The Strollers continued walking during the summer months and even though the numbers were smaller than in previous months we enjoyed each of our walks. In July we visited St Anne’s Park in Clontarf, walking through the grounds of the property, which previously was owned by one of the Guinness family. The rose garden was at its best with blooms of every hue and fragrance in evidence. We then followed the Nanekin River, which flows through the park from the Howth Road to the ornamental pond and then to the sea. The woodland paths added to the charm of the park and we concluded the walk with tea at the Red Stables cafe.
August called for a visit to the seaside and so we assembled at Sandymount Strand for a walk along the beach and then followed the path through Irishtown Nature Reserve to the Shelley Banks beach. We had a good view of the old ESB chimneys and the new Poolbeg incinerator! It is a beautiful walk with fantastic views across Dublin Bay from Howth to Dalkey.
The latest walk in September was in the Wicklow mountains – we really are blessed with so many fine amenities close to Dublin. We parked by Knockree Youth Hostel and from there walked along the Wicklow Way, downhill to the Glencullen River and followed it for quite a while listening to its gurglings over the stones and marvelling at the peace and beauty of the valley. We then climbed up to Crone Car Park where we turned around to begin our walk back to the car. The Powerscourt Arms Hotel provided welcome refreshments on a beautifully warm day.
Margaret Wynne