River Slang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River Slang (Dundrum River, Dundrum Slang) |
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_River_approaching_the_M50_(geograph_3545593).jpg)
River Slang approaching the M50
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| Country | Ireland |
| Region | Dublin |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Three Rock Mountain, near Ticknock |
| River mouth | Confluence with Dodder near Milltown, ultimately Dublin Bay (River Liffey) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | River Liffey via River Dodder system |
| Tributaries |
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The River Slang (in Irish: Abhainn na Stéille), is also known as the Dundrum Slang or the Dundrum River. It's a small river that starts on Three Rock Mountain in County Dublin, Ireland. This river is a branch, or tributary, of the River Dodder. The local government, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, looks after it.
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Where Does the River Slang Flow?
The River Slang begins in the woods on the northern side of Three Rock Mountain. It flows downhill through an area called Ticknock. Then, it passes Ballinteer and heads north towards Dundrum.
In Dundrum, another small river called the Wyckham Stream joins the Slang. After this, the river makes a big loop, flowing east, then north, and finally west. It reaches a pond near the Dundrum Town Centre shopping area. From there, the Slang continues north through Windy Arbour. It eventually joins the River Dodder in Milltown, close to a bridge called the Nine Arches viaduct, which the Luas tram now uses.
The Wyckham Stream Connection
The Wyckham Stream is a natural branch of the Slang. You can see it on old maps. Long ago, people connected the Wyckham Stream to another river, the Little Dargle River. This was done to bring more water into the Slang. Why? To power the old mills that used to operate along the river.
Today, there's a nice walking path created by the County Council. You can walk from south Dundrum to Marlay Park. This path follows parts of the River Slang, the Wyckham Stream, and even a bit of the Little Dargle.
History of the River Slang
The River Slang used to be a small stream flowing through a grassy valley. This valley was behind the main street of Dundrum, near the old Dundrum Castle. Kids in the area often played there, especially up until the late 1960s. As new buildings and developments grew, the river became more contained.
When the River Slang Floods
The local authorities and the Office of Public Works know that the River Slang can flood. It has a history of overflowing its banks.
In October 2011, there was a lot of rain on "the Three Rock" mountain. The Slang river burst its banks near the old mill pond, which is below the old castle. Water flooded the "Town Centre" shopping mall. The water was at least 15 centimeters deep! Reports called this a "once in a century" event. Videos of the flooding were even shared on websites like YouTube.
