In June 2012, the first Sandmill Strollers walk, an initiative of Margaret Wynne, took place along Sandymount Strand to the Shelley Banks. Since then this walking group has brought people together in a spirit of activity and friendship, as parishioners, members of neighbouring parishes and people from the local community have come together. We’ve walked The Furry Glen at the Phoenix Park, Bull Island, Enniskerry/Knocksink Wood & Killegar, the Lead Mines Chimney & Barnaslingan Wood, Kilcoole Beach and the Little Tern colony, Howth Head, Roundwood Reservoir, Massy’s Woods, The Scalp to Shankill, Bohernabreena, Marlay Park, the Great South Wall, the Dodder River, Crone Wood and overlooking Powerscourt Waterfall, Little Sugar Loaf mountain, Three Rock Mountain and more – and in all kinds of weather!
The Strollers was one of the few activities that continued, to a lesser extent, during the lockdowns, with one memorable gathering standing socially distanced in the sunshine in the grounds of St Philip’s Church! Margaret is now handing over the baton. Our thanks to Margaret for suggesting this wonderful initiative, for making it happen and for keeping it going; for her enthusiasm, energy (she did a recce before each walk!), motivation and welcome. As Margaret hands over (but not hanging up her boots!), we are grateful to James O’Neill and Maureen Flanagan who will now co-ordinate the walks.
Sandmill Strollers meet on the first Tuesday of every month, usually meeting at St Philip’s Church, Temple Road at 1.30 pm to car share, or take the Luas. Otherwise meet up at 2pm at the walk venue. We usually spend about two hours, walking at a leisurely pace and try to end with refreshments. Join us for good company, being in the open air, enjoying spectacular views and keeping up some exercise.
Upcoming walks:
3 March: Baggatonia Area
7 April: Molly Malone
5 May: TBC
2 June: Dun Laoghaire Pier
7 July: Farmleigh, Phoenix Park