Tallaght (Cookstown)
The source of the river Poddle is a now underground spring close to Fettercairn House near Cookstown, Tallaght.
The river at this point is called the Tymon and the original course brought the river east through what is now Cookstown industrial estate. Due to development, the river has been re-routed and culverted until it passes under the Belgard Road. The first glimpse of the river can be spotted behind the Trulife factory on Airton Road and the north perimeter of the TU Dublin Tallaght campus, where it travels eastwards until it reaches the perimeter of the Gallagher factory and then traverses south until it meets the Greenhills road.
The river goes under the Greenhills Road and then flows east through Bancroft Park, under the Castletymon road and through Tallaght Community school grounds and makes a turn north into Tymon Park. Follow the course through Tymon Park & Castle
Association with Poddle
This is the source of the Poddle. It is an underground spring opposite St. Mark’s School in Cookstown, and at that particular location is referred to as the Tymon River. There is no physical marker indicating the river’s source.
Photo Gallery
What the Newspapers Say
- Many of the news articles just state that the source is in Tallaght or some variant
- The Poddle River, originating near Tallaght and Fettercairn in the Dublin Mountains, historically flowed through Dublin’s Liberties and was integral to the city’s sanitation and industry. It merged with the Dodder before coursing through key areas like Patrick Street and Dame Street, eventually emptying into the Liffey. The river, vital for manufacturing, also caused flooding and required regulation. By 1814, it was notorious for occasional floods, such as when a boy was swept to the Liffey. Historical efforts included an Act of Parliament in Henry VII’s reign to manage and clean the river, reflecting its importance in urban infrastructure.
- Early Dublin colonists initially relied on the Poddle River, originating near Tallaght, for their water supply, as the Liffey was prone to flooding. Until 1200, all city water came from the Poddle and local wells. By 1244, as the city expanded, a watercourse was constructed from the Poddle to the Dodder, ensuring a more reliable supply. This water flowed through the city, but often flooded areas, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In 1254 water began being piped to homes, though only the wealthy had direct access. Over time, advancements led to the creation of the Vartry Reservoir, completed in 1868, significantly improving Dublin’s water supply.
- In ancient Dublin, water supply was rudimentary but carefully managed. The city relied on the Dodder River, with a system that diverted water from Bohernabreena to join the Poddle near Tymon. This waterway split at “The Tongue” in Harold’s Cross, directing one flow to the city and the other to Dolphin’s Barn. Water reached the city through Thomas Street and High Street, with open wooden troughs eventually replaced by metal pipes by the 19th century. The system faced challenges, including repairs and potential damage from mills. Despite its simplicity, the early water supply system displayed foresight and efficiency, evolving into modern improvements.
- Capel Street Bridge in Dublin is near the Poddle River, which rises near Tallaght and once supplied water to the local monastery. Known also as Cam Uisce or “Crooked Stream,” the Poddle flowed through Kimmage and Harold’s Cross and historically filled the moat around Dublin Castle. In the early 13th century, it provided water for Dublin and powered up to thirty-two mills. Today, the water flowing out at Capel Street Bridge is less appealing, reflecting its earlier name, Glascholach, meaning “dirty stream” in Irish. Despite this, the Poddle remains a historically significant waterway in Dublin.
- The Poddle River’s course originally traced back to the Green Hills near Drimnagh or the site of Tymon Castle, demolished before 1960. At the Firhouse Weir on the Dodder, an ancient supply merged with the Poddle near Perrystown and Templeogue, providing both water power for mills and drinking water for Dublin’s citizens. Historical complaints noted severe pollution from nearby paper mills, with the water resembling porter and causing livestock deaths. By the late 19th century, the area included Larkfield Mills and later St. Kevin’s Paint Works. Today, the site is used for colour printing.
- Dublin’s Viking history is intertwined with the Poddle River, which originates near Tallaght and Fettercairn. In ancient times, the Poddle joined the Liffey at a marsh known as Dubh Linn, forming a natural harbour. The river’s erratic course created a large marshland and a ford called Ath Cliath, a site of early settlements and monasteries. By 836, Vikings had established a fortified city, likely leveraging the Poddle’s strategic position. This early city evolved into medieval Dublin, surrounded by fortifications. The Poddle’s historical significance is evident in its role in Dublin’s early water supply and urban development.
- An article discusses the imminent loss of Dublin’s ancient watercourse, which has linked the Dodder and Poddle rivers since 1245. Originating near Tallaght and Fettercairn, this historical canal has survived through centuries of urban development. Recently, planning for a new housing project at Wellington Lane threatens the watercourse, which has already been deemed obsolete. Despite its historical significance and potential as a local amenity, the watercourse is not listed for preservation. As modern development encroaches on the area, the article advocates for documenting and preserving the watercourse through various media to honour its legacy before it’s lost.
- The Olympia Theatre in Dublin has an intriguing feature: it sits atop the Poddle River, which flows underground beneath the stage. The Poddle, originating in the Tallaght Hills and merging with the Liffey at Wellington Quay, runs through historical sites like Dublin Castle and the Liberties. A manhole beneath the Olympia allows access to this hidden watercourse, which reportedly served as a secret escape route during the War of Independence. Despite its historical significance, the Olympia Theatre faces restoration challenges. Efforts to preserve it include fundraising performances and public support, highlighting the theatre’s cultural value and the unique historical connection with the Poddle.
- A 12-year-old girl has reportedly contracted “gas gangrene”, a rare infection, from the heavily polluted Poddle River, which flows through new developments in Tallaght and Templeogue. Dublin County Councillors are urging immediate action to culvert the river and prevent health hazards. At a recent council meeting, members presented medical evidence and a petition from local residents demanding action. Despite concerns, Dublin’s chief medical officer, Prof. Brendan O’Donnell, stated that while the river’s pollution poses risks, it’s unlikely to cause an epidemic. The issue will be reviewed further in the November council meeting.
- The Poddle River, originating above Tallaght and flowing through Templeogue, Kimmage, Harold’s Cross, and the Coombe to join the Liffey below Wellington Quay, was once crucial to Dublin. It provided water, powered mills, and supported industry. As Dublin’s water supply evolved and industrial use declined, the Poddle was gradually covered over and its banks neglected. Although it continues to flow from the hills to the Liffey, many are unaware of its existence today. The heavy iron grating at Wellington Quay marks its confluence with the Liffey, a reminder of its historic significance.
- Around 988 AD, Dublin was a thriving Viking city with a vital river system. The Poddle River, originating from Tallaght and flowing through Templeogue, Kimmage, and Harold’s Cross, was crucial for water supply and trade. It met the Liffey at a large pool known as Linn Dubh, which was used for shipbuilding and repair. By the medieval period, Dublin’s urban landscape had transformed: the Poddle was covered, and the city expanded with stone buildings and reclaimed land. Despite its decline, the Poddle remains a historical marker, reflecting Dublin’s evolution from a Viking settlement to a medieval capital.
- The River Poddle, originating in Tallaght, was crucial for medieval Dublin’s water supply but has been known by various names, including Puddle, Pottle, and Salach. By 1244, Dublin’s growing demand for water led to the diversion of Dodder River water into the Poddle via the City Watercourse, a man-made canal used until 1775. Today, much of the Poddle flows underground, entering Dublin via Templeogue and Kimmage. It converges near Patrick’s Street and flows under Dublin Castle to the Liffey. Historical flooding and pollution issues led to its eventual coverage in the 18th century, obscuring its historical significance.
