Appendix 4 Scenic Routes

120 County Development Plan 2017-2023 Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 121121 1. Views of Old , from the R418 softly undulating topography. Existing conifer 7. Views of Blessington Lake; N81 from continues east of Ballymore and long-distance Motorway Interchange to South of tree plantations add complexity to the otherwise Poulaphuca Bridge to County Boundary at views of the Poulaphuca Lake and the Wicklow Moortown House. smooth terrain and plain vistas. Bishopslane and from the County Boundary at Mountains can be obtained at certain points. Glassing to County Boundary at Glebe. Location: Knockbounce, Old Kilcullen, Hacklow, Halverstown Location: Bishopslane, Crosscoolharbour, 4. Views of the Plains including Little 10. Views of the West Plains on the Oughterard Pipershall, Hempstown, Common Glebe East, Extensive and open views of the undulating lands Curragh, County Road from Kildare Town Road (L2009). Glemore, Barrettstown boundary to Military Ranges, R413 from are available from the R418, when looking north Location: Bishopscourt Lower, Boston towards Old Kilcullen village. The commonly Kildare Town Boundary to the Motorway Open and extensive views of Blessington Lake smooth terrain of the area allows for long- Interchange. are available from the N81 national road that Extensive vistas of the Kildare plains are available distance vistas of this part of the county, whilst Location: Curraghfarm, Strawhall, Curragh, Little runs near to the eastern county boundary. The from the L2009 local road that runs through the existing topography and vegetation (e.g. Curragh highly scenic vistas to the lake are framed by the Oughterard. The elevated nature of the lands in hedgerows and scattered trees) add complexity Wicklow Mountains, which define the skyline in the area allows open and long-distance vistas of to the views and partially screen the highly Local roads south of the Curragh allow vistas the distance. The gently undulating topography of the lowlands to the west. An existing powerline scenic vistas. Nevertheless both the hill south onto the racecourse lands as well as the military the area and the significance of the water feature significantly, however locally, affects the quality of the of Old Kilcullen and the Wicklow Mountains in camp and ranges. The land softly undulates at Poulaphuca Bridge provide high scenic and views. Nevertheless, and despite the scattered housing the distance to the east remain always visible, throughout and gently rises on the eastern section amenity value to this viewpoint. that occurs throughout the plains, the extensive defining the skyline when viewed from any of the road, limiting the extent of the views. Scrub character of the views provides highly scenic vistas. section along the designated road. Although vegetation (i.e. gorse) and conifer forests add scattered housing is located along the local roads, complexity to the otherwise smooth terrain. 8. Views of Bogland Plains; L3002 from vistas remain generally unaffected. Kilmoney Cross Roads to FeighCullen Cross 11. Views of the Upland Areas on the Oughterard Roads at Boston Hill. Road (L6018). 5. Views of Moate and Ardscull, R418 from Location: Bostoncommon, Drinnastown, Location: Pluckerstown, Oughterard, 2. Views to the East of Yellowbogcommon, from Russelstown Cross Roads to . Kilmoney North Castlewarden North the M9 Motorway Interchange to Halverstown Location: Tullygorey, Aghanure, Ardscull, Cross Roads. Youngstown Extensive views are available from the L3002 local The L6018 local road that runs through Oughterard provides scenic vistas of the Location: Yellowbogcommon, Glebe South road that runs on the western slopes of Boston Long distance views towards Moate and Ardscull Hill. The elevated nature of the road allows open undulating lands at the County Boundary, as As a result of the flat topography in this area of are available from the R418 national road (north and long-distance vistas of the Kildare bogland well as views of the Wicklow Mountains in the the County, extensive vistas are available along of ). The flat topography of the area and the and agricultural plains. distance. The elevated nature of the road and the designated section of the former N9 (now apparent elevation of the R418, allow for extensive the existing low vegetation of the agricultural the R448). The generally smooth terrain and the and long-distance visibility of the surrounding Although the scenic quality of the views can lands allow long-distance visibility. The