Springfield has played an active part in the history of Celbridge.
A most remarkable publication ‘A History of Celbridge’ by Tony Doohan clearly notes the township and surrounding boundaries beginning with the first settlers in Celbridge (Ice Age, Stone Age, Bronze Age). The book was first assembled sourcing relevant history of the local area for children’s education. But indeed has become such a valued source for everyone to the newcomer, visitor or our legacy past. In particular of most recent notoriety is the author Aidan Higgins who grew up in Springfield, most noted for ‘Langrishe, Go Down’ which the BBC made into a film adapted for TV. He has received many awards for his various writings being linked in his work to James Joyce, Flann O’Brien and Samuel Beckett, bringing new fame to Springfield.
On the occasion that the late Morgan Sheehy, with his young wife Libby, first bought Springfield in March 1989 the renovations to restore Springfield were brought to the attention of Otto Rauchbauer, then teacher at the University of Vienna, and brought him rushing across Europe to make sure this wonderful historic house was indeed not being demolished. He was quickly put at ease and was delighted with the works to restore the elegance of this old ruin. He subsequently published ‘Ancestral Voices, The Big House in Anglo-Irish Literature’ A Collection of Interpretations edited by Otto Rauchbauer, first published in 1992 where Springfield is included.
Living here these past twenty years, I too can applaud Springfield. Having my sixth child born here in 1989, seeing my late husband realize his dream house and his untimely death in his beloved Springfield. What an incredible journey which has kept me and my children here and has brought me to write an account of our lives linked with Springfield in my autobiography, Innocent Heart. (waiting to be published).
We open our home and our hearts to welcome you to a magical visit with
