THE LYRIC FEATURE

Recalling The Layers

Recalling The Layers uncovers a hidden story embedded in the oral histories and architectural fragments of a building in the Liberties in Dublin 8, a place steeped in centuries of history. 

Marshalsea Barracks, once Ireland’s national debtors’ prison, later a tenement, stood for nearly 200 years at the top of Bridgefoot Street.  All that remains is the atmospheric locked and overgrown Ballcourt and surrounding stone walls.  Architectural fragments quietly holding the past. Patricia Baker uncovers its story through historical accounts and the memory of local residents. 

This is a journey into the intangible cultural heritage of a community, capturing the rich tapestry of memory, place, and identity, recalling hidden stories and layers of history, so they remain part of both the heritage and the living fabric of the area. 

Contributors include historians Dr Brian Crowley, Dr Liz Gillis, Dr Cathy Scuffil, Angela Tobin, Liberties dweller, Elizabeth O Connor, Oliver Bond House Bridgefoot Street resident, Janet Cullen, Bridgefoot Street resident, Tracey Sands, Marshalsea Lane resident and Architect Grainne Hassett 

Presented and produced by Patricia Baker 

Sound mix by Bryan Fleming Contact Studio 

Music by Gerry Horan

Recalling The Layers is a Curious Broadcast production funded by Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision Broadcasting funding scheme and by RTÉ with the Television Licence Fee.

RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 29th June, 6pm-7pm