Welcome to Dodder Valley Park

Dodder Valley Park is a wonderful place full of interesting history. Long before we had parks to play in, this land was home to ancient people thousands of years ago. Can you imagine that?

Back in the old days, this land was covered in thick forests and wild animals roamed freely. As time went by, people started to settle here, using the River Dodder's water for their homes and farms. They also used the river to catch fish for food.

Around the 1800s, many beautiful houses were built around this area. These houses were so grand and pretty that they were often used as summer homes by rich families.

In the 1980s, the people in charge decided to turn this area into a park so that everyone could enjoy its beauty. They named it Dodder Valley Park. Now, it's a place where we can have fun, play sports, and enjoy nature.

So, next time you visit Dodder Valley Park, remember all the amazing history that happened right where you're standing. From ancient people to grand houses, this park has seen it all!

  1. What was the land where Dodder Valley Park is now like thousands of years ago?
  2. What are some ways the people who settled here used the River Dodder?
  3. What happened in the 1980s that changed this place?
  4. Why do you think the people in charge decided to turn this area into a park?
  5. How does knowing the history of Dodder Valley Park change how you think about it?

All About Dodder Valley Park

Dodder Valley Park is a fabulous, fun-filled place in Dublin, Ireland. It's like a big outdoor classroom where you can learn about nature. The park stretches over a large area and is crossed by the River Dodder, which is like its very own sparkling ribbon. This river is home to lots of fish and ducks. If you're lucky, you might even spot a playful otter!

The park is a great place to explore. There are lots of paths for walking and cycling, and you might notice some interesting street furniture along the way, like special benches and signs. You'll also see an old mill, which was used to grind grain a long time ago, right by the river.

Dodder Valley is filled with different types of trees, bushes, and flowers. These plants provide homes for lots of different animals. You might see squirrels scampering up trees or hear birds singing sweetly.

There aren't any big mountains in Dodder Valley Park, but there are lots of hills to run up and down. Some streets near the park are Firhouse Road and Dodder Park Road. So next time you're in Dublin, don't forget to visit Dodder Valley Park – it's a nature treasure chest waiting to be opened!.

  1. What kind of animals and plants can you find in Dodder Valley Park?
  2. Describe the geographical features of Dodder Valley Park. What makes it unique?
  3. Use a map to locate Dodder Valley Park in Dublin. What other places of interest are nearby?
  4. Imagine you are visiting Dodder Valley Park. What geographical points of interest would you explore?
  5. Based on the description, can you draw a simple map of Dodder Valley Park? Include the River Dodder, the paths for walking and cycling, the old mill, and the surrounding streets.

My Family and Dodder Valley Park

Hi, I'm Oakley and I'm 8 years old! I live near Dodder Valley Park and it's super cool. It's like having a huge playground right outside my house.

There are lots of trees and a big river called the Dodder River. I love watching the ducks swimming in the river. They look so happy and free. Sometimes, my friends and I have races to see who can reach the little wooden bridge first. It's our special landmark.

There's also a big hill that we love to roll down. It's pretty steep, but that's what makes it fun. After we roll down, we'd lay on the grass and look at the clouds. I like to imagine they're giant candies floating in the sky.

My favorite part of the park is the playground. It has swings, slides, and a cool climbing frame. I feel like a pirate climbing up to the crow's nest whenever I'm on it. I think growing up in Dodder Valley Park is the best!

  1. What is the name of the river at Dodder Valley Park?
  2. Describe the wooden bridge at the park.
  3. What do you like to imagine when you look at the clouds?
  4. What are some of the things you can do at the playground?
  5. Why do you think growing up in Dodder Valley Park is the best?

The Logainm of Dodder Valley Park

Dodder Valley Park is a beautiful place in Ireland, with a name that has its own special meaning. In Irish, the word 'Dodder' means 'water that is noisy or troubled', and the word 'Valley' means 'a low area between hills or mountains'. So, Dodder Valley Park means a park in a low area with noisy or troubled water. This name came from the Dodder River, which runs through the park and can sometimes be very noisy!

In the past, the Irish people used this river for many things, like fishing and washing their clothes. They would hear the noisy river and know it was the Dodder. This is how the park got its name. Today, when you visit Dodder Valley Park, you can still see and hear the Dodder River flowing. You can also see lots of plants and animals that live there. So, even though the name comes from a long time ago, it still makes sense today!

  1. What does 'Dodder' mean in Irish?
  2. Why do you think the park was named after the Dodder River?
  3. What did the Irish people use the Dodder River for in the past?
  4. What can you see and hear when you visit Dodder Valley Park today?
  5. How does the name of Dodder Valley Park link to what you can experience there today?

Slideshow - Dodder Valley Park
A full set of teaching plans for teaching about Dodder Valley Park