Dodder Valley Park, Bawnville Close, Oldbawn, Dublin 24
A tour of a section of the Dodder Greenway through parklands in SDCC and back. The Dodder Greenway is being developed to be a Greenway of international renown and to be on a par with the best greenways in the world. When complete it will be over 17km long, linking Dublin City with the Dublin Mountains. The distinctive red pedestrian and cycle bridges constructed along the route have greatly improved safe routes to facilities and amenities. Providing people with routes to cross the river away from heavily trafficked road bridges has proven to be a huge success and the Greenway is well used. The Greenway traverses under many of the large roadways that cross the county; and walking or cycling along it is a welcome respite from traffic. New links to Bushy Park and a planned bridge into Orwell Park are / will be fully accessible to all.
Ely Arch will also be visited; constructed around 1771, this Roman triumphal arch once served as one of the main entrances to the Rathfarnham Castle estate. The Arch itself was renovated several years ago and its beautiful gates were restored in 2023. However, the structure itself was railed off and completely isolated from its original purpose and its surrounding landscape. The new design has removed the railings and provided a new route from the roadside through the arch, restoring its original purpose. The parkland adjacent has been re designed and the Arch restored as a feature of importance in the landscape. It now acts as a gateway into South Dublin at this point where 3 counties meet and is a destination point along the new Dodder Greenway.
Meeting Point: Red Bridge at Dodder Valley Park Old Bawn, Tallaght, Dublin 24. 53.280582, -6.348572
Accessibility Information
Please note this is a cycling tour. This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 16. It is approximately 8km from the starting point at Old Bawn to Ely Arch in Rathfarnham and a further 8km along the same route to return to the starting point. The tour is through public parks and along public roads, all attendees are responsible for their own safe cycling in accordance with the rules of the road. Please note cycling through the public parks in South Dublin County Council is along shared routes which have pedestrian priority, cyclists are required to give way to pedestrians.
All attendees will need to bring a bicycle, high visibility vest and cycling helmet as well as any other safety equipment they may require. Attendees should have the knowledge and experience to cycle this distance in a safe manner. All attendees should also ensure that their bicycles are road worthy. Please dress appropriately for wet weather as the tour may proceed in inclement weather. Please note that as this is an extended outdoor event, it may be cancelled at short notice in the case of extreme adverse weather/storm warnings etc.
Read through these tips for cycling safely in the city https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bicycle/cycling-safety/
