HS1: Cycle Lane to Nowhere Traditional Cache

This is the first in the Hidden Streams series, featuring some of the lesser-known streams and rivers of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. It draws its name and inspiration from the book Hidden Streams by Brian MacAongusa.

Be sure to look both ways when you are crossing the cycle lane!

Ballyogan Stream runs down from the north-east slope of 3 Rock Mountain (near the Newt Pond), skirting Fernhill Gardens and Belarmine, where it forms an attractive part of the landscaping. Crossing under Kilgobbin Road, it is once again a landscape feature in the grounds of Elmfield apartments. It is culverted in twin 1200 mm pipes through the former landfill (the future Jamestown Park), after which it is routed through Junction 15 of the M50 and merges with the Racecourse Stream to form the Carrickmines River. It is part of the Loughlinstown River system that flows out over Killiney Beach at Shanganagh.

Planning permission exists for very significant residential and commercial developments in this area between Ballyogan Road and Glenamuck Road, as well as new road links. For the moment, however, this is a charming, quiet little spot with a semi-rural character; neatly maintained but home to birds and mammals. And a world-class cycle lane.

You can come here by Luas (The Gallops), or by car, but of course the recommended way is by bike!

The cache is a camouflaged film cannister.