When the reigning Lady Domville of those days interested herself in the building of Santry village just a century ago, she took as her model a certain Swiss village that she greatly admired. She herself lived in the fine Jacobean mansion close by.
Santry Court has stood unoccupied for some time, and the once-beautiful garden is overgrown, though still colourful and most attractive to those who have no love for very formal affairs. Within the high walls the rather unkempt borders still blaze with perennials, and the apple trees still show what they can do.
This fine demesne was once the property of the Lords Barry, who amassed a considerable fortune in the City of Dublin, and for one of whom, Newtownbarry is named. After them came the Domvilles, who were connected with the original owners by inter-marriage; after them, the Poes. The grounds are very fine, and some of the trees at some distance from the house must be seen to be believed; one beech in particular must be hundreds of years old.
The iron entrance gates are impressive, and the wide avenue is tree-shaded and smooth. But not far from the gates, by the now tarmacadamed road, there is a petrol station; and, nearer still, the city-going 'bus pauses to take up waiting passengers.
The Irish Times, October 11th, 1939.