Harolds Cross
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Harold's Cross (Crois Araild in Irish) is a suburb on the southside of Dublin, Ireland. It is situated north of Terenure, west of Rathmines, east of Crumlin and directly south from the Grand Canal at Clanbrassil Street.
One explanation of the origin of the name Harold's Cross is that it is derived from the name given to a gallows, which had been placed where the current Harold's Cross park is situated. Harold's Cross was the execution ground for the city of Dublin during the 18th century and earlier.
Another explanation is that it is derived from a stone cross that marked the boundary of lands held by the Danish Harold family of Rathfarnham in early medieval times, reputedly located at what is now a five-road junction on Harold's Cross Road.
Local Historian Joe Curtis has written extensively about both the history and life in Harolds Cross in his book "Harolds Cross". The suburb is the site of one of only two greyhound racing tracks in Dublin (Harold's Cross Stadium), the other being Shelbourne Park in Ringsend.
- See also: List of towns in the Republic of Ireland
