’50 Years on the Liffey’ Commitee – From Then Till Now [poem] / Anon.
WW Connection #1: Apart from the content, the cover design is by Eamon Sinnott, a Hollywood native. Eamon also contributed to the layout, photographic editing, and design of the book.
Extra #1: Includes thirty-four black and white photographs, plus map and plan.
Creator / Author: Diarmuid Ó Muimhneacháin, ar n-a gcur in eagar ag Risteárd Ó Foghludha (“Fiaċra Éilgeaċ”)
Item Type / Page count: Book / 169pp
When Published: 1946
Publisher / Place of Publication: Oifig an tSoláthair / Dublin
About: “Dhá Chích Dhanann” was one of the pen-names used by Jeremiah Moynihan (Diarmuid Ó Muimhneacháin). He lived from 1866 to 1934 and served in the Royal Irish Constabularly between 1890 and 1920. He was born in the parish of Ballyvourney in Cork into a family of well-known Irish poets. He retained this interest throughout his life and published pieces in various Irish-language publications. This book is a selection of his poetry and ballads and also contains a 12-page introductory essay and full-page photograph. The subject matter of his verse is Ireland, Irish history and culture, Irish patriots and Irish places including some West Wicklow locations. After retiring he continued his love of Irish culture by teaching classes in the West Dublin area. He is buried in Baltinglass Cemetery.
ID number(s): None
Contents: Réamhrádh — Bith-scéal an fhile 1866-1934 — A Éire, mo thír bhocht go hEág! — An áit is cuibhe — Tír bheag na Banban — Oileáinín na féile — Clanna Mumhan — Síothcháin — A Bhanba, dúisigh — Seo díl-chlann na séimh-fhear — Sruthán sléibhe — A Ghaedhala na cruinne — An Ghaedhilg in san ollscoil nua — Filleadh an deoraidhe — Tá mo chroidhe go dubhach — Feall Dhún Laimhin in “Ocht gcéad déag ach do” — I gCríochaibh Naomh-Mhantán — Aililiú! mo bhrónsa — Máire — Ag teacht abhaile ón aonach dom — An Ghlé-bhruinneal chóir — Cois na leamhna — Ag taisteal trasna Glinn Dom — Ó mhuise, a leinbh — An Fánaidhe — An tSealg san, “COMPULSION” — “WENTWORTH HOUSE” — A nDubhairt “WEST BRITONISM” — An rinnceóir taistil — Is suairceas ‘s is aiteas — Don Athair Peadar Ó Laoghaire — Druid liom, a leinbh — Do Chonchubhar Ó Muimhneacháin — An nóinín bán — Guidhe um pósadh — Guidhe do charaid — Guidhe do lánamhain — Guidhe do shagart — Freagra ar chuireadh: ó Thorna is ó Cháit, a dheirbhshiúr — Cead do Thorna chun dhá amhrán dá chuid do chlóbhualadh — Dán buidheachais ag admhughadh duaise ar Oireachtas 1907 — Le fáinne geal an lae — Crúdh na ngabhar tar laoi — Caoineadh na nDíleacht — Filleadh an Chraoibhín — Ár Mairbh (ar bás an Athar Eóghan Ó Gramhnaigh is Liam Ó Maol Ruanaidh) — An fear fáin — Aisling ar bháthadh Eibhlín Nic Niocaill — Gura fada é cródha — Dobrón bhainmhéara Chorcaighe .1. Bhean Thoirdhealbhaigh Mhic Suibhne (dá fear agus é i gcarcair Bhrixton — Éagcaoineadh Chathail Bhrugha-Aisling — Fáilte bhrónach (ar n-a thabhairt thar ais go hÉire do chorp an Athar Eóghan Ó Gramhnaigh do cailleadh in Aimeirice) — Do mhac giolla Brighde — An crann cárthainn — Corran Tuathail — Poll a’ Phúca — Cill Áirne — Ár mairbh tréigthe — Cómhrac abhann (tionntódh) — Mo mhaidirín “Trae” (tionntódh ar “My poor dog Tray”) — Tionntódh ar uathrádh Alastair Sailciorc ar an oileán San Juan Fernandez, ag cúpaeir — Gluais, notaí etc — Clár na línte tosaigh.
WW Connection #1: Jeremiah Moynihan served as an RIC constable and later as a sergeant in Baltinglass.
WW Connection #2: Jeremiah Moynihan served as an RIC head constable in Kiltegan.
