Naul, Dublin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Naul An Aill |
||
| Location | ||
|
||
|
WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates:
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Irish grid reference O130609 |
||
| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Leinster | |
| County: | Fingal | |
| Elevation: | 75 m | |
| Population (2002) | 7,612 | |
Naul (An Aill, meaning "the cliff", in Irish) is a village in the administrative area of Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland. The name also encompasses the townlands which surround the village: southward as far as Hollywood Rath, and northward to the River Delvin, which marks the boundary between Fingal and County Meath.
Contents |
[edit] Location
The village is a crossroads between the R122 and R108, the R108 being the traditional Dublin to Drogheda road and a link between the Port of Drogheda and the city, while the R122 travels from Finglas in the south to Balbriggan.
[edit] History
The area is thought to have been occupied since Stone Age times as there have been archaeological finds, numerous Prehistoric earthworks and also the nearby Megalithic Fourknocks, chambered cairns on the Meath side of the village that were discovered in 1949, on the lands of Thomas Connell. Four prehistoric "tumuli", or mounds, were discovered. They contained a chamber wider than that at Newgrange, and within the passage are strange stone engravings. This indicates, according to experts, that the chambers were built about 4,000 years ago.
There was also a "White castle", of which nothing now remains. Built in the 13th century, it was the home of Richard Caddell, whose descendants were evicted by Cromwell's Forces. The Caddell family were still around in the 19th century, as a monument that is locally known as "Caddell's Folly" was erected during the period by another Richard Caddell. The reason for its erection is still a mystery. The "White Castle" originally had inside stairs, leading to the roof, on which there was a powerful telescope. According to legend, Caddell watched the Bellewstown Races through the telescope, because he had had a disagreement with the race committee and vowed never to be seen in the area again.
[edit] Name
The name is Anglicised from the Irish An Aill meaning "The Cliff" as there is a substantial cliff either side of the Delvin just outside the village. Locally the village is still known as "The Naul" as a throwback to the original Irish name, although this is not reflected officially.
[edit] Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre
The Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre was officially opened on 23 October 2001. Its aims are to promote and develop the traditional arts on a local and regional basis, and to this end, it organises and hosts recitals, sessions, workshops and classes on a regular basis.
The idea for a cultural centre based on the achievements of Séamus Ennis has its origins in the Scoil Shéamuis Ennis, a festival which takes place every October in the villages of Naul and surrounding districts. It is a "non-profit" organisation set up to:
- commemorate the work and life of the late Séamus Ennis;
- provide a range of support measures for the preservation and development of local and national culture, particularly music;
- organise and facilitate the running of events, including educational classes, workshops, festival or any other activity, which promotes the Irish language the traditional culture of Ireland, or any other country;
- to provide an outreach service to schools and other institutions;
- to create specific training, education, employment and work experience opportunities where appropriate for those involved or interested in cultural activities for community development.
