1866 – Asylum for the Female Blind, Merrion, Dublin

“The foundation-stone of a new asylum for the Female Blind was laid on the 18th ult., in the grounds known as Castle Merrion, Co. Dublin, by Cardinal Cullen. The site was recently purchased by the Sisters of Charity, in order to enable them to extend the accommodation for applicants. The new building, designed by Mr. Charles Geoghegan, will be in the Italian style, and will harmonise with the existing structure, to which it will be connected by spacious corridors. Ample dormitories, lavatories, on the most approved principle, school-rooms of large extent are projected, and there will be accommodation for at least 260 inmates. The arrangements for ventilation are excellent. The grounds will be tastefully laid out.” The Irish Builder, October 1 1866.

There were four Asylums for the Blind in Dublin: The Richmond National Institution for Industrious Blind, St Mary’s Blind Asylum for Girls at Merrion, St Joseph’s Catholic Male Blind Asylum at Drumcondra Castle, and The Molyneaux Asylum. The Merrion Road site was wound up and closed in 2020, with an application made by the Sisters of Charity to have the lands rezoned for development in 2022. The Sisters of Charity ran five industrial schools investigated by the Ryan Commission and offered €5 million towards the costs of the State redress scheme for survivors. Just €2 million was actually contributed.