The rapidly changing appearance of Donnybrook reminds me that Dublin is fast out-growing its old dimensions since the days when Donnybrook was, so to speak, in the heart of the country. In those days the celebrated archbishop King could think of no quieter resting-place for his remains than the little graveyard there. It is many years ago, too, since the Lord Mayor of Dublin and others purchased the patent for the famous Donnybrook Fair from the Madden family for the purpose of its suppression. The sum of £3,000 was paid by the Right Hon Joseph Boyce on behalf of his committee, and in 1855 the Fair, which had become a public nuisance and scandal, came to an end. It had lasted for nearly seven centuries. In 1204 King John granted its licence for eight days annually, commencing on the day of the finding of the Holy Cross (3rd May), with similar stallages and tolls as established at Waterford and Limerick. By charter of Henry the Third the time was extended to fifteen days, and the commencement finally altered to the 26th August.
The Irish Times, November 7th, 1930.