Discover the story of Cabbage Garden Cemetery, one of Dublin’s most historic graveyards

Located in the heart of the Liberties, this cemetery is just a stone’s throw or bell toll away from some of the city’s most iconic heritage sites, such as St Patrick’s Cathedral and Marsh’s Library. Cabbage Garden has served as the final resting place of many Huguenots and Church of Ireland residents of the city since the 17th century. Those buried here navigated Dublin City during its rapid development during the 1600s, and walked the same routes across the Liffey that we follow today. They contributed to society by working as sword cutlers, timber merchants and apothecaries, meeting the needs of an ever-expanding city.

Cabbage Garden’s history is as intriguing as its name, which supposedly comes from the vegetables grown by Oliver Cromwell’s soldiers in this field in the 17th-century. From its foundation as a cemetery in the late 1600s, it became the final resting place of members of the Protestant Church of Ireland. They were soon joined by the Conforming Huguenots, who were buried in the northwest corner of the site, which then became known as the French Burial Grounds. Today, the cemetery is used as a community park where locals walk their dogs and enjoy a game of football.

In this audio guide, you will learn about the history of Cabbage Garden Cemetery, from its origins to the present day. You will discover more about the Conforming Huguenots and how they differed from their Non-Conforming peers buried at Merrion Row Cemetery. We will uncover some of the stories of those buried here, including John Metcalf, who died at the age of ten and whose grave is inscribed with the words:

“Passengers as you pass by

As you are now so once was

As I am now so shall you be

Think of God and follow me.”

You will also hear some fascinating stories from Cathy Scuffil, Historian in Residence with Dublin City Council, who discusses life in the Liberties in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

The Cabbage Garden Cemetery Audio Guide

This audio guide was written and produced by Abarta Heritage on behalf of Dublin City Council. The script was written by Damian Shiels, historical research was carried out by Dr Coleman Dennehy, narration was by Gerry O’Brien, and the guide was produced in Bluebird Studios, with sound engineer Declan Lonergan and producer Róisín Burke. Special thanks to Dublin City Council Historian In Residence, Cathy Scuffil, for her assistance during the guide production.

To hear more about Dublin city’s historic cemeteries, why not listen to our audio guides on Ballybough Jewish Cemetery or the Merrion Row Huguenot Cemetery.

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