
Huguenot Cemetery Audio Guide
03/14/22 • 42 min
Huguenot Cemetery Audio Guide
Discover Dublin’s Historic Graveyards
Huguenot Cemetery Audio Guide
Discover Dublin’s Historic Graveyards
Discover the story of the Huguenot Cemetery on Merrion Row, one of Dublin’s most historic graveyards
Located in the heart of Dublin City, Merrion Row Cemetery is nestled between notable landmarks such as St Stephen’s Green, the Shelbourne Hotel and O’Donoghue’s Bar. Despite its setting on one of Dublin’s busiest thoroughfares, the cemetery is a quiet oasis where the capital’s historic non-conforming Huguenot population have found a place to rest.
The Huguenots were French Calvinists who arrived in Ireland in the late 1600s when the Edict of Nantes was revoked by France’s ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV. Prior to this, they had enjoyed a large amount of religious freedom in predominantly Catholic France. With religious tensions high, many Huguenots fled to Ireland to start a new life. It was this first community that founded the cemetery in Merrion Row in 1693. For over three hundred years, the cemetery has been carefully maintained by the French Huguenot Fund. This charity was set up in 1716 to provide financial and practical support to the impoverished Huguenot refugees and continued to pay for the rental of the site, a sum of £2 a year, to this day.
In this audio guide, you will hear about the Huguenots’ tragic tale, which led them to flee France. We will learn how this cemetery was established, who the non-conforming Huguenots were and how they differed from the conforming Huguenots buried in Cabbage Garden Cemetery. We hear the story of some of the families buried in this hallowed ground, including the Du Bedats from Agen and the D’Oliers from Montauban, who D’Olier Street near O’Connell Bridge is named after. Throughout the guide, we will hear from Dr Marie Léoutre, professional historian and Chair of the Irish Section of the Huguenot Society of Great Britain & Ireland, who provides more detail on the Huguenot experience in Ireland.
AUDIO GUIDE
AUDIO GUIDE
Title: Merrion Row Huguenot Cemetery Audio Guide
Duration: 42 mins.
Summary:
Discover the story of one of Dublin’s historic graveyards. You can enjoy our audio guides anywhere, from the comfort of your favourite chair, or download to enjoy while you’re out and about. Simply hit play to hear the stories of Ireland.
The Huguenot Cemetery Audio Guide
This audio guide was written and produced by Abarta Heritage on behalf of Dublin City Council. The script was written by Tara Clarke and Damian Shiels, historical research was carried out by Dr Coleman Dennehy, and narration was by Sarah Jane Scott. The guide was produced in Bluebird Studios, Co. Dublin, with sound engineer Declan Lonergan and producer Tara Clarke. Special thanks to Vivien Costello (a French Huguenot Fund trustee) for her assistance during the guide production and to Dr Marie Léoutre for her contribution to the guide.
To hear more about Dublin City’s historic cemeteries, why not continue the story of the Huguenots in Dublin by listening to our audio guide for Cabbage Garden Cemetery, or discover the story of Ballybough Jewish Cemetery.
This audiobook is also available on
If you enjoyed this Audio Guide, please consider sharing it with a friendHuguenot Cemetery Audio Guide
Discover Dublin’s Historic Graveyards
Huguenot Cemetery Audio Guide
Discover Dublin’s Historic Graveyards
Discover the story of the Huguenot Cemetery on Merrion Row, one of Dublin’s most historic graveyards
Located in the heart of Dublin City, Merrion Row Cemetery is nestled between notable landmarks such as St Stephen’s Green, the Shelbourne Hotel and O’Donoghue’s Bar. Despite its setting on one of Dublin’s busiest thoroughfares, the cemetery is a quiet oasis where the capital’s historic non-conforming Huguenot population have found a place to rest.
The Huguenots were French Calvinists who arrived in Ireland in the late 1600s when the Edict of Nantes was revoked by France’s ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV. Prior to this, they had enjoyed a large amount of religious freedom in predominantly Catholic France. With religious tensions high, many Huguenots fled to Ireland to start a new life. It was this first community that founded the cemetery in Merrion Row in 1693. For over three hundred years, the cemetery has been carefully maintained by the French Huguenot Fund. This charity was set up in 1716 to provide financial and practical support to the impoverished Huguenot refugees and continued to pay for the rental of the site, a sum of £2 a year, to this day.
In this audio guide, you will hear about the Huguenots’ tragic tale, which led them to flee France. We will learn how this cemetery was established, who the non-conforming Huguenots were and how they differed from the conforming Huguenots buried in Cabbage Garden Cemetery. We hear the story of some of the families buried in this hallowed ground, including the Du Bedats from Agen and the D’Oliers from Montauban, who D’Olier Street near O’Connell Bridge is named after. Throughout the guide, we will hear from Dr Marie Léoutre, professional historian and Chair of the Irish Section of the Huguenot Society of Great Britain & Ireland, who provides more detail on the Huguenot experience in Ireland.
