Larch Hill - History

History

The original buildings at Larch Hill were built as a summerhouse for a wealthy Dublin merchant, John O'Neill Esq. An exact date of the building of Larch Hill is unknown, however a gravestone can be found in the Whitechurch Church of Ireland cemetery which bears the inscription "Erected by John O'Neill Esq., of Fitzwilliam Square and Larch Hill, J.P. for Dublin and Consul De S.H.C., to the memory of his good and beloved wife, Caroline, Died 1835 R.I.P".

Larch Hill was the Despard family seat from the early 18th century. It is unknown whether the builder was Rev. Richard Despard of Larch Hill (1718–1779), followed by Richard's son Rev. Francis G. Despard of Larch Hill (1753–1819) and his son, Richard Despard of Larch Hill (1781–1840).

The ownership of Larch Hill changed sometime between 1835 and 1873 as another tombstone exists in the graveyard which bears the inscription "Courtney Kenny Clarke, Larch Hill, Died 1873." Again, this owner was a wealthy businessman, and possibly an owner of one of the many mills which existed along the banks of the Owendoher River in Rockbrook. In those days Rathfarnham was known throughout Europe for its fine paper from the papermills. Many wealthy families constructed large houses in the hills around Rathfarnham. The family of Mr Clarke donated funds to the Whitechurch Church of Ireland Chapel which enabled a vestry to be dedicated in his memory.