COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

MOTION NO. 14

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

Cathaoirleach's Business

That this Area Committee requests SDCC liaise effectively with relevant landowners along the Slí Mhór (Knockmeenagh Lane) to inform them of the important economic and tourist heritage of this pathway and to engender their respect for it so that further erosion or damage to it is prevented. Knockmeenagh Lane is part of the pre-Christian Slí Mhór, established well before 432AD. The route once led directly to St Brigid's Well where rare drinkable water was available for people and their animals in those times.

REPORT:

Knockmeenagh Lane has a long history in the settlement of Clondalkin.  It is represented on old historic 6-inch maps, where it forms the boundary between the three townland boundaries of  Clondalkin, red Cow, and Bushelloaf townlands. The Lane would appear to be a spur off the ancient highway known as the Slí Mhór, which traversed Ireland from Dublin to Clarinbridge, County Galway.  This roadway was also known as the Eiscir Riada. Stopping points, or short spurs, occurred along the main roadway, allowing travellers access villages and religious destinations along the route. The Slí Mhór passed through the Red Cow, up Monastery Road, and into the monastic settlement at the Round Tower site.   Knockmeenagh Lane likely represents a short spur, or diversion, off this main route, taking travellers to the nearby well of St. Bridgid before they proceeded to the monastery. Much of the eastern end of the lane is in private ownership.  Options to raise awareness and engage with relevant landowners on the historic nature and cultural heritage value of this laneway can be considered under the County Heritage Plan.