Dublin abounds in curious landmarks, which seem, Sphinx-like, to cover the secrets of their history with a mask of indifference. One such is that which lies about one hundred yards beyond Carysfort Park, Blackrock, and goes by the name of "The Smoothing Iron." For many years the reason for its queer designation has puzzled me considerably, even though in shape it resembles the ordinary domestic flat iron. However, I have just had my curiosity belatedly satisfied. It appears that about the middle of last century an old-time forge, whose appellation was "The Smoothing Iron" stood on this same site, and in a curiously simple manner it got its name; for the smith, a brawny boastful man, was forever fond of remarking that his irons were "the smoothest in the world." A local wag, hearing the utterance one day, remarked that such a reputation deserved a suitable memento, and suggested that the forge should thenceforward be known as "The Smoothest Iron," which has been rounded down to its present title.
The Irish Times, May 4th, 1931.