A Ramble About Tallaght

Book excerpt: A fascinating history of an ancient place. From its first mention in legend in the Book of Invasions, through early Christian monastic settlements, castles and grand residences, Fenian raids and the Battle of Tallaght, there has been huge change in Tallaght. In more recent times it has seen car and motorcycle racing, an aerodrome, the rise and fall of a chocolate factory and a pioneering telecommunications firm. The massive population explosion and rapid modernisation towards the end of the twentieth century means this once-tiny village in Dublin's foothills is now home to over 80,000 people. Richly illustrated with period photographs and original drawings by Michael O'Brien, Albert Perris tells the often-surprising story of Tallaght.