THE SALTWATER LAKE IN BLACKROCK PARK
THE SALTWATER LAKE IN BLACKROCK PARK [ACCESS VIA PHOENIX TERRACE CAR PARK]
The Lake in Blackrock Park
The lake is the dominant feature within Blackrock Park, a green space managed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Its shape is organic in outline, punctuated by a tree-covered island. A pump house, disguised as a historic folly, is nestled amongst the vegetation. This unique saline lake features a rusticated edge and is enclosed by a perimeter pathway.
Saline Water Source: The lake's salinity likely originates from groundwater with a high salt content, a common occurrence in coastal areas where seawater can seep into the aquifer.
Tide Invariance: The lake's water level remains relatively constant due to its isolation from the direct tidal influence of the sea.
The most distinctive feature of the lake is the circular island stage at the northern end. This stage forms part of a grass amphitheatre that encloses the northern end of the lake. Its bank rises sharply in level from the lake to Rock Road. A path runs along this bank, ramping up to provide access from the Phoenix Terrace car park. A utility box and a commemorative seat are incongruously located along this path.
A historic stone structure, resembling a lookout post, sits inconspicuously below Rock Road amongst the trees. This may have served as a changing facility before the construction of the railway line.
On the other side of the lake, along the eastern edge, the path doubles as a cycle path. It is the main access route through the park and acts as a link in a broader commuter corridor.
Car Parking and Surrounding Areas
The car park at Phoenix Terrace caters for 18 cars. It features an entry and an exit gate, both with similar imposing granite piers and substantial original metalwork, reminiscent of the entrance at Elm Cliff.
Access paths from the car park lead to a 1916 memorial garden and towards the eastern side of the park to the cycle/walking route that parallels the railway line. An ESB substation sits jarringly along the boundary with the railway line opposite this path.
Additional space is occupied by the substation, which provides parking for service vehicles. The area known as Williamstown is a large, featureless space that backs onto the residential developments of Phoenix Square, Emmet Square, and Seafront Parade. A grove of trees is the only feature in this space, predominantly Lime but also including Poplar and Ash.
The Lake in Blackrock Park
The lake is the dominant feature within Blackrock Park, a green space managed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Its shape is organic in outline, punctuated by a tree-covered island. A pump house, disguised as a historic folly, is nestled amongst the vegetation. This unique saline lake features a rusticated edge and is enclosed by a perimeter pathway.
Saline Water Source: The lake's salinity likely originates from groundwater with a high salt content, a common occurrence in coastal areas where seawater can seep into the aquifer.
Tide Invariance: The lake's water level remains relatively constant due to its isolation from the direct tidal influence of the sea.
The most distinctive feature of the lake is the circular island stage at the northern end. This stage forms part of a grass amphitheatre that encloses the northern end of the lake. Its bank rises sharply in level from the lake to Rock Road. A path runs along this bank, ramping up to provide access from the Phoenix Terrace car park. A utility box and a commemorative seat are incongruously located along this path.
A historic stone structure, resembling a lookout post, sits inconspicuously below Rock Road amongst the trees. This may have served as a changing facility before the construction of the railway line.
On the other side of the lake, along the eastern edge, the path doubles as a cycle path. It is the main access route through the park and acts as a link in a broader commuter corridor.
Car Parking and Surrounding Areas
The car park at Phoenix Terrace caters for 18 cars. It features an entry and an exit gate, both with similar imposing granite piers and substantial original metalwork, reminiscent of the entrance at Elm Cliff.
Access paths from the car park lead to a 1916 memorial garden and towards the eastern side of the park to the cycle/walking route that parallels the railway line. An ESB substation sits jarringly along the boundary with the railway line opposite this path.
Additional space is occupied by the substation, which provides parking for service vehicles. The area known as Williamstown is a large, featureless space that backs onto the residential developments of Phoenix Square, Emmet Square, and Seafront Parade. A grove of trees is the only feature in this space, predominantly Lime but also including Poplar and Ash.
THE SALTWATER LAKE IN BLACKROCK PARK