2. From Bogies to Bradogue.

[Narration] From Bogies to Bradogue.

Just stand where you are right now and don’t move. We begin our journey at what is officially called Pope John Paul II Park, but if you ask any local, they will always call it “the Bogies.” Maybe it’s because of the bogland that was once here, or because the area was previously used as a dumping ground for old trolley tracks, known as “bogies.”

Its official name dates back to the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland in 1979.

If you turn around and look straight ahead, you’ll see the Dominican Convent, where Pope John Paul II stayed for three nights in September 1979. While papal security is much stricter these days, there are many unconfirmed reports that Pope Francis also stayed here during his 2018 visit to Ireland. Maybe Cabra could give Knock a run for its money.

Now make your way towards the exit of the park gate and turn left. Continue walking towards the roundabout and I will tell you about the Bradog River.

[Pause in Audio]

As you walk towards the roundabout, this is the starting point of the Bradóg River. Imagine that beneath your feet, the river begins its journey underground. You may be wondering why you can’t see this river. The reason is that over the years, it has been completely covered over. This river once provided clean drinking water for both people and animals. It was also a popular fishing spot, which is likely where the river got its name, as Bradóg means “young salmon.”

In the late 1930s, when Cabra was being developed, the river was covered over and redirected underground. Over time, sections of it became part of Dublin’s drainage and wastewater system, which means the river still flows, but now mostly out of sight beneath the streets.

Even though we won’t be following its full route today, the Bradóg continues underground all the way to the River Liffey, where it meets the river at Ormond Quay. On its journey there, it flows beneath parts of the city you may already know, including the TUD’s Grangegorman Campus, Henrietta Street, and the old fruit market in Smitfield reminding us that this hidden river is still moving beneath the streets of modern day Dublin.

Today, the only visible sign of this underground river is a grated outlet on the walls of the Liffey at Ormond Quay.

[Directions] Now, straight ahead of you across the roundabout, slightly to the right, you will see a set of white flats with a small path down the side. Make your way over there and stop at the green area beside these flats. Once you arrive there, the next story will begin. Take your time crossing the road here, as it can get quite busy.

[Music Refernce] Music: “Nature Documentary 2” by DELOSound (via Pixabay)