''Hidden gems of Dublin''

'The Furry Glen': A lovely, enchanting Glen, in the far corner of the awesome Phoenix Park. The Glen is an idyllic wee place, to go with the family on a nice sunny day. You’ll see sprite-like fleet footed squirrels going creepy crawly and other nice furry creatures and wildlife IF YOU'RE LUCKY! There is also a tiny bat called a Pipistrelle in the vicinity - weighing a gargantuan 5 mg; 'though I've yet to see it (I'll have to take residence in the Park, I think!). The Glen is yet another piece in the fabric, that is the Phoenix Park; it claims its own niche. Oh and there was even a ballad written to immortalise it. Yet another hidden gem in the great expanse of the Phoenix Park.

Approaching the Furry Glen from the reservoir type pond.

Knockmary Cromleck:

A Cist Grave located beside the Park Ranger's Lodge ( the Park Ranger has lived there for over 30 years - wow! - a very endearing and approachable man). There was a second grave found beside Chapelizod Gate, which was moved to Dublin Zoo. According to the Park Ranger, the human remains were taken away from the graves - as to where they were taken, your guess is as good as mine! This one is very idylically located in a beautiful place beside the Lodge and directly across from the Cara Cheshire Home. It has lovely vantage points all round. And I love to have a meditation beside it and have my lunch there!

This is demonstrative proof that the Park has been inhabited from neolithic times. According to local Dublin mythology, the Fir Bolg settled in the vicinity of the Park. So a hidden attraction within the nature reserve and green haven, that is the Phoenix Park!

Knockmary Cromleck with trees in background and Lodge Fence to the left.