Just below the Balrothery Interchange over the M50 (the M50 Tallaght exit, Junction 10), the River Dodder flows over the impressive Firhouse weir. This measures 80 metres long and 10 metres high and gives spectacular views of white water dropping in sections to the lower levels below. A public park allows access to above and below the weir. As the Dodder approaches the top of the weir, a wide pool has formed and an old stone wall provides a seating.
In the 19th Century, the wooden footbridge at this location just downstream of the impressive weir was swept away by flood. It was replaced around 1860 by an iron lattice bridge which in turn was replaced by the current red painted structure in 1995. The footbridge provides a high level access across the Dodder, offering a panoramic view upstream of the weir and downstream to where the river disappears between treed river banks. |