THE author of a new book on one of Dublin’s most famous neighbourhoods has called on the City Fathers to put
‘hell back on the map’.
Speaking at the recent launch of his book,
‘The Liberties’, Maurice Curtis said it was big day for the area.
“This book for me is a celebration of the Liberties and all that is good there,
? he said.
“It’s one of the most historic parts of Dublin with an absolute wealth of fascinating heritage.
“It’s time to put this great area back on the map of Dublin and all that it entails. And on Dublin City Council’s agenda and plans for the area, top of the list must be to put a place called
‘Hell’ and, I am totally serious, the
‘Forty Steps to Hell’ back on the signposts and back on the tourist trail.
?
Curtis explained that there is a place called Hell in the Liberties that was renowned in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries as one of the most notorious red-light districts in Europe.
“Monto, Soho and Amsterdam’s red-light districts are in the halfpenny place compared to the sheer infamy of Hell,
? he said.
Hell was located along Cook Street, at the back of Christ Church Cathedral and Copper Alley / Fishamble Street.
“It was where Dublin’s and Europe’s finest brothels, gambling houses and lowlifes were to be found and was the home of the madam of them all, Darkey Kelly,
? Curtis added.
“It derived its name from the numerous depictions of the Devil and Satan carved over entrances to various inns and brothels and other gambling houses.
“Hell had links with the famous Hellfire Club in the Dublin Mountains. It was a place you entered at your peril. Even the authorities were afraid to go near the place.
“The Forty Steps to Hell are those steps leading from St Audoen’s Park down to Cook Street.
?
The author added:
“The Liberties for me then is an area full of history, mystery, mayhem and magic. It’s a place where every stone tells a story. It’s full of smells, bells and hells and extraordinary and fascinating happenings, places, buildings and people.
“Whether it’s Strongbow, Silken Thomas, Jonathan Swift, Arthur Guinness, Robert Emmet, 1916, the Chieftains, the Dubliners, footballer Kevin Moran, comedian Jimmy O’Dea, and many, many more – huge numbers of famous people and events are linked to the Liberties.
?
He further noted: “It’s said that the story of the Liberties is the story of Dublin. I will add to that. The story of the Liberties is the story of Ireland. The story of this unique area interweaves with some of the key historical events that took place over the past 1,000 years.
?¢ The Liberties is available in Easons, Hodges & Figgis, Dubray and all good bookshops.