The Lamplighters of the Phoenix Park: A unique history of one of Ireland’s most famous places

by Donal Fallon, James Flanagan, Frank Flanagan

The Phoenix Park in Dublin holds a special place in the collective memory of Irish people. From the assassinations of 1882 and the destruction of several imperial monuments, to the arrival of Douglas Hyde as Ireland's first president and Pope John Paul's 1979 visit, it has been at the centre of Irish society for centuries.

But the park is also part and parcel of daily life for many Dubliners - none more so than the Flanagan family, who have been lighting the gas lamps within its walls since 1890.

Here, historian Donal Fallon speaks to brothers Frank and James Flanagan, lamplighters of the park, to give us a snapshot of a fading tradition, and a unique history of one of Ireland's most beloved places.

With stunning photographs, historical events and personal stories, The Lamplighters of the Phoenix Park shines a light on the park at the centre of our national identity, through the prism of this singular family, whose histories have been intertwined for more than 150 years.

Genres: Ireland, Nonfiction, History

Hardcover

Published October 19, 2023

Reviews

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real gem. The title is a little misleading, the book doesn't necessarily go into the nitty-gritty of the current job of lighting the gas lamps in Phoenix Park - it's moreso a personal and fascinating walk through the history of the park and nearby Dublin, with the added context of the Flanagan family that have been living and working there for several generations. Their stories add such a nice touch of colour and groundedness to the history! Really happy to have learnt more about the park I've been living next to for so long.

[Sab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so lovely, truly uplifting, but idk what else I expected from a book about folks who literally bring light to the dark. Learned a lot about Phoenix Park's history and reading about those big events from the point of view of someone who was there really made it a more enjoyable read. Suddenly compelled to go take a walk through it, even though it's nearly half 11 at night

[Joe O'Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Famous as it is for being the largest walled city park in Europe, Dublin’s Phoenix Park merits a history that shines a light on it’s true magnificence. Thankfully, Donal Fallon is just the man to step up and write that book, and tell the story of ‘The Park’, that beating heart – and lungs – of Dublin City.

“The Lamplighters of the Phoenix Park” traces its origins back to the 1600s, showing how its creation represent Dublin’s attempt to emulate the urban design of the great European cities. Fallon shows how the Phoenix Park was integral to Dublin’s development from a medieval settlement into a major city. As lucidly and vibrantly recounted here, the Phoenix Park has played host to political assassinations, uprisings, papal visits, and the after-effects of world wars and pandemics across its often-tumultuous history. More cheeringly, the park has been central to the growth of sports in Dublin (not least as being the location where my beloved Bohemian Football Club were founded).

“The Lamplighters …” isn’t a straight narrative history of the Phoenix Park, however, with Fallon choosing to weave in the memories of the Flanagan family who have been resident in the park for five generations, during which time they have been working as the aforementioned lamplighters of the book’s title. Through the story of the Flanagan’s, Donal Fallon composes a form of labour history, focusing on a lamplighter tradition that - with the notable exception of the Phoenix Park - has disappeared from the streets of Europe. And with questions over how the traditional gas lamps might be preserved, Fallon raises the issue of how there are often competing concerns between heritage and environmentalism.

What elevates this book beyond a conventional historical work is not just the personal reminiscences of characters like the Flanagans, but also that it is beautifully illustrated. “The Lamplighters” is resplendent with gorgeous photography and excellent cartography throughout that really bring the park to life for the reader.

“The Lamplighters of the Phoenix Park” is perhaps best appreciated being dipped into while strolling through the splendour of the Phoenix Park itself. This is a book that is illuminating in all senses of the word.

[Louis Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

while interesting I felt like it could have gone a little deeper, a few things I know are to he found through out the park that I would have loved to read about, like the megalithic tomb, dont even get a mention.

[Joseph McLoughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very interesting history of one of Dublin's greatest unique spots, being able to see the history in a park I've known my whole life is incredible and I would highly highly recommend!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Anna McCrory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great pictures. learnt a few interesting pieces of information. A nice, short read.