POCKET PARKS

AN ATTRACTIVE COLLECTION OF MICRO GARDENS AND POCKET PARKS

A series of micro gardens and pocket parks, each thoughtfully designed and brimming with life, creates a green tapestry throughout the urban landscape at Stillorgan Village along the Lower Kilmacud Road.

Lower Kilmacud Road, though geographically distinct from Upper Kilmacud Road, often becomes a point of confusion for visitors unfamiliar with the nuances of the area. This confusion is amplified when the intended destination is actually Stillorgan Village shopping centre.

The root of the problem lies in the expansive nature of both Kilmacud Roads. They stretch over considerable distances, leading visitors to believe they encompass the entire Kilmacud area. This creates a false sense of proximity to Stillorgan Village, which, despite its association with the broader Kilmacud area, is situated closer to the lower end of Lower Kilmacud Road.

Adding to the confusion, the Kilmacud and Stillorgan LUAS stops, while seemingly indicative of nearby landmarks, are a deceptive 24-minute walk from Stillorgan Village. This distance, coupled with the misperception that Kilmacud Roads encompass the entirety of Kilmacud, leads visitors astray. They disembark at the tram stops expecting a short stroll to the shopping centre, only to find themselves navigating a lengthy and potentially disorienting route.

To alleviate this confusion, clearer communication and signage are essential. Online directions and maps should explicitly differentiate between the various Kilmacud areas and emphasise the relative distance between the LUAS stops and Stillorgan Village. Local businesses and services could also play a role in guiding visitors, ensuring they reach their intended destination with ease.

While the Stillorgan LUAS stop might seem like the obvious choice, it's actually quite a distance from Stillorgan Village. A more convenient option is to take the LUAS to the Dundrum stop (located at the William Dargan Bridge) and then transfer to the L25 bus service, which has a stop right at Stillorgan Village shopping centre. This combination of LUAS and bus provides a much more efficient and less confusing way to reach the shopping centre. This is the option that I use as I live close the the Broadstone Tram stop.