KHS Talk 8th Feb 2022 8pm: The Poulaphuca Survey by Chris Corlett

Poulaphouca Dam
Geograph Ireland

 

A talk on the The Poulaphuca Survey will be delivered by Chris Corlet. via ZOOM at 8 pm. This is part of the Kilmacanogue Historical Society’s programme of events. Email kilmachistorysoc@gmail.com for the link if you are not already on the society’s mailing list. 

The Poulaphuca Survey

Chris will draw our attention to part of the Irish landscape that has been lost forever within the upper stretches of the River Liffey in Co. Wicklow, when a dam was constructed at Poulaphuca and a large reservoir was created.  This was to supply water to Dublin city and provide additional electricity supply to the national grid –  indeed this was one of the largest infra-structural schemes carried-out during the formative years of the State. The water levels of the reservoir gradually rose in 1940, submerging a historic landscape that only a few months previously hosted a thriving farming community. With foresight a small group of individuals from various backgrounds volunteered their time and skills during the summer months of 1939 in an attempt to record as much information as possible about the landscape soon to be flooded. Hence the Poulaphuca Survey.

About the author

Christiaan Corlett studied archaeology and history in University College Dublin, graduating in 1995. Today Chris works as an archaeologist with the National Monuments Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  He has lived practically all his life in Wicklow; his interests range widely – from megalithic tombs to post-medieval churches; from early prehistoric rock art to religious carvings on 18th century headstones; from the traditional farmhouses of the Wicklow countryside to the slums of inner city Dublin; from folklore to folk life; and much more.  Chris is a prolific author and has written, compiled and edited many books subjects ranging from archaeology, history, folklore and early photography. He is a frequent contributor to the quarterly magazine Archaeology Ireland as well as the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, the Irish Arts Review, the Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society, and many more. He is renowned as one of Ireland’s best photographers of archaeological and historical monuments. (Visit his website at: https://www.christiaancorlett.com/ .)

Read more about this topic in River Liffey Heritage Project, on this website

 

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