Underneath Dublin?

Paul Clerkin – Really lostcarpark? Where was the bunker?

I remember hearing that there was one down at Ormonde Square in the markets area that was filled in. There was also one at Mounjoy square I think.

A gag I believe – the trick was to send tourists down there “don’t forget honey – we’re getting on in fir and going to O’Connell st” was the line alegedly heard from an american…

taken from soc.culture.irish
Mysterious underground tunnels under Clontarf

Excavation work on the Dublin Port Tunnel has uncovered mysterious underground tunnels in the Clontarf area. Surveyors on the project have stated that the network of tunnels which stretch for several miles are too deep to have been an old sewerage system and are obviously man-made. The tunnels were uncovered late last week and are currently being mapped and investigated by archaeologists from Irish Antiquities Division of the National Museum of Ireland and surveyors from Duchas.

The construction company in charge of the project remains tightlipped but speculation is rife in the Irish historical community. According to Fergus McLinden, an archaeologist at Queen’s University Belfast “We’re guessing wildly here as we haven’t seen the shafts and tunnels yet but they may have been old mines of some sort. They’re quite deep underground and hewn out of solid rock”

“As to what else they could be, we have no idea. There were no major British military installations in the area so they’re unlikely to be escape routes. There is also some speculation that they may have been connected to the St Anne’s Park in Clontarf, but they seem too expansive for that.”

Local historian and politician Barry Ahern had an alternative theory to offer. “Clontarf Castle was originally an important Knights Templar preceptory, before they fell foul of the Inquisition. This was after they were famously rounded up on Friday the 13th, 1307, thus giving birth to the superstition concerning the date of Friday the 13th. What makes all of this particularly intersting is the local legends in Clontarf concerning hoards of buried treasure and valuables that the Templars may have secreted in the area at that time. No-one really has any idea what could have been buried by the Templars. Nearly everything has been suggested from hoards of coins to important documents and religious Templar artefacts. Some have even suggested that Clontarf could have been the last resting place of the Ark of the Covenant…”

Meanwhile further tunnelling is being carried out at a slower pace in case further tunnels are uncovered that may collapse or cause damage to the drilling equipment.

This is not the first hold-up on the Port Tunnel project. In recent weeks, contractors have had to investigate cracking in a house in Marino. CIE have also complained about the tunnel causing movement in the railway line on the main Dublin-Belfast line.

I remember hearing about historic lead mines in Clontarf – I cant be sure which book I read it in – could have been “Ingeneous Ireland” – I’ll check it when I get home!

Despite most of the interest cited on this thread there are very few underground ‘spaces’ in Dublin.

A couple of railway tunnels, several culverted rivers and the odd bomb shelter usually shallow and dating from the last war.

There might be undiscovered mediaeval mines outside of the city and possibly a souterraine within the walls – none have been discovered to the best of my knowledge – the society of antiquaries might have some info in this regard.

Lastly, if you must go ‘below ground’ do so through a potholing club. The railway tunnels are all ‘live’, the culverted rivers (such as the one beneath Smithfield) are all fast moving, confined within very small areas and are not navigable. Generally, below ground spaces, even shallow ones such as bomb shelters, are extemely dangerous. On no account try to enter into any of these spaces.

Get a life lads – theres a lot going on above ground and plenty else to risk your neck at without causing a rescue crisis!!!.

i know its not dublin, but there are some great sites out there about london underground and its ghost stations etc.

When we were kids we used to go into the Dalkey Island tunnel the entrance was mostly bricked up but had been broken down, unfortunatley the tunnel was collapsed after a few meters.

Originally posted by phil
Bluefoam, where is that entrance?

You walk up beyond White Rock and it’s tucked away in the rocky area there. Quite obvious if you have a look.

Coincidental the way this thread has popped up again. This is a tender ad that went out today – wonder what it’s for:-
Title: Dublin Liffey Services Tunnel. Awarding Authority: Dublin City Council. Notice Type: Tenders
Abstract: This contract involves the construction of a 2.5 metre internal diameter tunnel under the Liffey Estuary adjacent to the Eastlink Bridge in Dublin City for a distance of approximately 240M. Construction of 20 metre deep approximately, 5.5 metre internal diameter shaft. Strengthening existing 20 metre deep approximately, 9 metre internal diameter shaft. Various ancillary works including small above ground structures and permanent reinstatement of all surfaces. Protection of existing services crossing site, including a high pressure gas main. Diversion of specific services where required. The contract also includes for the construction of two large concrete services ducts from the tunnel shafts to the adjacent public roadways.

@phil wrote:

Bluefoam, where is that entrance?

Sorry for the delay in my response…… 😀

The Dalkey tunnel entrance is (if my memory serves me right) at the waterfront, down the side of the school (Lorretto I think). I doubt there is much to see there anymore – it was collapsed quite near the entrance.