Ballybough Jewish Cemetery, Fairview – A long thread, but worth it - this is a fascinating place. The cemetery is Irelands oldest Jewish cemetery, founded in 1718. The mortuary chapel at the front has one of the more peculiar sights found in Dublin, stating it was built... (1/8) 
in 5618! This is according to the Hebrew calendar & equates to 1857 in the Gregorian calendar. It is currently owned by Dublin City Council, who plan to refurbish & reopen it to the public. The last burial to take place here was in 1958 & officially closed in 1978. There... (2/8)
are some fascinating stories to be found here. The largest tomb belongs to Lewis Wormser Harris, who was elected lord mayor of Dublin. He would have been the city’s first Jewish mayor but died the day before he was due to take office in 1876. (3/8)
The double headstone of Solomon Levenston is also interesting as the left side is blank. Solomon passed away in 1887 but it was the couples wish that she should lie beside him when her time came. Unfortunately, she passed away during the 1916 Rising, & her remains could not (4/8)
be brought across the city to lie beside her husband. She was buried instead in the Jewish cemetery in Dolphins Barn. A poignant reminder of the effect pivotal moments in history have on the people. (5/8)
Interred here is one Samuel Stavenhagen, who introduced Christmas tree decorations to our fair city, with his 1st advertisement printed on 22nd December 1854. He is buried with his wife Helena.
Like all cemeterys around this time, it witnessed many acts of body snatching & (6/8)
Like all cemeterys around this time, it witnessed many acts of body snatching & (6/8)
headstone removal. One anecdote relates to the headstone of Solomon Cohen which disappeared 1 night. His son, later visiting a Christians friend house in the area, was shocked to notice a Hebrew inscription in the chimney breast telling him that his father was buried there! (7/8)
There's some amazing history here & Im relieved that DCC have decided to refurbish & open it to the public once more.Further reading with the brilliant @DublinInquirer: tinyurl.com/v6wzkel
#DiscoverDublin @OldDublinTown @dubcivictrust @FMLocalHistory @OldeEire @DubHistorians
#DiscoverDublin @OldDublinTown @dubcivictrust @FMLocalHistory @OldeEire @DubHistorians
