Dodder Greenway – City

Thorncastle Street Dodder Road Lower

Distance

18km

Elevation

Time

Cycling:

Walking:

Difficulty

Leisure

Surface Finish

Bound asphalt/concrete

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Overview

The Dodder Greenway is an ambitious urban project creating a 14km continuous walking and cycling route along the River Dodder from the Dublin Docklands to the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Following one of the city’s most historic rivers, the Greenway will connect residential neighbourhoods, parks, workplaces and schools, offering both a commuter corridor and a recreational amenity. The project is being delivered in stages, with sections already complete through Milltown, Clonskeagh and Rathfarnham, and future works set to provide seamless links from the city centre at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to Tallaght and beyond.

The route blends urban vibrancy with riverside calm, passing landmarks such as Dodder Park, Bushy Park and Herbert Park, as well as providing access to the Grand Canal cycleway. Designed with wide surfaces, lighting and wayfinding, the Dodder Greenway is inclusive and family-friendly, supporting cycling, walking, running and accessible mobility. It also provides opportunities to enjoy the Dodder’s natural habitats, where kingfishers, herons and otters can be seen just minutes from the city centre. Once complete, the Dodder Greenway will be a defining feature of Dublin’s active travel infrastructure, offering residents and visitors alike a sustainable, scenic and inspiring way to traverse the capital.

Docklands – Milltown

6 km

Beginning at the River Liffey, the Greenway travels through Dublin’s Docklands, Ballsbridge and Clonskeagh, connecting workplaces and residential areas. Herbert Park provides a green oasis along the way.

Milltown – Rathfarnham – Bushy Park

Bushy Park – Tallaght

The Dodder is one of Dublin’s most biodiverse urban rivers, flowing from the Dublin Mountains to the Liffey. Its river corridor supports species such as otter, kingfisher, dipper and grey wagtail. Atlantic salmon and brown trout migrate through its waters, reflecting ongoing conservation of water quality. The riparian zones provide habitats for bats, including Daubenton’s bat, which feeds over the river at night.

Mature trees, such as willow, alder and ash, line much of the corridor, with ivy, bramble and wildflowers providing nectar and shelter for pollinators. Insects such as dragonflies and mayflies thrive in the cleaner stretches of river. Urban parks along the route enhance this biodiversity, with woodlands and wetlands adding to habitat variety. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining water quality, controlling invasive species such as Japanese knotweed, and managing flood risk while preserving habitats. The Greenway provides opportunities for education and awareness, allowing city residents to experience wildlife close to home. Responsible use, including keeping dogs under control and avoiding littering, is essential to sustaining the river’s ecology.

Code of Conduct

To keep our greenways welcoming and safe for all users—walkers, cyclists, families, and wildlife alike—please review our Code of Conduct before you go.

Read Code of Conduct

Getting There

Whether you’re travelling by train, bus, or car, use these tools  to plan your route.

FAQs

Can I get to the route by rail?

Yes. The LUAS Green Line has a convenient stop at Milltown, located close to the Greenway.

Can I access the route by bus?

Multiple Dublin Bus routes traverse the urban sections of the Dodder Greenway, providing frequent and convenient access from across the city. See more information on timetables on www.transportforireland.ie

Are there any EV charging points among the routes?

There are no public EV charging points along the route.

News and Updates

View All

Offaly County Council Opens Ballycommon Trailhead Linking Grand Canal Greenway and Lough Boora

Offaly County Council proudly marked a significant achievement in its sustainable mobility and tourism strategy with the official opening of the new Ballycommon Trailhead as...

Cork County Council Opens Extensions to Clonakilty and Bandon Active Travel Routes

Route Updates

02 Oct 2025

Cork County Council Opens Extensions to Clonakilty and Bandon Active Travel Routes

Cork County Council has officially opened extensions to two segregated pedestrian and cycle routes in West Cork. The ribbons were cut on the walkways in...

Louth County Council Completes Carlingford Lough Greenway Connecting Newry and Carlingford

Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, is proud to announce the completion of the Carlingford...