The area that comprises Waterstown Park was, until the mid-1980s, a family farm. In 1990, it was acquired by South Dublin County Council who began to develop and landscape the site. One of the first tasks was to vent a grass-covered dump that was leaking highly flammable methane gas. Concurrently, large numbers of trees, two thirds of which were native Irish, were planted. The initial plantations of Alnus glutinosa (Alder), Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut), and Acer species (Maple) did not survive and were later replaced by Corylus avellana (Hazel), Prunus spinosa (Blackthorn) and Prunus padus (Bird Cherry). In addition, the Council constructed paths; a circular cycling track; and a car park, which is shared with the adjoining Stewarts Hospital. The Park was opened officially in 2009 and, as well as being a significant amenity for the local population, provides access to other areas of the Liffey Valley.
Take a pleasant stroll through the woods and pick up some Tupperware as you go.
BYOP