Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is an important aspect of the landscape of South Dublin and provides a unique eco system in an urban area. It flows between Clondalkin and Lucan and through  the areas of Clonburris, Kilmahudric, Grange, Kishogue and Cappagh  linking togeather the natural and the built environment.

It was originally built for transport of  people and cargo but after the railways were built its usage fell into decline. Cargo traffic ended on it in 1959.

A bog/ marsh ecosystem has developed around the canal, particularly around Capagh. There are also systems of hedgerows and ditches around which many varieties of flora and fauna have developed as well as encouraging all kinds of wildlife into the area.

Flora and Fauna

Flowers such as yellow water lillies, water- forget- me- nots, yellow iris, corn poppies, primroses, cowslips and orchids can be seen along the canal. The Marsh Marigold also found here is a particularly important flower in the area as it is nationally in decline. Hedgerows with hawthorn, blackberry, holly and sloe bushes can be found along the banks and these also support the wildlife of the area.

Wildlife

Some examples of wildlife around this part of the canal are otters, badgers, stoats and foxes as well of five species of bat

The Grand canal is an important amenity for the area and fishing and bird watching are common along it's banks. Fish that are common here include bream, roach, rudd, pike, pearch, tench, carp and eels.

Birds of prey such as the long eared owl, the brown owl, the kestrel and peregrine falcon and wetland birds like the moorhen, the coot, the grey heron and the mute swan have been sighted. There are also many insects such as the ruddy darter pictured below and different types of  butterflies like the common blue and the green veined white butterfly also pictured below  

Pictures and information on the Grand Canal are courtesy of the C.P.L.N. Area  Partnership Group who produced the book "Take a Walk on the Wild Side the Grand Canal Way"