Dodder River

The stretch is approximately 5km long of mainly read and run paddling with a few weirs, one of which requires inspecting.

The first weir is visible from the put in and is deceptively high. Aim down the middle and be ready for a bump on landing at low levels. There are eddies on either side to catch after.

From here the river meanders around a big bend and requires caution in case of fallen trees. Bank access is limited so good spacing is suggested.

Pass under the new red pedestrian bridge at the Riverside Cottages and keep an eye out for a fun surf wave behind the Rathfarnham Tesco.

After passing under the next road bridge (R112) the river enters Bushy park with well know stepping stones. Paddle over the stepping stones on the right at low levels and portage if too low.

Next comes Rathfarnham weir with the best auto-boof on the river. Paddle down the left when it’s low, the middle at medium levels and the right at high levels. It can be inspected by climbing out on the right and over the wall 110m upstream of the weir. At low levels it’s easy to walk up the weir on the right to have another go.

Next is the Orwell horseshoe weir, which must be inspected prior to paddling the side channel on the left. The inspection eddy on the left is small, climb onto the footpath and try not to drift over the weir. Check channel is clear, duck as you go under the footpath and enjoy another auto-boof. Perhaps at super high levels the horse-shoe weir can be paddled.

The last weir is in Darty Park. Paddle down the left of centre. Avoid the right as it lands on a pile of rocks. It’s easy to hop out on the left and walk up to go again.

Finish at the rear of the Dropping well pub, just upstream of the large rhinoceros statue located in the middle of the river.

Paddling further is possible with the old guide book suggesting paddling to the back of Ashstons pub in Clonskeagh.