Ashtown | PARKS AND GARDENS

THERE WERE MANY ON ELECTRIC BIKES BUT FEW WALKERS

The Tolka Valley Park actually has a number of sections in different parts the city that the river Tolka flows through. Last year was my first time to visit this section (Ashtown to Ratoath Road) of the Tolka Valley Park but I had to abandon the session soon after arriving because of severe weather conditions combined with the fact that my camera failed after about twenty minutes.

The last time I used a Sigma DP1 Quattro but today I used a Sony A7RIV with a Zeiss Batis 135mm lens, which I really like, but to be honest the results were not as good as I had hoped for.

The Tolka Valley Park comprises almost 300 acres, it includes wetlands, wildflower meadows, woodland and pedestrian paths throughout.

The park is an important regional park located on both sides of the Tolka River. The park is spread over 140 hectares and follows the Tolka River Valley for 8km from Mulhuddard to Ashtown. The pasturelands and playing fields of the upper section give way to woodlands, undulating fields and wetlands, providing varied landscapes and natural habitats for a wide range of fauna. The river valley is rich in plant and animal life, a haven for biodiversity within the city, and local history.

The park offers a diverse, natural and tranquil landscape which is great for walking and jogging and the river supports an abundance of brown trout, providing for some good fishing.

The Tolka Valley Park runs through Fingal from Ashtown to County Meath, including Waterville Park, Mulhuddart Village and South of Abbotstown.

The 37 Dublin Bus route is supposed to be the the best way to get to the Park however I travelled by Tram to Broombridge and then by train to Ashtown … note it is not a long walk walk from Broombridge to Ashtown.