AUDIO GUIDE
AUDIO GUIDE
Title: Merrion Row Huguenot Cemetery Audio Guide
Duration: 42 mins.
Summary:
Discover the story of one of Dublin’s historic graveyards. You can enjoy our audio guides anywhere, from the comfort of your favourite chair, or download to enjoy while you’re out and about. Simply hit play to hear the stories of Ireland.
The Huguenot Cemetery Audio Guide
This audio guide was written and produced by Abarta Heritage on behalf of Dublin City Council. The script was written by Tara Clarke and Damian Shiels, historical research was carried out by Dr Coleman Dennehy, and narration was by Sarah Jane Scott. The guide was produced in Bluebird Studios, Co. Dublin, with sound engineer Declan Lonergan and producer Tara Clarke. Special thanks to Vivien Costello (a French Huguenot Fund trustee) for her assistance during the guide production and to Dr Marie Léoutre for her contribution to the guide.
To hear more about Dublin City’s historic cemeteries, why not continue the story of the Huguenots in Dublin by listening to our audio guide for Cabbage Garden Cemetery, or discover the story of Ballybough Jewish Cemetery.
This audiobook is also available on
If you enjoyed this Audio Guide, please consider sharing it with a friendPrevious Episode

Cabbage Garden Cemetery Audio Guide
Cabbage Garden Cemetery Audio Guide
Discover Dublin’s Historic Graveyards
Cabbage Garden Cemetery Audio Guide
Discover Dublin’s Historic Graveyards
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.
AUDIO GUIDE
AUDIO GUIDE
Title: Cabbage Garden Cemetery Audio Guide
Duration: 44 mins.
Summary:
Discover the story of one of Dublin’s historic graveyards. You can enjoy our audio guides anywhere, from the comfort of your favourite chair, or download to enjoy while you’re out and about. Simply hit play to hear the stories of Ireland.
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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This audiobook is also available on
If you enjoyed this Audio Guide, please consider sharing it with a friendNext Episode

Skerries Audio Guide
Skerries Audio Guide
Discover stories along the shore with the Skerries Audio Guide
Skerries Audio Guide
Discover stories along the shore with the Skerries Audio Guide
Join us as we discover the rich heritage of this coastal community with the Skerries Audio Guide
The seaside town of Skerries can trace its story through thousands of years, charting a course through time and tides. People have lived here since the Mesolithic period, and the landscape has been shaped by their presence. Set on Dublin’s north coast, the Irish Sea has been inextricably entwined with the lives of the Skerries communities and has shaped the story of this picturesque town since its earliest settlement.
From the shores of its beautiful beaches, panoramic views afford views of the Cooley and Mourne Mountains in the north and toward Howth Head further south. This is a coast of contrast. The town of Skerries is a vibrant place, home to a thriving community and rich cultural scene, yet its wide-open spaces and islands dotting the horizon are a peaceful haven and refuge for wildlife and heritage alike. The Skerries scenery has provided inspiration for artists throughout the centuries. Most notably, Percy French is believed to have been inspired by the view ‘where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea’ and penned his most popular song named after these iconic mountains.
Along with the past, this guide will also explore the importance of the present, through the ecological and avian wonders to be found just off the Skerries coast. Whether you prefer to stroll down Strand Street or along South Strand to take in the sights and sounds of Skerries Mills or Red Island’s Martello, or set sail from the harbour, this guide will narrate the land and seascape that unfolds as you navigate this historic town.
Tracing the story of the town from its earliest origins to the present day, this audio guide tells you the story of Skerries, its harbour and the islands beyond. Tales of Vikings, pirates and rebels abound, along with the impact of prosperous industry in this picturesque place. As you’ll soon discover, the cast of characters even includes St Patrick himself, who left a permanent mark on the Skerries coast! Join us as we discover the rich heritage of this coastal community.
AUDIO GUIDE
AUDIO GUIDE
Title: Skerries Audio Guide
Duration: 42 mins.
Summary:
Discover stories along the shore with the Skerries Audio Guide. You can enjoy our audio guides anywhere, from the comfort of your favourite chair, or download to enjoy while you’re out and about. Simply hit play to hear the stories of Ireland.
The Skerries Audio Guide
We hope you have enjoyed exploring the stories of Skerries with us. If you would like to find out more about the town and some of the events and activities that take place here, why not check out the Skerries page of the Fingal website at www.fingal.ie. The historical research work of the Skerries Historical Society formed an integral part of creating this guide. You can learn more about them, and about Skerries, at www.oldskerries.ie.
This audio guide was written and produced by Abarta Heritage on behalf of Fingal County Council. The audioguide was written by Damian Shiels and edited by Róisín Burke. Narration was by Gerry O’Brien and the guide was produced in Bluebird Studios, Co. Dublin with sound engineer Declan Lonergan and producer Tara Clarke.
This audiobook is also available on
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