Situated on the north bank of the River Liffey, just south of Collins Barracks (formerly the Royal Barracks), the site traditionally known as Croppies’ Acre is believed to have served as a mass grave for Irish rebel casualties of the 1798 Rebellion. The rebels, referred to as “Croppies” due to their short-cropped hair—a symbol of revolutionary ideals—gave the site its name, which was also known at the time as Croppies’ Hole. Some of the executed were reportedly displayed there, their bodies tied to pikes as a grim warning.

According to the National Graves Association, the site may also have been used after the rebellion to bury surviving veterans, including Matthew Tone, the brother of Wolfe Tone. Bartholomew Teeling, executed at the Provost Prison in Arbour Hill, is also said to have been interred there.

However, archaeological investigations have not uncovered any human remains, casting doubt on its use as a burial ground. The exact location of the interments remains uncertain. It was long understood only that the dead had been buried in marshy ground near the Royal Barracks. Some historical accounts suggest that the bodies of the executed were instead thrown into the tidal River Liffey as a public deterrent. Complicating matters further, the river was later realigned to expand the city’s quays, and the area identified as Croppies’ Acre was subsequently used as a military playing field.

In 1998, the site was formally developed and landscaped as Croppies’ Acre Memorial Park, commemorating the memory of those who died during the 1798 Rebellion.

The site has been included on commercial ghost tours, but I can find no specific accounts of actual, alleged paranormal activity here. That said, locals and history enthusiasts have spoken of the park having a strange and solemn atmosphere, while visitors have spoken of a feeling of unease or a heavy presence while exploring the park. What do YOU think?