WW Connection #3: Jeremiah Moynihan served as an RIC sergeant in Blessington
WW Connection #4: On retirement in 1920, Jeremiah Moynihan took on a small farm in Manor Kilbride.
Extra #1: Browse the 1901 Census entry for Moynihan Family in Baltinglass.
Extra #2: Browse the 1911 Census entry for Moynihan Family in Baltinglass.
Full title: Two Ringforts Submerged by the Poulaphuca Reservoir
Creator / Author: R. A. S. Macalister
Item Type / Page count: Journal Article / 5pp
Journal Information: Journal of The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Seventh Series, Volume 13 Number 4 pp. 145-149
When Published: December 1943
Publisher / Place of Publication: R.S.A.I / Merrion Square, Dublin
About: This is a short report on two ringforts before they were due to be submerged by the creation of the Poulaphouca Reservoir. One was in Balyknockan and the other in the townland of Burgage More. The author, a professor of Archaeology in UCD, concluded that no serious loss would be incurred by them being underwater.
Extra #3: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Extra #4: Read this article online via JSTOR. [Personal registration / conditions apply]. Alternatively, your local public library may provide free online access to this article.
When Viewed: Contents described are those showing when viewed in Nov 2020.
Publisher / Place of Publication: National Library of Ireland / Kildare Street, Dublin 8.
About: The National Library of Ireland holds microfilm copies of over 3500 church registers from parishes in Ireland. The library has now digitised these registers as images which provide records of baptisms and marriages from the majority of Catholic parishes in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to around 1880. The available registers are not searchable by individual names. Instead, they are browseable by diocese, parish and date, searchable by parish and it is possible to zoom from a country map to parish level. This blog entry relates to the parish of Balltmore Eustace, County Kildare, part of which extends into West Wicklow.
Contents: These registers cover baptisms and marriages (1779-1881). These date ranges are indicative only and coverage may be incomplete. Please refer to the NLI site for specific coverage.
Full title: The Dublin & Blessington Steam Tramway
Creator / Author: Andrew Fayle
Item Type / Page count: Journal Article / 3p
Journal Information: Industrial Heritage, Volume 8, No. 3, pp. 11-13, edited by John Keavey.
When Published: Autumn 1990
Publisher / Place of Publication: The Book House / Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4NQ, England
About: A short and nostalgic look at the Dublin-Blessington-Poulaphuca line. It would appear that the author was familiar with the tramway as a boy and teenager, although recollections of specific placenames are questionable. The writer’s family moved to England in 1921.
ID number(s): 0265-5071
Extra #1: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Extra #2: Includes a map.
Extra #3: Browse the 1911 Census entry for the author, Andrew Fayle
Publisher / Place of Publication: St. Joseph Parish, / Valleymount, Co. Wicklow
About: In March, 1940, the valley of the River Liffey began to be flooded as a result of the construction of the Poulaphuca Dam. This book marks the 75th anniversary of the event by collecting together the living memories of some of the people who lived through the traumatic transition from land to lake. All proceeds from the sale of this book go towards the St. Joseph’s Church, Valleymount Renovation Fund.
ID number(s): None
Contents: 75th anniversary of the flooding of the valley — The flooding / Billy Craul — The building of the dam at Poulaphuca / Davy Doyle (aged 94 years, Harristown,Hollywood) – Flooding of the lake 1940 remembered / Dick and Annie Byrne (now living at Burgage, Blessington) – I remember the valley before the water came / Earnest Zeller (Lacken) – I remember the flooding of the valley / Pat Cullen (The Rock of Carrigacurra) — John Joe Cullen’s memories / John Joe Cullen – Looking back on the flooding / Kathleen Phibbs – Mary Ann Flanagan aged 94 years old – My story of the flooding of the lake / Maisie Miley (Baltyboys) – Memories of the flooding of the lake / Michael Freeman (Ballyknockan) – Flooding of the valley / Ned Fitzsimons – My story / Teresa Byrne (Humphreystown) – Remembering the flooding of the lake / Tom Tyrell (92 year old, Blessington) – Song of Ballinahown (as sung by Ted Balfe, Kylebeg) – [Advertisers’ Section].
Extra #1: Includes around fifty black and white photographs of people and places.
Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Publisher / Place of Publication: Prince Publications / [Main Street, Naas, Co. Kildare]
About: This is a compact publication which packs a lot of information into its 42 pages. It chronicles the major events associated with the house from its foundation in the 18th century up until 1974. In addition, a complete list is provided of the owners and heirs of Russborough House throughout the years. Overall, it is an easy to read introduction to West Wicklow’s finest house.
ID number(s): 9780992652708
Contents: Introduction – Before Russborough – [1741] The story of Russborough begins – Russellstown – [1744] Paintings and furniture from Europe – [1750] Art and portraits from the Second Grand Tour – Four new paintings – Grand Kildare friends pay a Spring visit to Russborough’s waterfall – [1763] Joseph Leeson becomes the Earl of Milltown – [1798] The Rebellion and Russborough House – [1814] Russborough House had never been seen in better condition – A grandson becomes the Fourth Earl of Milltown – [1765] Wedding in the Music Room – [1861] The Prince of Wales pays a visit – A wedding before Christmas – [1871] The winds of change at Russborough – [1906] – The National Gallery of Ireland extended to house the contents of Russborough House – [1914] An inquest at Russborough – Paintings returned on loan to Russborough House – [1930] A gift for the new Irish State? – [1931] A home from home for the Daly Family – [1934] A Hunt Ball at Russborough – [1946] Daily life at Russborough in the 1940’s – Who was going to buy Russborough House? – [1952] A proposal under the Portrait of a Woman in a Black Dress – [1957] A Christmas Party at Russborough – [1974] A second gift to the State – Acknowledgements – Sources – At a glance-the owners and heirs through the years.
Extra #1: includes several photographs and illustrations.
Publisher / Place of Publication: The History Press / 50 City Quay, Dublin 2
About: The author of this selection of tales is a professional storyteller. Here he presents stories of myth, magic, the supernatural and the all too natural from every corner of our county. West Wicklow is well represented with more than half of the content associated with locations on this side of the county. Most of these stories spring from the oral tradition that prevailed before the arrival of electricity.
ID number(s): 9781845887858
Contents: Acknowledgements – Introduction – An Army of Stones – A Hand in the Night – The Resurrection of Sean – The Travels of Davy – Not Gone and Not Forgotten – A Shower of Stones – Moving About – Wise Man Paddy Stevens – Warring Spirits – Taken by the Fairies – A Fleeting Bird – The Long walk to Crois Úna – Milk Profit – A Cure for Baldness – Now You See It, Now You Don’t – Shriven Souls – Wicklow Foxes – Of Water and Stone – Féar Gortach – Derrybawn Cow – Bedding St. Kevin – Dargle Lovers – The Devil is in the Glen – Bray Smugglers – Gold-Mine Mountain – Priest Hunters – Hempenstall Military Road – Wicklow Avalanche – Glencree – Surviving the Snow Storm – Tall Tales.
Full title: Food of Perch (Perca fluviatilis, L.) and Trout (Salmo trutta, L.) in an Irish Reservoir
Creator / Author: Christopher Moriarty
Item Type / Page count: Journal Article / 31pp
Journal Information: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Section B: Biological, Geological and Chemical Science, Vol. 63, pp. 1-31
When Published: June 28th, 1963
Publisher / Place of Publication: Royal Irish Academy / 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.
About: Around the late 1950’s the Dublin Trout Anglers’ Association suggested that fish stocks in Poulaphuca should be investigated. Anecdotal evidence was indicating that trout were few in number and those caught were small. This scientific paper studies the food consumed by over 1,000 trout and perch caught by netting in the lake. The writer concludes that the perch prevented the trout from obtaining an adequate supply of food necessary for their full development.
ID number(s): 0035-8983
Extra #1: Includes map and several tables of data.
Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Extra #3: Read this article online via JSTOR. [Personal registration / conditions apply]. Alternatively, your local public library may provide free online access to this article
Journal Information: Archaeology Ireland, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 24-25
When Published: Summer 2010
Publisher / Place of Publication: Wordwell Ltd. / Unit 9, 78 Furze Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.
About: A short article describing a small strange palm-sized stone picked up from the shores of Poulaphuca during a period of low water levels. The author calls it the ‘Weirdstone of Wicklow’. Is it carved by a human hand or could it be the actions of the Pooka? The author is open to all suggestions.
ID number(s): 0035-9106
Extra #1: Includes a full page colour photograph.
Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Extra #3: Read this article online via JSTOR. [Personal registration / conditions apply]. Alternatively, your local public library may provide free online access to this article.
West Wicklow Bookshelf 
