On the Banks of the Dodder: Rathgar & Churchtown; An Illustrated History

Take a trip along the Dodder and see the two suburbs nestling on its banks. The growth and development of both Rathgar and Churchtown, on opposite banks of the river, given an intimate view on the development of Dublin and Ireland through the centuries: from fields and farms to the densely-populated, busy suburbs of the 21st century. 

With meticulous research, anecdotes about residents famous and other wide and rediscovered full coloured photographs, maps and new drawings throughout, this is a beautiful book to be treasured. Whether your family are from the area or you are a new resident, this book is a must-have on your shelf.

Ged Walsh has had a lifelong interest in local history, particularly that of the Rathgar/Churchtown area where he lives. A member of the Old Dublin Society since 1970 and of the Rathmines, Ranelagh and Rathgar Historical Society since its foundation in 1996, he has given talks on various topics to several Local History Societies and Active Retirement Associations, mainly in South County Dublin. Ged earned a Diploma in Local History from Maynooth University in 2008.

Peter Pearson is an historian, conservationist and noted artist with a lifelong commitment to the protection and enhancement of Ireland's architectural heritage. He has attended demolitions of many great houses, rescuing their decorative period features, in the process amassing a vast body of knowledge on the crafts, social and economic history of places throughout Ireland. He has written and contributed to many books and publications. He initiated the Drimnagh Castle Restoration Project and has worked with An Taisce and the Irish Georgian Society and is a founder member of the Dublin Civic Trust, a member of the Heritage Council and an honorary life member of the Dun Laoghaire Historical Society.

Born in 1955, Peter was educated at Kingstown School and Trinity College Dublin. Peter now lives with his wife and two sons in County Wexford. He has written the bestselling Between the Mountains and the Sea, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County, which details the architectural heritage of the county, and The Heart of Dublin, published in 2000, which charts the origins and planning of Dublin's streetscapes from early times to the present day. His latest book, Decorative Dublin is a beautifully illustrated account of the many decorative elements to be found on Dublin's streets and in its buildings.