Cabinteely Park

Cabinteely Park Gates, Old Bray Road
© Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Public Library Service

Cabinteely Park, which surrounds Cabinteely House, is an example of late 18^th and early 19^th century landscape. As with Marlay Park, the landscape of Cabinteely Park was highly influenced by Capability Brown, resulting in the natural appearance of the park. Ponds and informal clusters of trees draw attention to the natural lie of the land in order to give it depth. Other features of this period that can be observed at the park include a high boundary wall, gate lodges with an ornate gate entrance, and a walled garden.

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet(Filipendula ulmaria): a wild flowering plant, common to damp parts of woods and meadows. The pale yellow flowers which come out between June and August form clusters. The tiny flowers are each made up of five petals. It was prinicipally used for its antisceptic and fragrant properties. Its old botanical name 'Spirea Ulmaria' gives aspirin its name, as its is one of its ingredients.

With permission of Paula O'Regan

Meadowsweet
With permission of Paula O'Regan

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet(Filipendula ulmaria): a wild flowering plant, common to damp parts of woods and meadows. The pale yellow flowers which come out between June and August form clusters. The tiny flowers are each made up of five petals. It was prinicipally used for its antisceptic and fragrant properties. Its old botanical name 'Spirea Ulmaria' gives aspirin its name, as its is one of its ingredients.

With permission of Paula O'Regan

Enlarge image

Cabinteely Park covers an area of about 110 acres, with winding woodland trails and an abundance of flora and fauna. One of Ireland ’s most striking winter visitors is the Waxwing, a species that has been spotted feeding on berries in Cabinteely Park in recent years. As the winters in Europe become increasingly cold, it is difficult for birds to find food. This makes the milder Irish climate more attractive.

There are many types of wildflowers growing in Cabinteely Park. Meadowsweet is a common wildflower in Ireland, found growing in damp areas near streams or meadows. It grows along the river in Cabinteely Park and its light yellow clusters of flowers have a pleasantly scented perfume.

There is a lot more information on the wildflowers of Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown in the Environment and Geography section.