Fingal celebrate new Liffey Valley trail at launch event in Shackleton Gardens

To celebrate the new trail, Fingal announced details of a series of events that it is hosting throughout 2023. This weekend, musical performances for ‘Tradfest in Fingal’ will take place at the venue and this will be followed in summer with an ensemble of classical music events, with performance dates to be announced.

The trail, which was completed in 2022, stretches from Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park through the villages of Castleknock, Clonsilla, Blanchardstown and Mulhuddart and is aimed at promoting visits to the Dublin 15 area from both local and domestic visitors alike. With almost thirty places of interest featured, the trail boasts a rich diversity of historic sites, castles and gardens, visitor attractions, shopping and many recreational activities which are enjoyed in Dublin 15.

To find out more about visit www.fingal.ie/directory/liffey-valley-trail.  

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony said, “We are thrilled to welcome this exciting new initiative which offers tourists, both locally and from outside Dublin, the opportunity to experience all that the wonderful Liffey Valley has to offer. From the peace and tranquillity of the Strawberry Beds to history, theatre, shopping, fine dining and a choice of golf courses all within twenty minutes of the city centre. Alongside this, the events series announced today at Shackleton Gardens will further help showcase the area and the hive of activity that is waiting to be explored."   

Tradfest 2023

As part of the expansion of the music festival Tradfest 2023 into Fingal, Shackleton Gardens hosted a number of events. The venue welcomed musical acts  The Dublin Legends, who performed classic ballads and traditional songs, along with The Akano Rhythm Brothers who performed elements of Nigerian folk, afrobeat with funk, soul and jazz. 

John Quinlivan, Director of Economic Enterprise Tourism and Cultural Development at Fingal County Council commented, “This initiative resulted from the excellent work of the local tourism group, in particular Cllrs Mahony and Shovlin, and the Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Development Strategic Policy Committee. The ensuing Liffey Valley Trail showcases many of the amazing amenities and attractions Dublin 15 offers and adds another appealing proposition to Fingal’s tourism offering. This is also the first time that Tradfest has ventured beyond its traditional base in Dublin City Centre and we see it as an opportunity to highlight the magnificent heritage properties we have in Fingal. We look forward to expanding Tradfest Fingal in the years ahead.” 

Also in attendance was Helen Cole, Dublin Region Manager Fáilte Ireland who said, “Fáilte Ireland is pleased to see the launch of the Liffey Valley Trail. The trail will highlight many of the hidden gems in this part of Dublin.”