Exploring Dublin: Wildlife, Parks & Waterways

by Christopher Moriarty

Cities are developed and built by people for people. The preservation of wild nature is not usually a priority of builders and planners, and even the open spaces tend to be regulated by gardeners who seek to control the growth of wild plants. In spite of all this, wild plants and animals thrive in all the cities of the world, and Dublin is no exception. Exploring Dublin describes the natural history of Dublin's inner city. The boundaries traditionally used to define the area described as the inner city are the canals, the old railway line that runs southward through Cabra, and, south of the Liffey, the filled canal. The author stretches these a little to include Liffey Junction and the Seventh Lock of the Royal Canal to the northwest and the Toll Bridge over the Liffey to the east. There are chapters on the Grand Canal and the Royal Canal, on the Liffey and its banks and quays, on Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green, and on many of the smaller parks of Dublin's inner city. As well as dealing with the flora and fauna, the author also gives interesting background information on the construction of the canals and bridges, the growth of St. Stephen's Green, the history of Trinity College, and development of College Park. Exploring Dublin is another beautifully illustrated book for all observant citizens and lovers of nature.

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998