Glenasmole/ Bohernabreena
The River Dodder rises in the mountains above Bohernabreena Reservoir south of Dublin and flows in a north-easterly direction for 14 miles through the southern side of the city before entering the Irish Sea at Dublin Bay. In the 1880s this water source was trapped behind two dams to provide water for both Rathmines/ Rathgar and the many mills which harnessed the water power. There are excellent examples of the traditional stone mason's craft in the reservoirs and the walkways bear witness to Victorian landscape makers. The Bohernabreena reservoir is one of a network, Vartry and Poulaphuca are much more extensive, which service the ever growing demands of the city below.
Today, the Bohernabreena Reservoir provides the raw water supply to the Ballyboden Treatment Works which delivers an estimated 18 million litres of water into the Dublin region water supply per day. This accounts for approximately 3% of the overall Dublin supply. The Bohernabreena reservoir is of strategic importance to the overall water supply for the Dublin region.
Some history
The Glenasmole Valley has a strong historical tradition. Glenasmole is the location of many of the legendary stories of Fionn Mac Cumhaill (my namesake !)and the Fianna. The place names of 'Seafinn' and 'Ballymorefinn' bear witness to this legacy. The Dublin Historical Record (August 1961) records the fact that in 1800 few people in the Valley spoke English and that the Irish language was spoken in the Valley well into the 20th Century. Throughout documented history, the Valley has been part of the extended church lands of the Archdiocese of Dublin. In a paper entitled "Society and Settlement" in the Valley of Glenasmole c1750 - c1900, William Nolan traces the pattern of rural development within the Valley through the centuries.
The Cache
You can reach this cache by car from two directions - either take the Firhouse/ Knocklyon exit on the M50, or take the tougher drive from Sally Gap.
The terrain is very easy, so suitable for kids, dogs (on leads!) and bikes. Note this cache is only available from dawn until dusk.
The cache is a see-through Tupperware box, which at the time of placing contained a toy cap-gun, multi-tool, Star Wars CD
and mini portable radio.
