The Last Fanlight Horse: A Symbol of Dublin's Past

A dive into the rich history and symbolism of the fanlight horse statuettes that once adorned Dublin homes, exploring their connections to royal history, religious conflict, and literary imagination.

In the August 2024 edition of * The Irish Times *, columnist Una Mullally explores the history and symbolism of fanlight horses in Dublin architecture. Once a common sight, the statuettes have dwindled in recent decades, leading to a mistaken claim of extinction by Mullally herself.

However, a surviving example was spotted on Erne Street, Dublin 2, by reader Padraig Turley. The article delves into the potential origins of the statues, including their association with King William III's white charger and the Gordon Riots of 1780, which led to the destruction of Catholic homes. Despite the political origins, the fanlight horses eventually became decorative features representing safety or beauty, as noted in a 1971 *Evening Herald* discussion.

Mullally also highlights the work of poet Seumas O'Sullivan, who dedicated a chapter in *Mud and Purple* to these figures, viewing them as gateways to a spiritual realm rather than simple ornaments. The essay concludes with reflections on the changing attitudes towards these historical artifacts in the context of modern Ireland.

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Fanlight Horses Dublin Architecture King William III Gordon Riots Seumas O'sullivan The Irish Times

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