Dublin South RTA

Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts are making a daily pilgrimage to a short stretch of river in Dublin to catch a glimpse of one of Ireland’s most striking and elusive birds – the kingfisher.

A group gathers on the Lower Dodder Road in Rathfarnham every day hoping to see a flash of blue and orange.

It may be just six kilometres from Dublin city centre, but this section of the river has become a popular spot to see the colourful bird.

It’s also home to an abundance of other wildlife including otters, foxes and herons.

It’s that idea of wildlife in our midst,” wildlife photographer Robert O’Leary told RTÉ News. “But the kingfisher is the main attraction.”

Kingfishers are territorial birds that rarely stray from an area that satisfies their needs.

Their mating season starts in late March, and there are now multiple male kingfishers in this particular area fighting for territory.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0309/1500791-kingfishers-dublin/

Wednesday 12 March 2025

This is a flat coastal walk on paths and defined track of 2 1/2 to 3 hours duration.

Weather appropriate attire and walking shoes/boots recommended at this time of

year. The walk starts from Sandymount Strand, out through Irishtown Nature Park,

passing the iconic ‘candy sticks’ of the Pigeon House power station, out the South

Bull to the distinctive red Poolbeg Light House and returning by the same route.

The meeting point is the last of the 3 car parks on Strand Road (heading towards the

city), 150 metres north of Martello Tower, at 10.45 for 11.00 am start. This is a ‘pay

and display’ carpark. Some free parking available on Strand Road, or nearby

Guildford Avenue off Strand Road.

Sydney Parade Dart Station is an 8 min. walk from meeting point.

Bring a snack and drink if desired but plenty of places for coffee/ lunch in

Sandymount village after the walk.

This walk will be led by Katherine Bonner 0877469310.

Looking forward to a good walk in hopefully fair weather.

Due to great interest in the golf lessons, we now have 2 coaches, Gillian Burrell and

Maura Morrin, for Golf Lessons at Stepaside Golf Centre.

Gillian will have three groups, one for beginners and two for improvers.

Group 1, 10.00-11.00 : Group 2, 11.00-12.00 : Group 3 , 12.00-13.00 on Wednesdays 2 nd ,

16 th , 23 rd , 30 th April and 14 th May

Maura will have two groups for improvers.

Group 1, 11.00-12.00 : Group 2, 12.00-13.00 also on Wednesdays 2 nd ,16 th ,23 rd ,30 th April

and 14 th May.

There will be no golf lessons with Gillian or Maura on Wednesdays 9 th April and 7 th May.

Lessons will cost €60 .00 and there will be a charge of €6.00 for a small basket of golf

balls for each lesson.

If you wish to book a place, please contact Connie Steele 087 2190666 or email

mrsmcsteele@gmail.com with your name, phone number, email address and level at which you want golf lessons.

M

to me

Our cycle on Tuesday next the 4th of March will be from Fairview to  Howth. We will meet at the first car park in Fairview at 10.30am.

There is a designated cycle track from Fairview to Sutton.

We have our usual coffee break in Howth before returning by

the same route to Fairview. All cyclists have to wear a helmet

to ensure safety.

Regards

Mick Griffin

Pat Fitzgerald.

Correction to the date for the outing. It is on Wednesday July 16 and not as initially announced. Please note the change of date

Here’s the hike for next Wednesday 26th February.

It is the Down’s Hill Loop in the Glen of the Downs area.

Directions:

From the N 11 southbound take exit 11 for Kilpedder, bearing left towards a roundabout, loop under N11 and continue on to Willow Grove.

Plenty of roadside parking here but try to car share if possible.

The hike will take about three and a half hours. It is an undulating walk among trees also with lovely scenery both to the  East and West.

Boots are essential as the path may be rugged in parts. Also have rain gear and a flask and something to eat. 

Willow Grove will be open  for coffee etc after the hike.

This hike has been swapped with the Howth hike which has been deferred to another time.

Hike will start at 11.00 am

Regards 

Helen Rohan 

Recently, members visited the famous Rathfarnham Castle and had a tour of the castle and the castle gardens. It was truly a very interesting visit and below we invite you to admire some of the sights of the castle

Join Us on a Sacred Pilgrimage Walking the Camino de Santiago!

We invite you to embark on a spiritual and Cultural journey like no other—walking the historic French Way of the Camino de Santiago. For thousands of years, pilgrims have journeyed along this sacred route, seeking connection, clarity, and transformation. 

A Journey of Faith, Culture, and Connection

Walk in the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who have travelled this sacred route, seeking God’s presence, peace, and guidance. 

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Spain, embrace the rich traditions of the Camino, and deepen your connection with God, yourself, and others. This journey is not just about reaching a destination it’s about the profound growth and insights found along the way as we journey together toward Santiago de Compostela, the resting place of St. James the Apostle.

Accompanying us on this transformative pilgrimage will be our parish priest Fr Michael, who will guide us in spiritual reflection and prayer along the way.

The Route and Distance

Wednesday Sept 3rd – Arrival to Sarria

Day 1: Sept 4th – Portomarin (22km)

Day 2: Sept 5th – Palas de Rei (24km)

Day 3: Sept 6th – Arzúa (28km)

Day 4: Sept 7th – Pedrouzo (19km)

Day 5: Sept 8th – Santiago (20km)

Day 6: Sept 9th- Free Day & Mass in St James Cathedral

Day 7: Sept 10th – Departure Day

Information Session

We will host an information session (date to be confirmed) to discuss all the details of this incredible experience and answer any questions you may have.

Secure Your Spot Today

Spaces are limited, and this is a journey you won’t want to miss! 

Cost – €790 per person Sharing excluding flights 

A €100 deposit secures your place on this extraordinary adventure.

For more information you can contact Barbara 086 8640893 or Mary in the Ruah Centre.

Buen Camino

Ballyroan Parish is organising this Camino walk and it may be of interest to our many walkers if interested please contact the numbers /persons mentioned above.