St Enda's Park

St Enda's
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St Enda's Obelisk
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St Enda’s park is situated in Rathfarnham and is a designated National Historic Park run and maintained by the O.P.W. As well as the park being important environmantally it is also of great historical significance to the County

History of the House and grounds

The house and grounds were  originally called the fields of Odin. The current house was built in the 18^thCentury and was later renamed the Hermitage. Pádraig Pearse acquired the property and it was converted into a school in 1910. The school was called St Enda's and it is from this that the house and grounds got their name. Today there is a museum within the house as well as a visitor centre and nature study room. The grounds are also open to the public

Flora

There are many different species of trees in St Enda’s park and they line the walls of the park and the avenues. One of the most common trees in the park is the Monterey Cypress which was planted along the avenues of the grounds. There are also Horse chestnut, Sycamore, Willow, Larch, Pine trees and Beech trees. Native Trees in the park include Yew, Oak, Ash, Birch and Alder. Shrubs that are common in the park are Hawthorn which is important for birds nesting, Holly and Laurel

Much of the park is covered in grass, lawns and playing fields. There is also a walled garden which once would have served as a kitchen garden. It now contains flower beds and a fountain. The arboretum in the park originates from St Enda’s school when pupils had classes in gardening and planted many varities of trees both native and exotic

Fauna

Animals living in the park include rabbits, grey squirrels, foxes, hedgehogs and pigmy shrews. Badgers, stoats and otters have also been spotted. There are several different species of fish in the lake and stream and the common frog is also to be found

Many species of birds visit or live in St Enda’s park, attracted by the trees, stream and lake and woodland shrubs. Birds regularly sighted in the park include the black headed gull, the kingfisher, and the dipper.

Whitechurch Stream

The stream is an important ecological feature of the park. It is unpolluted and contains several species of fish. Over time has worn out a valley and it runs into a lake on the grounds. It later joins the Owendoher river and flows into the river Dodder　

The Hermitage, St Endas

The Hermitage or St Enda's Watchtower, St Enda's Park Rathfarnham

South Dublin Libraries

The Hermitage, St Endas
South Dublin Libraries

The Hermitage, St Endas

The Hermitage or St Enda's Watchtower, St Enda's Park Rathfarnham

South Dublin Libraries

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Folies

An unusual aspect of St Enda’s is the Follies dotted around the park. These ornamental structures were built by former owner of the house William Hudson. The park was formerly known as the Hermitage and got its name from one of the Follies called the Hermitage; also know as Odin’s Cave. Other Folies are in an area known as Druids Glen in the park which contains a Druid’s portal, seat, Ogham stone and dolmen. These were all copied from originals that Hudson had seen.