THE old Dublin Cattle Market has been commemorated with a granite welcome stone, unveiled last month by Lord Mayor OisÃn Quinn.
The stone, situated on the small green beside Hanlon’s Pub on the North Circular Road marks the fact that the market stood on the site for over 100 years.
“It is wonderful to see a forgotten part of Dublin’s history being remembered,
? the Lord Mayor said.
“The Dublin Cattle Market drove the local economy for over 100 years in this area and it is fitting that the significance of its existence is now being marked. I congratulate Dublin City Council and the local residents who have made this possible.
?
Dublin Cattle Market was formally opened on November 24, 1863. Traders typically walked cattle to the market along the North Circular Road from within a radius of 20-30 miles. As well as cattle, farmers also traded sheep, pigs and sometimes horses were sold.
Trading reached its peak at 684,158 animals in 1957, however, the following years saw a decline in sales.
In June 1970, Dublin Corporation confirmed its intention to close the market, noting that the average throughput had dropped by over 80 per cent since 1960 and was still declining.
The final day of trading took place on Wednesday, May 9. 1973.
The stone project is a joint effort between the Council and local residents and the inscription reads
‘welcome to Hanlon’s Corner – Location of Dublin’s Cattle Market’ and has an image of a cow.