On A Ragga Trek

The Octagon THURS27JULY23

he signs approaching The Octagon this morning were somewhat worrying…

Day-glo graffiti, arrows directing you through Bellevue Woods and to the recently-restored historical banquet room that’s just been restored to a whole new level of glory.

With meticulous attention to detail by restoration specialists Oldstone, the floor of the main building has been tiled with herring bone brick, stainless steel seats have been installed, new safety railings added, new fireplace slate, and a limewash application that will ensure these walls stay standing for another 100 years.

Which made those day-glo rave signs somewhat worrying.

So, it was something of a relief then  to see a still glowing, still clean, still standing Octagon, with no signs of damage, territorial markings or even litter.

By chance, the man who oversaw the restoration for the past six months, Oldstone’s Dave Hutchinson, was also there.

“There was a rave here recently,” he says, “but they left the place as they found it. Which is not always going to be the case, of course, given past experiences here…”

The Octagon being a popular spot with Dublin DJs looking to have a secret rave in the woods.

“Someone did try to force their way in through the locked downstairs gates,” continues Dave, “and we’re having to repair those today. And going forward, given the fact that this is a vulnerable beauty spot, cameras are going to be installed…”

The plan being to have one overlooking the entire structure, and one situated in the locked basement room.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve done here,” finishes Dave, “It’s an amazing structure, with an amazing view, and an amazing history.

“A place that’s been here long before we arrived, and it’ll be here long after we’re gone.

“It would be great to think that The Octagon will be treated with respect it deserves…”