The Bulfin Estate was built in the period 1926-1930 as part of a project which would provide 1,000 new homes in Goldenbridge/Inchicore. One of the first major housing developments initiated after Independence, the ‘garden suburb’ was built by Dublin Corporation using new building methods, new planning principles and a new model of tenancy. In addition to houses, other elements of infrastructure were built over time (church, schools, library), contributing to the development of a stable, sustainable community and to the alleviation of Dublin’s early 20th century housing crisis.

This walk, guided by local historian Francis Thackaberry, will look at how the estate’s houses and other buildings took shape, moving from the former Keogh Square, where 248 homes were provided by converting the former Richmond Barracks buildings, through Connolly Avenue in the west of the estate to Suir Road in the east, where a new road and canal bridge linked the South Circular Road to Drimnagh.

The walk will include a visit to Inchicore College of Further Education, built as Inchicore Technical School some 30 years after the houses, to the modernist design of Andy Devane (1917-2000), one of Ireland’s most influential 20th-century architects. Thanks to College Principal Donnchadh Clancy and to Eoghan O’Reilly for facilitating this visit.

Meeting Point: Entrance, Richmond Barracks, Emmet Road, Dublin 8, D08 YY05

Pre-Book Only

Wheelchair accessible
Assistance Dogs welcome

Most of the tour is outdoor, using footpaths. Road crossings are in a housing estate and safe. The indoor part of the tour may include some steps.