River Griffeen

River Griffeen

The Griffeen River rises on Saggart Hill in South Dublin. It flows towards Lucan until it reaches the Griffeen Valley Park. It flows under the Grand Canal through a siphon system and also passes through several housing estates, Lucan Village Park and Vessey Park before reaching Griffeen Valley Park. After leaving the park it flows past Lucan house and demesne and enters the River Liffey at the Lucan Weir.

The Griffeen attracts many birds to the area particularly around the parks. The river provides fish and other invertibrates for the birds to feed on. Up to 86 different species of bird have been recorded in Griffeen Valley park alone.

The ruins of King John's Bridge, Pictured left is thought to be the oldest bridge in Ireland and is situated in Griffeen Valley Park. It was built during the reign of King John sometime between 1199-1216.

In this area the combination of parkland and the river allow many damp woodland and riverside species of plant to thrive. A protected plant Hairy St John’s Wart (Hyperium hirsutum) is also to be found in this area.