Watch out for the squirrels … they are grey not red.
I asked Google’s Bard AI to generate an account of Goldenbridge Cemetery and here it is with many false claims … see if you can spot them:
Nestled amidst the bustling city of Dublin, Ireland, lies Goldenbridge Cemetery, a tranquil oasis of remembrance and history. Its cobblestone paths wind through a verdant expanse, lined with ornate tombstones and weathered headstones that whisper tales of lives lived and stories untold.
The cemetery’s origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, when the Catholic Association, led by the charismatic Daniel O’Connell, sought to provide dignified burial space for all faiths and none. In 1828, they acquired three acres of land near the Grand Canal, a site that would become the first Catholic cemetery in Ireland since the Reformation.
Over the years, Goldenbridge has become a treasure trove of Dublin’s rich history. Its grounds have witnessed the passing of countless souls, from prominent figures who shaped the city’s destiny to ordinary citizens who played their part in the tapestry of life.
Among the cemetery’s notable residents is Thomas Francis Meagher, a revolutionary leader who played a key role in the Irish Rebellion of 1848. His imposing monument, adorned with symbols of freedom and justice, stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for Ireland’s independence.
Another prominent figure interred in Goldenbridge is Michael Cusack, the founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Cusack’s commitment to preserving and promoting Irish culture is deeply entwined with the history of the cemetery, as the GAA’s annual graveside commemorations have become a cherished tradition.
Amidst the grand monuments and historical significance, Goldenbridge also holds a quiet intimacy, a place where families gather to remember loved ones and find solace in shared memories. The gentle rustling of leaves, the soft chirping of birds, and the distant murmur of the canal create an atmosphere of tranquility, encouraging reflection and introspection.
As the sun casts its golden rays upon the cemetery’s verdant expanse, the spirits of those who rest beneath its soil seem to stir. Their stories, whispered through the rustling leaves and carried on the gentle breeze, weave a tapestry of lives that continue to touch and inspire the living.
Goldenbridge Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it is a living testament to the enduring spirit of Dublin, a place where history, tradition, and personal connections intertwine to create a poignant symphony of remembrance. Its hallowed grounds serve as a reminder that even in the face of death, life finds a way to flourish, echoing through the ages and forever etched in the tapestry of the city’s soul.
[NOTE] No cobblestones in the cemetery [] [NOTE] Thomas Francis Meagher is not buried in Ireland. Despite his prominent role in the Irish Rebellion of 1848, his body was never recovered after his drowning in the Sacramento River in 1867. [] [NOTE] Michael Cusack is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland. []
I had problems with my camera and after travelling all the way to check on this tree carving by Tommy Craggs all my photographs were blurred or not properly focused. I plan to revisit later in the month. In the meanwhile I will upload/publish of the carving while it was a work in progress back in April 2016.
[MONDAY JUNE 22 2020] Local representatives and Dublin’s lord mayor have condemned “an attack” on the Tree of Life sculpture beside St Anne’s Park in Raheny, which is believed to have taken place in the early hours of Monday morning. Gardaí say they are carrying out enquiries after the sculpture was set alight.
The tree carving in my photographs is located at the north east corner of St Anne’s Park, Raheny, where Clontarf Road and Watermill Road meet. It is a 10-metre tall Monterey cypress tree that was once dying. In 2018, Dublin City Council decided that the tree had to be taken down for safety reasons. However, before it was felled, artist Tommy Craggs was commissioned to carve a series of wildlife sculptures into the tree. The sculptures depict a variety of animals, including foxes, badgers, squirrels, and birds.
The tree carving has become known as the “Peace Tree” or the “Tree of Life.” It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and it is a reminder of the power of art to transform even the most unlikely of materials.
Here are some additional details about the tree carving:
The project was funded by Dublin City Council and the Raheny Residents’ Association. Craggs worked on the tree for over two months, using a chainsaw and chisels. The sculptures are made from the tree’s own wood, and they are all different sizes. The tree carving was officially unveiled in December 2018.
Chainsaw sculptor Tommy Craggs recycles fallen trees or trees felled for tree management reasons. Some of his works can be purchased but others are permanent installations carved from stumps. Tommy’s work made the news in 2012 when members of the public reported that a “guerrilla sculptor” had carved three stumps in a forest in the UK. They were, in fact, commissioned sculptures created by Tommy Craggs.