In ancient times, the main road from Dublin to the province of Leinster was Slige Chualann, passing through Harold's Cross. The River Poddle forked at the 'tongue' in the locality, with one-third of the water providing a water supply for the city, and the remaining two-thirds flowed through Harold's Cross towards the Liberties and the River Liffey, while operating a number of waterwheels in the mills along the way. Therefore, it is not surprising that Harold's Cross developed into a thriving village, not unlike many small towns throughout Ireland. Local historian Joe Curtis was born and reared in Harold's Cross, and in this lively book, traces the evolution of the village over the past few hundred years, whilst also providing a first-hand account of changes over the past 60 years.