The Digital Hub campus is in one of the oldest parts of Dublin city. Its buildings are full of history and some are protected structures, such as St. Patrick’s Tower. This is the remnant of a windmill which was constructed in 1757. The 150-foot tower once had sails and was used for milling grain for George Roe Whiskey. As technology evolved, and with the conversion of the distillery to steam, the Windmill fell into disuse by about 1860. The windmill stands as an iconic reminder of the industrial heritage of this part of Dublin city.
The Pear Tree
Standing next to St. Patrick’s Tower is, what is claimed to be, Ireland’s oldest fruit bearing tree — a pear tree of the Pyrus Communis variety, estimated to be aged in the range of 150 to 200 years old according to a 2009 survey by the Tree Council of Ireland. A tree, which it could be said is this pear tree is visible in a sketch of the then Roe’s Distillery circa. 1892, which lends some credence to its status as one of Ireland’s oldest fruit bearing trees.
Watch a Building Video: St. Patrick’s Tower