Until lately it was inhabited by Mrs. Mylott, but it is now empty.
| Authorities Consulted. |
| D’Alton, “History of County Dublin.” |
| P., “Drimnagh Castle,” in Irish Penny Journal. |
| E. Ball, “Descriptive Sketch of Clondalkin, Tallaght,” &c., in Journal of Royal Society of Antiquaries, Ireland. |
| Dix, “Lesser Castles in the County Dublin,” in Irish Builder. |
| Joyce, “Rambles Round Dublin,” in Evening Telegraph Reprints. |
DUBLIN CASTLE.
DUBLIN CASTLE
The situation chosen by the Norsemen for the first fortress of “Duibhlinn” (A.D. 840) was naturally strong, being on a hill at the junction of the Liffey and the Poddle. After this date we read of several raids upon the dun, or castle of Dublin, including the treacherous entry into the city of Milun DeCogan and Meyler Fitz-Henri during a truce, when all the defenders of the stronghold were put to the sword. This was shortly after the landing of Strongbow. The present area covered by Government buildings includes the ancient site.
When Henry II. came to Dublin a large wooden hall, covered with wattles, was erected in Dame Street, that he might entertain the Irish chiefs who came to pay homage. Upon his return to England he committed “Dublin with its castle and donjon to Hugh de Laci, Fitz-Stephen, and Morice Fitz-Gerald.” Hugh de Lacy became the first Viceroy. It was while he was in England that Meyler Fitz-Henry, who had been appointed Lord Justice in his absence, wrote to King John complaining that he had no safe place to store the King’s treasure, and asking for leave to erect a proper fortress. This he received in the form of a patent dated 1204, which says:—