Lucan, Dublin facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Lucan Leamhcán (Irish)
Town
The R109 road crosses the River Liffey at Coldblow Bridge, Lucan
Lucan Location in Dublin Show map of Dublin Lucan Location in Ireland Show map of Ireland
Country	Ireland
Province	Leinster
County	County Dublin
Local government areas	South Dublin (mostly) Fingal (partially)
Dáil constituency	Dublin Mid-West
EP constituency	Dublin
Population
• Urban	57,550
Time zone	UTC+0 (WET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+1 (IST (WEST))
Irish Grid Reference	O029352

Lucan (pronounced LEW-kən) is a town located just outside Dublin, Ireland. It sits about 12 kilometers west of Dublin city centre, right on the River Liffey. Lucan is also near the Strawberry Beds and where the River Griffeen joins the Liffey. Most of Lucan is in the area called South Dublin. However, some northern parts, like Laraghcon and Saint Catherine's Park, are in Fingal. Lucan is a historic area, mentioned in old records as a "townland" and "civil parish." You can easily get to Lucan from the N4 and the M50 motorway.

Understanding Lucan's Name

The name Lucan comes from the Irish language. The word leamhachán means "marsh-mallow plant." This plant was used in old folk medicine and to make sweets. So, Lucan could mean "place of marsh-mallow plants."

Marsh-mallow plants still grow in the Liffey Valley around Lucan. Another idea is that the name comes from leamhán, the Irish word for elm trees. Both marsh-mallows and elms are found in the area. Experts are not sure which meaning is the true origin.

Lucan's Past: A Journey Through Time

Early Life in Lucan

People have lived in Lucan for a very long time. Early settlers were drawn to the area because of the river, good fishing, and suitable land for hunting. Many ancient tools made of flint have been found in Lucan. There are also remains of two small ancient tombs.

Near Vesey Park, you can find what's left of an old hillfort. This might have been the home of an important local leader in medieval times. Inside this area, an underground passage called a souterrain was found. Another important old site is St Finian's Esker church and graveyard. Lucan also has two other medieval churches.

Famous Families: Sarsfields and Veseys

In 1566, the Sarsfield family became very important in Lucan. Sir William Sarsfield bought Lucan Manor. Later, Patrick Sarsfield, a famous Irish leader, was born in the castle on the manor grounds. He was given the title "Earl of Lucan."

Lucan House was built in 1772 where Sarsfield's castle once stood. It was built by Agmondisham Vesey, who was related to the Sarsfield family. The round dining room in Lucan House is said to have inspired the Oval Office in the White House. Since 1942, Lucan House has been the home of the Italian ambassador to Ireland. The old spa on the grounds of the house used to attract many visitors.

The Sarsfield and Vesey families still have an impact on Lucan today. For example, the local Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club is called Lucan Sarsfields.

Lucan's Growth and Development

In 1758, a special sulphurous spa was discovered in Lucan. This made the area very popular. People from Dublin would visit for weekend parties. A ballroom and a hotel were built. Many buildings in Lucan village were built around 1815.

Later, Lucan was the end point for tram lines coming from Dublin city centre. This helped people travel to and from the town.

Getting Around Lucan: Transport and Access

Lucan village is located just north of the N4/M4 road. This is a main route to the west of Ireland. The village is about 5 kilometers west of the M50, which is Dublin's ring road. There's also a road called the Outer Ring Road (R136) that helps connect Lucan to other areas.

The Lucan Bridge is a non-toll bridge over the Liffey. Many drivers use it to avoid paying tolls on other bridges. This means the bridge and nearby roads can get very busy. This heavy traffic can cause delays and affect the local environment with noise and pollution.

Lucan is located between two major railway lines. Old train stations in Lucan closed many years ago. However, Adamstown railway station re-opened in 2007. It serves the Lucan area and helps people commute. In 2018, plans were announced to extend the Luas (Dublin's tram system) to Lucan.

Dublin Bus provides many bus services in Lucan. There are also feeder routes that connect Lucan to places like Adamstown station and Blanchardstown. Some private bus companies also serve the area.

Weston Airport is located west of Lucan. It is used for pilot training and for private planes and helicopters.

Weston Airport, near Lucan, County Dublin

Cool Places to See in Lucan

King John's Bridge: A Piece of History

King John's Bridge in Griffeen Park is thought to be the oldest bridge still standing in Ireland. It was built between 1199 and 1216, during the time of John, King of England. The bridge originally had three arches, but only one is left today. It is in a ruined state but is still a notable historical site. The bridge crosses the small Griffeen River. Efforts are being made to preserve this important landmark.

Lucan House: A Grand Residence

Lucan House is a beautiful two-story country house. It was built in 1772 by Agmondisham Vesey. The house has a special design, and its plasterwork was done by Michael Stapleton. Over the years, the house belonged to different families. Since 1954, it has been the official home of the Italian Ambassador to Ireland. The land around the house is now part of Liffey Valley Park.

Residence of the Italian Ambassador

Other Notable Spots

Another important historical place is St Finian's medieval church and graveyard at Esker.

