ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE ENTRANCE TO PHOENIX PARK
To the best of my knowledge this public space in Chapelizod is indeed part of a larger envisioned linear park along the River Liffey.
A few years ago I first came across this park but I could not gain access as the gate was locked. Today I had intended to photograph the Magazine Fort in Phoenix Park but got off the 26 bus at the wrong stop so I decided to walk towards Chapelizod and enter the park via the Chapelizod Gate.
Liffey Valley Park, also known as Liffey Vale, is located between Anna Livia Bridge in Chapelizod and the War Memorial Gardens west of Islandbridge.
The park is bound on the north by Chapelizod Road and on the south by the River Liffey, which is the defining aspect of the space. Within 3km of the city centre, Liffey Vale forms a perfect location for formal and informal recreation and is of significant ecological and historical interest.
The park provides an extremely attractive riverside setting to anglers, walkers, cyclists and watersports activities. The unique collection of rowing clubs on the northern bank reflects the national importance of this stretch of the river.
The eastern side of the site comprises of an open plot owned by the Department of Defence which adjoins the derelict building of Liffey Vale and the remnants of its semi walled gardens and orchards.
The eastern boundary comprises of non-native trees and shrubs which border onto playing fields owned by the OPW. This strip of land was historically known as the Long Meadows, which formed part of the original Royal Deer Park until 1680. Much of the Long Meadows were used as allotments in the twentieth century.
Future Plans There are plans for a biodiversity centre to host school tours and visitors, to deliver a new café for the area, and be a hub in Dublin for biodiversity education.
The restoration of the derelict Georgian building and associated gardens of Liffey Vale House & Garden will incorporate interpretation of the River Liffey and the riverine environment, a cafe and bus drop off point, educational outdoor spaces incorporating the existing small wetland and woodland area close by, thereby establishing Liffey Vale as the focal hub for a planned wider valley park route.