28 June 2001 Edition
Tar Isteach Bog Trotters back on the trail
BY GAY CLERY
The Tar Isteach Bog Trotters started a new season after the long break imposed by the Foot and Mouth disease crisis.
On Sunday 24 June the group trekked across some of the Dublin mountains, enjoying panoramic views with the ever expanding city at their feet.
The group assembled at the Lamb Doyle's pub, where bus driver Sam then conveyed them to the Tiknock Forest. From there they climbed the forest track to Three Rock Mountain for a magnificent view of Dublin Bay, though the increasing number of aerial masts has impinged somewhat on the view. The day was clear enough that the trotters were able to pick out landmarks in the city and locate their own neighbourhoods.
After a short respite, the intrepid band headed ever upwards to an old cairn referred to as the Fairy Castle. At over 1,700 feet in elevation, Fairy Castle was the highest peak reached on this walk, from where you can see Snowdon in Wales on a clear day, though due to fog on the Irish Sea on the day it wasn't possible.
Heading across to the Two Rocks Mountain, the trekkers rambled along the Wicklow Way for a stretch before turning off towards the Tor Rock in the heights above Glendoo. They then followed the trail up to the remains of a beehive burial place where it is said the old chieftain Bradden is buried (Tigh Bradden - Bradden's house or resting place). Unique in all of Ireland to the Dublin mountains, these burial chambers can be found across the top of the Dublin range and date back to the pre-Celt Age, perhaps as far back as the Iron or Bronze Age. A pottery urn was discovered in Tigh Bradden itself and now resides in the National Museum.
Moving down a steep track into the Pine Forest, the group was welcomed back by Sam and headed back into the city.
Tar Isteach Bog Trotters' next walk will be in mid-July and is being organised specifically for women. Any women interested in spending an afternoon on an easy ramble taking in the history and nature of the Dublin Mountains should contact the Tar Isteach office at (01) 874 9990.
The Tar Isteach Bog Trotters started a new season after the long break imposed by the Foot and Mouth disease crisis.
On Sunday 24 June the group trekked across some of the Dublin mountains, enjoying panoramic views with the ever expanding city at their feet.
The group assembled at the Lamb Doyle's pub, where bus driver Sam then conveyed them to the Tiknock Forest. From there they climbed the forest track to Three Rock Mountain for a magnificent view of Dublin Bay, though the increasing number of aerial masts has impinged somewhat on the view. The day was clear enough that the trotters were able to pick out landmarks in the city and locate their own neighbourhoods.
After a short respite, the intrepid band headed ever upwards to an old cairn referred to as the Fairy Castle. At over 1,700 feet in elevation, Fairy Castle was the highest peak reached on this walk, from where you can see Snowdon in Wales on a clear day, though due to fog on the Irish Sea on the day it wasn't possible.
Heading across to the Two Rocks Mountain, the trekkers rambled along the Wicklow Way for a stretch before turning off towards the Tor Rock in the heights above Glendoo. They then followed the trail up to the remains of a beehive burial place where it is said the old chieftain Bradden is buried (Tigh Bradden - Bradden's house or resting place). Unique in all of Ireland to the Dublin mountains, these burial chambers can be found across the top of the Dublin range and date back to the pre-Celt Age, perhaps as far back as the Iron or Bronze Age. A pottery urn was discovered in Tigh Bradden itself and now resides in the National Museum.
Moving down a steep track into the Pine Forest, the group was welcomed back by Sam and headed back into the city.
Tar Isteach Bog Trotters' next walk will be in mid-July and is being organised specifically for women. Any women interested in spending an afternoon on an easy ramble taking in the history and nature of the Dublin Mountains should contact the Tar Isteach office at (01) 874 9990.