Parks and Libraries in Lucan

The Griffeen Valley Park runs along the Griffeen River. It has different sections, including Vesey Park and Griffeen Park. A special part of the park is the old woodland in Vesey Park. This woodland has many old trees and is home to different plants and mosses. It also has a protected plant species called hypericum hirsutum.

Lucan Library is part of the library system in South Dublin. It offers books and resources for everyone in the community.

Learning in Lucan: Schools and Education

Lucan has many schools for children of all ages. St. Mary's Boys National School is the oldest, dating back to 1833. Other primary schools include St. Mary's Girls Primary School, St. Andrew's, Esker Educate Together, Scoil Áine, St. Thomas's, Divine Mercy National School, Scoil Mhuire, Adamstown Castle Educate Together, and St John The Evangelist.

For secondary education, there are St. Joseph's Girls Secondary School, Kishoge Community College, Griffeen Community College, Coláiste Phádraig, and Lucan Community College.

Lucan also has schools where lessons are taught in the Irish language. These include Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada and Gaelscoil Naomh Pádraig for primary students, and Coláiste Cois Life for secondary students.

St. Mary's Boy's National School

Lucan in the News: Local Media

Lucan has a free magazine called The Link. It shares local news and is delivered to many homes and businesses. The Lucan Newsletter has been published weekly by volunteers since 1967. Local newspapers include the Liffey Champion, The Echo (which has a Lucan edition), and the Lucan Gazette. Lucan Life is a popular Facebook page for local news and events.

Liffey Sound FM is Lucan's local community radio station. It is run by volunteers and has been broadcasting since 2006.

Shopping and Jobs in Lucan

Lucan's main street has many shops, including newsagents, banks, and cafes. The Lucan Shopping Centre has larger stores like SuperValu and Dunnes Store, along with a Community Library and McDonald's.

Lucan Shopping Centre

While Lucan is mostly a place where people live, there are many job opportunities nearby. Large employers include the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Citywest, and Tallaght. Also, Intel in Leixlip, County Kildare and eBay's European office in Blanchardstown are close by.

Helping Others: Local Organisations

Pieta House

Pieta House sign

Pieta House is a charity that helps people who are struggling with their mental health. Their main location is in Lucan. In 2015, Pieta House helped over 5,000 people.

Lucan Disability Action Group (LDAG)

The Lucan Disability Action Group was started in 2000. It works to support people with disabilities in the Lucan area.

Sports and Activities in Lucan

Gaelic Games

Lucan has three GAA teams. Lucan Sarsfields is the biggest sports club in the town, founded in 1886. They have won many championships in both football and hurling. The Dublin Hurling captain, Johnny McCaffrey, plays for Sarsfields. Westmanstown Gaels is another GAA club in north Lucan.

There is also an Irish-language GAA club called Na Gaeil Óga CLG. They started their youth teams in Lucan in 2014.

Football

Several football (soccer) teams play in Lucan. These include Arthur Griffith Park FC, Griffeen Celtic, Beech Park, Esker Celtic, Ballyowen Celtic, Hillcrest AFC, Lucan United FC, and Liffey Valley Rangers FC.

Boxing

Esker Amateur Boxing Club is famous for hosting the world's largest all-female boxing tournament. This event brings together boxers from many different countries. Lucan Boxing Club also reformed in 2008.

Golf

Lucan has two main golf courses: Lucan Golf Club and Hermitage Golf Club. Both clubs are over a hundred years old.

Entrance to Hermitage Golf Club

Liffey Valley Par 3 is a smaller golf course located between Leixlip and Lucan.

Basketball

Liffey Celtics Basketball Club has teams for both girls and boys, from young ages up to adults. They compete in the Dublin Area Board League. The club's senior women's team plays in the Basketball Ireland Super League.

Other Sports

Lucan Tae Kwon-Do school has been teaching martial arts since 1992. There is also a skatepark in Griffeen Valley Park, which opened in 2007.

Awards and Recognition

In September 2013, Lucan Village won the South Dublin title in the Tidy Towns competition. This award recognizes communities that work hard to keep their areas clean and beautiful.

Famous People from Lucan

Many interesting people have lived in Lucan, including:

Aaron Callaghan (born 1966) – Football Manager
Tommy Carr (born 1961) – Former Dublin GAA Footballer and Manager
Jake Carroll (born 1991) – Professional Footballer
Joanne Doyle (born 1973) – Irish dancer with Riverdance
Joan Freeman (born 1958) – Founder of Pieta House
Jedward (born 1991) – Singing duo (John and Edward Grimes)
James Gandon (1743-1823) – Architect
Paul Gogarty (born 1968) – Politician
John McCaffrey (born 1987) – Former Dublin GAA Hurling Captain
Derek McGrath (born 1972) – Professional Footballer
Laura Nolan (born 1994) - Choreographer
Patrick Sarsfield (1655-1693) – Lucan-born Jacobite leader
Jack Sheedy – Former Dublin GAA Footballer and All Ireland Winner
Joanna Tuffy (born 1965) - Politician

Images for kids

Lucan Shopping Centre
Pieta House sign