Our next walk is scheduled for Monday 5th December. The walk will pass along the Dodder and the Poddle rivers and will include a visit to the spectacular 13th century Firhouse Weir.
We will meet outside the Old Mill pub (formerly Bridget Burke’s) on the Old Bawn Road at 11am (see http://www.louisfitzgerald.com/oldmill ). This is a loop walk which will take about an hour and a half.
The Old Mill was originally a large mill on the banks of the Dodder and much of the old machinery is still in situ in the building. We will walk down one side of the north Dodder Valley Park to the Firhouse Weir. This huge weir was built by the monks of St Thomas’ Abbey in Thomas Street in 1244 to divert the waters of the Dodder into the Poddle River which ran through the centre of the old city. The channels and workings of the watercourse are still visible and will be explained to participants on the walk. We will then cross the Dodder on a long modern footbridge from which we will see the full extent of this gigantic structure. We will than walk back along the newly created south Dodder Valley park to Oldbawn and back to Bridget Burkes.
Directions
By Bus: Take either the 49 and 65B, both of which stop in Dame St (first stop on then left when you cross over from TCD). The journey will take about 30 mins depending on traffic Both buses stop beside the Old Mill pub.
By Car: Leave M50 at Junction 12 (signposted Firhouse). Proceed through first crossroads to second crossroads. The Mill is on the opposite left hand corner of this junction. Parking should be available in the car park of the Old Mill.
Disclaimer / Footwear / Outerwear
Please note that if you participate in this walk, you must take full responsibility for yourself and be aware that you participate at your own risk. Participants will be asked to complete the attached Disclaimer form (unless you have already completed one) before setting out on the hike/walk. It is important that you have sturdy footwear – walking shoes or boots with ridged soles for grip – particularly in wet weather. You should also have appropriate outerwear and be prepared for rain.
Please let me know if you will be joining this walk so that we have an idea of the number of people to expect. You can sign up on the website, or you can send an email to info@tcdretired.ie.
We look forward to seeing you then.