Towards a Liffey Valley Strategy Doc. 1 - Kildare.ie

6 LIFFEY VALLEY RECREATIONAL & AMENITY RESOURCES
6.1 RECREATIONAL & AMENITY USES OF THE LIFFEY VALLEY
The potential Liffey Valley Park area is composed of a series of linked open spaces
along the River Liffey.
Together these open spaces, including the river itself, provide a range of
recreational facilities that are of an enormous amenity value. The recreational and
amenity uses of the Park include:
Water based
• canoeing;
• rowing; and
• angling;
Land based
• walking, including dog walking;
• cycling;
• formal sport;
• informal games & leisure;
• golf; and the opportunity for
• education and nature studies.
The opportunity for most of these recreation and amenity activities tends to be
focussed in the area from Straffan to Islandbridge, and often, from Lucan to
Islandbridge. An overview of provision is provided below.
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Canoeing, rowing and angling are the three primary recreation uses of the River
Liffey:
• Canoeing – takes place along the stretch of river between Straffan and
Islandbridge. The most popular section is at the Sluice Weir near the Spa Hotel
in Lucan. The Irish Canoe Union training centre is located at Strawberry Fields
(and they hope to eventually move their headquarters to this location). On
average, up to 200 people can be found out canoeing on the river of a weekend.
Annually, on the first weekend of September the ‘Liffey Decent’ canoe race
takes place. This is an international event which is almost 28.5 kilometres (17.6
miles) in length, and includes 10 weirs. Some 900 to 1,200 entrants participate
annually. Regular upkeep of the weirs and clearing of trees from the river is
required to maintain a safe environment for canoeing.
• Rowing – This takes place on a 1,500 meter stretch of the river between
Islandbridge and Strawberry Fields. Eight clubs row here. This stretch of the
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