The land now being developed as Lakeside Memorial Park is steeped in a rich and layered history, reflecting the evolving needs and values of Portmarnock and North County Dublin. Its journey from estate lands to industrial production, and now to a place of remembrance, mirrors the wider historical tapestry of the region. Notably, part of these lands was historically known as 'Brickfields,' a name that endures in local memory and records, and which speaks to the site’s central role in the story of brickmaking in Dublin.

For centuries, the Plunkett family was a prominent landowner in Portmarnock. Their connection to the area dates back to at least the 17th century, when Luke Plunkett, a Dublin merchant, acquired the lands in 1635. The Plunketts’ tenure continued through successive generations, intertwining their family story with the development of Portmarnock House and the surrounding estate. The family’s fortunes and ambitions were closely tied to the land, and their legacy is woven into the fabric of the community.

Brickmaking in Dublin has deep roots, with the earliest references dating to the late 16th century. By the 1700’s, brickfields were established across the city and its outskirts, including Portmarnock, where the naturally occurring limestone clay was ideal for brick production. The Plunkett family began making bricks on their land during the 1700’s, exploiting these local resources. The area north of the Sluice River was marked on historical maps as 'Brick Fields,' but evidence suggests
that brickmaking activities extended across the entire site, with kilns likely located to the east, beyond the railway line, where limestone was naturally abundant.

The process of brickmaking was initially seasonal and labor-intensive, requiring large areas for drying bricks. Before the advent of the railway, bricks were primarily used for local construction, as transportation was difficult. The yellow brick of the steeple at the adjacent St. Marnock’s Church and the brickwork at Hazelbrook House, home to the Mac Neill family, themselves prominent in Irish history, were likely produced from the Brickfields. The influence of Huguenot craftsmen, who brought their skills to Ireland, is also evident in the steeply pitched roof of Portmarnock House and other local buildings.

The construction of the railway to Portmarnock Station in 1844 marked a significant turning point in the development of brickmaking on the estate, facilitating expansion and enabling large-scale industrial production. In 1881, Thomas Luke Plunkett established the Portmarnock Brick and Terracotta Works to the east of the site and railway line, signalling the beginning of fully industrialised brick manufacture in Portmarnock. The works operated three kilns and produced both bricks and terracotta elements that became widely recognised for their quality and distinctive fiery orange hue.

Portmarnock bricks were extensively used in Dublin’s public buildings and were often preferred to imported alternatives due to their durability and vibrant colour. The brickmaking process itself evolved considerably over time. Early production relied on handmade bricks fired in clamp kilns, resulting in significant variation in size and quality. However, the introduction of mechanisation and permanent kilns during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries led to greater consistency and efficiency.

A key technological advancement was the Hoffman kiln, patented in 1858 and introduced to Ireland by Luke Plunkett. This innovation allowed for continuous firing, significantly improving production capacity and uniformity. In addition to standard brick production, the works also manufactured decorative terracotta elements, drawing on neoclassical and Gothic motifs that reflected prevailing architectural tastes of the period.
The output of the Brickfields shaped not only Portmarnock but also the wider fabric of Dublin. Portmarnock bricks were used in major public works, including hospitals and fire stations, and were recognised for their excellence by architects and builders. The works supplied bricks for significant projects such as:

• The Red Stables at St Anne’s Park (completed in 1885)
• Buckingham Street Fire Station (completed in 1899)
• Richmond Hospital (completed in 1901)
• St. Ita’s Hospital, Portrane (completed in 1903)
• Iveagh Markets (completed June in 1906)
• Tara Street Fire Station (completed in 1907)

Production continued into the early 20th century, with the works managed by Matt (Robert) Mathieson, a Scottish Presbyterian who oversaw operations until shortly after World War I. At its peak, the factory employed around 25 people and operated three beehive kilns, allowing for a staggered cycle of production. The closure of the Portmarnock Brick and Terracotta Works followed the death of Luke Plunkett in 1927. The family line of the Plunketts of Portmarnock ended with the passing of his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, in 1948. In the decades that followed, the land passed through quieter uses such as a horse racing track and a golf range but ultimately awaited a new and lasting purpose.
That purpose has now emerged in the form of Lakeside Memorial Park.

Today, the land is being thoughtfully developed as a place of remembrance, reflection, and peace. This represents a profound shift in its role: from producing materials that helped shape the city’s buildings, to providing a protected space dedicated to memory, dignity, and care. Memorial parks are created with centuries in mind - places intended to endure and to serve generations far into the future.
Lakeside Memorial Park is founded on the principle of long-term stewardship. Its design and management recognise that this land will serve families not just today, but for centuries to come. While the industrial activity that once defined the site has passed into history, the deeper story of purposeful use remains.
As the park matures, it will stand as the latest chapter in a long continuum - a place where land that once shaped bricks for homes and civic buildings now offers space for remembrance, reflection, and enduring care.

*This history draws on local parish records, published local histories and community memory.

Lakeside Memorial Park

Redefining the traditional cemetery experience

Schedule a visit to Lakeside Memorial Park, a pristine 24-acre sanctuary, thoughtfully designed for tranquility.