The Liffey Valley Park Alliance

Historical Overview

The river Liffey rises at Kippure in the Wicklow Mountains south of Dublin, and flows in a great meandering arc for almost 100 kms until it encounter the salt water of the tidal reach at Islandbridge, from when it flows on through the heart of Dublin City and out to sea in the bay.

The Liffey served as a gateway from the sea, an effective highway for travellers over the centuries. As a result the valley is dotted with the reminders from times past, including prehistoric sites, viking and early Christian settlements, Norman motes from the medieval period and great residences and buildings from the 17th century onwards .These include the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Castletown, Farmleigh, Russborough... to name but a few of those that sit in the Valley and which are recognised as some of the finest country houses ever built in Ireland, and which still stand to be visited and enjoyed today.

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Nature - Flora and Fauna

The Valley supports an abundance of wildlife and many species of wildflowers, some of which are very rare and of course many magnificent trees and woodland in a natural setting. Additionally, there are more formalised gardens and parks to be enjoyed. All are provided in ever changing palette with the passing of each season.

The LVPA organises walks each summer through the valley, providing access off the beaten track, (see News Update on the home page). Throughout the year though one can independently wander casually through the many public parklands along the liffey at Lucan Demense, The Memorial Park, The Phoenix Park, (Europe's largest urban park) ,or Castletown House for example. We encourage you to also explore some of the walks proposed in the recently published book 'Treasures of Lucan'.

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Recreational Opportunities

The Liffey Valley offers a great variety of recreational opportunities for all - from the very athletic and fit to the more relaxed among us ...
The river is used by canoe and rowing clubs and anglers. Numerous Golf clubs, pitch and putt and par 3 are situated through the area, as are clubs catering for Gaelic games, soccer and rugby. The parks and walks along the valley and the beautiful hotels, pubs and restaurants provide for more relaxing recreational opportunities, as well the Valley's great houses such as Farmleigh and Castletown.

The Strawberry Beds 

No overview of the Liffey Valley would be complete without a mention of the Strawberry Beds and all it's romantic lore, landmarks and picturesque landscape.