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Dublin and its hinterland became the temporary home for many wounded soldiers who arrived on hospital ships from the front. They were treated in military hospitals which were being set up around the area – but others, who were well enough, travelled to Stevenson’s Farm in the Dublin mountains for recuperative days out.

They were brought there by car, driven by members of the Irish Automobile Club who wanted to help. Some of the Club’s members had got to know the Stevenson family during their excursions into the the area. IAC members also organised buffet facilities at the ports and train stations for returning soldiers.

At Stevenson’s farm, the soldiers could ‘take the air’ or play football and other games. Tea and meals were provided, too. The Country Club continued to operate for just under a year. In late 1918, the IAC received the prefix ‘Royal’ in recognition of its humanitarian services.

During 1916, the Red Cross set up a small hospital on the farm. It was a wooden building with a veranda and up to 80 patients reportedly slept under canvas in the fields. Patricia Farrell, who now runs the farm with her husband Tom, remembers finding some of the Red Cross crockery in the hospital. It included special cups for shell-shocked soldiers, who suffered from tremors.

Patricia and local historian Brian White tell the story of Stevenson’s farm – now called Knockrose – and the Country Club for Wounded Soldiers.

Location: Knockrose, Co. Dublin 53°13'20.8"N 6°10'46.0"W
Image: Soldiers arriving at Knockrose driven by a member of the Irish Automobile Club
Image courtesy of Royal Irish Automobile Club Archive

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