BOOTERSTOWN

BOOTERSTOWN RAILWAY STATION AND NEARBY

Booterstown was not the the focus of this session so I did not devote much time to photographing the area especially as I intend to visit the wetlands area later in the month.

Booterstown Train Station

Booterstown Train Station is located on the scenic coastal stretch of Dublin, in the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown region. This station, established in 1835, holds a significant place in Irish railway history as part of the pioneering Dublin and Kingstown Railway. The station's architecture reflects its age, offering a charming glimpse into the past while continuing to serve as a vital transit hub today.  

The station's immediate area features a blend of residential homes, businesses, and most notably, the verdant expanse of Booterstown Marsh, a nature reserve that lies adjacent to the tracks.

Origin of the Name "Booterstown"

The name "Booterstown" is believed to derive from the Irish phrase "Bóthar Stáin," which translates to "the road of Stán." "Stán" refers to St. Senán, an early Irish saint associated with the area. The name reflects the historical significance of a route or pathway linked to this saint, which likely passed through the present-day location of Booterstown.

Booterstown Marsh: A Unique Nature Reserve

The Booterstown Marsh, a designated bird sanctuary, is a captivating wetland habitat that borders the train station. Its proximity to the urban environment makes it a haven for various bird species and a valuable natural resource. However, this wetland environment can, at times, emit an unpleasant odour.  

This smell is a natural characteristic of wetlands like Booterstown Marsh. It arises from the breakdown of organic matter by bacteria in the waterlogged soil, a process that releases gases like hydrogen sulphide, which has a distinct rotten egg smell. While the odour can be noticeable, particularly during warmer weather or low tides, it is an indication of the marsh's vibrant ecosystem and its role in nutrient cycling.

The Marsh and the Railway: A Shared History

The creation of Booterstown Marsh is directly linked to the construction of the Dublin and Kingstown Railway. During its construction in the 1830s, the railway line acted as a barrier, impeding the natural flow of water and creating the wetland conditions that characterise the marsh today.  

This unintended consequence of railway development has led to the establishment of a unique and ecologically important habitat. It showcases how human activities can inadvertently shape the natural world and lead to the emergence of new ecosystems.