A Lovely Stroll Through St. Stephen's Green
Stephanie and I enjoyed a nice stroll through St. Stephen's Green and I immediately fell in love with it. I read the plaques and admired the statues that are dedicated to Irish history, while being absolutely enchanted by the park's beauty. It felt like a true example of Ireland's story - a turbulent, proud history against the backdrop of utterly beautiful nature. I long to visit this park again. I have to believe that I will return someday. It's a wonderful, bucolic dream in a busy, lively city.
The signs are in Irish and English. “1916 Easter Rising in St. Stephen’s Green Park. This exhibition, located throughout the park, describes the remarkable role played by the Volunteer garrison of St. Stephen’s Green when Ireland was seeking independence from British rule. One of the most ferocious battles of the Rising took place here during Easter week 24th-30th April 1916. Significant figures from Irish history including Commandant Michael Mallin, Countess Markievicz and members of the Irish Citizen Army and Cumann na mBan played an important role in the Rising, here in St. Stephen’s Green. Over 100 Irish Citizen Army volunteers occupied the park in the early hours of the Rising as it was an important strategic location at the centre of Dublin with intersecting roads and a water supply. St. Stephen’s Green Park was one of a number of occupied zones, others included the GPO and Boland’s Mill. While the Rising was not a military success a Free State was achieved in 1922.”
From the sign: “Commandant Michael Mallin (1874-1916) near this location stood a kiosk, which was used by Commandant Michael Mallin as his command post during the occupation of St. Stephen’s Green, as part of the Easter Rising of 1916.
“We believe this is a Trachycampus fortunei, or Chinese Windmill Palm. It is the most popular palm tree planted in Ireland. It is native to China, but it is hardy for Ireland’s climate.” - Maggie W., Master Gardener Volunteer Chicago Botanic Garden. I emailed this photo to the Chicago Botanic Garden asking them if they could identify these palm trees. I was so fascinated that a tree that is so tropical looking grows in Ireland. I had no idea that it came all the way from China. That’s fascinating. It is worth it to ask questions.
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276718
“Withdrawal from St. Stephen’s Green. On Tuesday morning, the 25th April 1916, the second day of the Easter Rising, with the Volunteers under intense fire from machine guns positioned on the roof of the United Service Club and at the Shelbourne Hotel Commandant Michael Mallin issued orders to withdraw from St. Stephen’s Green Park. With a small group of Volunteers already in the Royal College of Surgeons, Mallin decided that this imposing granite building (which was close to the Volunteer garrison at the Jacob’s Biscuit Factory on Aungier Street) would be strong enough to defend. All the Volunteers were to rally at the Statue of Lord Ardilaun and cross the road to the side entrance of the Royal College of Surgeons on York Street. In doing so the rebels had to run the gauntlet of snipers…
