Merrion Avenue

Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Co.Dublin.

Merrion Avenue was developed as part of a landscaping plan for the Fitzwilliam estate. Trees were planted along the avenue and an entrance was created at the bottom of it. This occurred after 1704 when Mount Merrion House was built on 100 acres near Merrion Castle. Up until about 1800 Mount Merrion Avenue was left largely untouched. Houses were then built at the bottom of the avenue at Pembroke Terrace and later at Peafield Terrace.

Image acquired from The Collectors' Shop, Blackrock.

Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Co.Dublin.
Image acquired from The Collectors' Shop, Blackrock.

Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Co.Dublin.

Merrion Avenue was developed as part of a landscaping plan for the Fitzwilliam estate. Trees were planted along the avenue and an entrance was created at the bottom of it. This occurred after 1704 when Mount Merrion House was built on 100 acres near Merrion Castle. Up until about 1800 Mount Merrion Avenue was left largely untouched. Houses were then built at the bottom of the avenue at Pembroke Terrace and later at Peafield Terrace.

Image acquired from The Collectors' Shop, Blackrock.

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Merrion Avenue started out as the eastern avenue approach to the Fitzwilliam residence at Mount Merrion. In 1704 Richard Fitzwilliam became Fifth Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion. He selected 100 acres of land near Merrion Castle and built Mount Merrion House. His children played in the gardens and were baptised in St. Andrew's Church. The avenue, together with Cross Avenue was laid out as a small part of a large landscaping plan for the estate. Both avenues were lined with trees and a large entrance was created at the bottom of Merrion Avenue.

Up until 1800 the avenue was left largely untouched by development. After this date things began to change. Seven plain-looking houses were built at Pembroke Terrace at the bottom of Merrion Avenue. Peafield Terrace was built opposite and over time, many other cottages and houses were added along the way. The postcard dating from about 1904 shows a horse and cart. Again it is a good example of how transport systems are always developing. The crest on the bottom left corner of the image indicates the publishers of the postcard,Woolstone Brothers', London.

St. Andrew's Church, Blackrock.

St.Andrew's Church is located on Merrion Avenue and dates from 1899. The design is similar to many Early Christian Byzantine Churches and is octagonal in shape. The church, like Merrion Avenue, has a close connection with the Fitzwilliam family. It was the familys' local church and the Fifth Viscount Fitzwilliam had his children baptized in it. There was a temporary kindergarten school in the church hall from 1909 to 1931. Andrew Carnegie also bequeathed money to the church, resulting in the installation of an organ there in 1912.

Image acquired from The Collectors' Shop, Blackrock.

St. Andrew's Church, Blackrock.
Image acquired from The Collectors' Shop, Blackrock.

St. Andrew's Church, Blackrock.

St.Andrew's Church is located on Merrion Avenue and dates from 1899. The design is similar to many Early Christian Byzantine Churches and is octagonal in shape. The church, like Merrion Avenue, has a close connection with the Fitzwilliam family. It was the familys' local church and the Fifth Viscount Fitzwilliam had his children baptized in it. There was a temporary kindergarten school in the church hall from 1909 to 1931. Andrew Carnegie also bequeathed money to the church, resulting in the installation of an organ there in 1912.

Image acquired from The Collectors' Shop, Blackrock.

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St. Andrew's Church situated at the end of Merrion Avenue was officially opened in 1899, although land was leased, and plans were made for it from 1896. The church was built to serve the existing Presbyterian congregation in Blackrock at that time. Up until then services had been held in the town hall. The first minister was the Rev. James Snowden, whose tenure lasted for over forty years, during which time many developments occurred.

A hall was erected in 1908, which served partly as a kindergarten school, from 1909 to 1931. An organ was installed in 1912 and half of the cost was paid for by Andrew Carnegie. Rev.Thompson succeeded Rev.Snowden in 1936 and served the parish for twenty years. In 1959 a proper hall was opened, over fifty years after the original temporary one had been built. The church is designed in an octagonal shape and is reminiscent of many Early Christian Byzantine Churches.