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Closer shot of River Poddle grating

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Close up of the Poddle and Liffey confluence (below). The grille is not visible during high tides as the Liffey is tidal at this point. A confluence is a meeting of water, normally rivers.

Importance of the River Poddle to Dublin

From ancient times the Poddle was an important part of Dublin - in recent years Dubliners have forgotten its influence since it is completely hidden within the city centre area. Here is a brief history:

• Ancient times: The Poddle is the origin for Dublin's name; the pond or lake formed by the River Poddle was called 'dubh linn' in the Irish language. This roughly translates as 'black pool'.
• Medieval period: Poddle provided a constant source of usable water for the citizens of the city; workers constructed the "old watercourse" as a branch from the River Dodder in Tallaght (Balrothery-Firhouse).
• Medieval period: The 'Tongue', the name given by Dubliners for an artificial medieval division in the River Poddle near Mount Argus, supplied water through a new course via Dolphin's Barn and St. James's basin, returning to the Poddle at the Liberties (Blackpitts/Warrenmount/Fumbally Lane).
• Medieval period: Dublin castle's defense system incorporated the course of the Poddle at its southern walls, making it difficult for assult from outside
• 1592: The Poddle aids the famous escape of Red Hugh O'Donnell and Art O' Neill as they escapes through a toilet [privy] in Dublin castle and into the Poddle
• 1798: The Poddle formed an assembly area for part of the Rebellion, where 200 men bearing arms attacked the English.
• Late nineteenth-century: The Poddle, now culverted, caused frequent flooding and constant dampless in St Patrick's Cathedral. During a major reconstruction of the cathedral, the graves of Dean Jonathan Swift and Stella were moved to their present location, due to the influence of the Poddle.