Bram Stoker Park

Just across the street from no: 15 Marino Crescent resides a quaint little park now known as Bram Stoker Park, which was aptly named after one of the area’s most famous residents. Formerly known as Marino Crescent Park, this would have been the private gardens for the surrounding homes. The park was taken over by the Dublin Corporation back in the mid 1980’s, were is was renamed and turned into a public park.

Born in 1847, Bram Stoker was one of several children whom grew up here, as a young child, he suffered ill health and was said to have been bed ridden for prolonged periods of time. It was his mother Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornley whom is said to have filled his mind with fantastic and ancient tales of the macabre from Irelands past. Vampires, werewolves, Headless horsemen, we got em all in Ireland. From Dearg-Due a Vampire from our Gaelic past, The Werewolves from Ossory. Tales of alleged Witchcraft & Alice Kyteler, An Dullahan the Headless Horseman to my kids personal favourite The Faerie Ghost,  The Pooka or in Gaelic An Púca. How many of these tales influenced Stoker in creating Dracula.

During the day thee park is a tranquil sanctuary from the bust surrounding streets and city traffic. Yet after dark, I can only guess that the vibe changes. For those of you that remember the short lived TV series ‘Penny Dreadful’, with Eva Green and Timothy Dalton, you will understand what I mean about this place. Sadly, it closes early so I don’t have the opportunity to experience it in person.