generally low-lying vegetation provide little screening environs. The existing vegetation throughout the be classified as high, an existing quarry affects smooth terrain is interrupted by hedgerows and and thus allow open and long-distance visibility. agricultural lands and the hilltops that define the certain sections of the designated scenic road. conifer forests. Although scattered housing occurs The ridgelines of the Wicklow Mountains define skyline to the west, add complexity to the high Nevertheless, due to the extensive nature of the throughout the area, these are partially screened the skyline and the extent of the available views. scenic quality of the available views. views and the generally rural character of the by existing vegetation. Thus, the vistas available The rural landscape character of the area and the area, the visual amenity obtained from this drive from the road remain generally unaffected. limited amount of occurring development, prove remains generally unaffected. to be the key for the scenic and visual amenity 6. Views of Robertstown Countryside and Views value of the views obtained from this section of across the Canal. 12. Views West of the Kildare Plains from Redbog 9. Views of the ; R411 Liffey Bridge at Area and Views towards Caureen; from the former N9 (R448). Location: Mylerstown, Lowtown, Littletown, to Cross Roads Boundary at Rathmore Cross Roads to Pipershall. Derrymullen, Robertstown East Silverhill Upper Townland. Location: Greenmount, Redbog, Pipershall, The local road running parallel to the 3. Views of the Curragh Plains, from the M7 Location: Broadleas Commons, Bishopsland Rathmore West Interchange to St. Ledgers Bottoms. when approaching Robertstown, allows scenic views onto the surrounding countryside. The The existing vegetation along the riverbanks The local road that runs through Rathmore provides Location: St. Ledgers Bottoms, Curragh rural character of the landscape and the existing generally screens views to the River Liffey from scenic vistas of the Kildare plains to the southwest Extensive and open views are available from the bog remnant on the outskirts of the town provide the R411 regional route. Nevertheless, vistas to the and the undulating lands at the County Boundary former N7 national road (now the R445) that runs visual amenity and remain unaffected by the river valley can be described as scenic. to the southeast. The elevated nature of the road development that exists in the vicinity. The local and the generally low hedgerows and vegetation of through the Curragh racecourse, east of Kildare The R411 also allows scenic vistas to the Wicklow roads also allow open and extensive vistas of the the agricultural lands allow long-distance visibility. town. The generally smooth terrain and the lack Mountains when looking to the east. The surrounding countryside. These local roads are Although scattered rural housing is located in of hedgerows allow for long-distance vistas, the mountains determine the extent of visibility as signposted as Kildare tourist routes. the area, these are partially screened by existing extent of which however, is restricted by the well as defining the skyline. The land gently slopes vegetation. The views available from hedge opening towards adjacent hills dominated by pasturelands along the road remain unaffected. with low hedgerows and scattered trees. The road

122 Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 123 13. Views to the River Liffey on the R413 16. Views of the Chair of Kildare and Views of 19. Views of the Canal, River Slate and 22. Views to the North-West of the open from Brannockstown Cross Roads to Central Kildare Plains and Boglands on the surrounding countryside from R414 countryside; from Village to Ballymore Eustace. R415 and adjoining Roads. at Rathangan Rathmore Village. Location: Rochestown, Gaganstown, Ardenode Location: Grange Common, Blakestown, Location: Bonaghmore, Kilmoney North, Location: Furryhill, Kilteel Lower, Rathmore East East, Ballymore Eustace West. Conlanstown, Canonstown, Carrickanearla Mullantine, Mount Prospect, Newtown Open and extensive views of the surrounding Vistas on the R413 towards Open and long-distance vistas of the agricultural The R414 Regional Road provides scenic views lowlands are available to the west, whilst views Ballymore Eustace remain highly scenic and lands and boglands of the central Kildare onto the Grand Canal, the River Slate and the onto the hilltops are provided to the east. The unaffected as no development disrupts the plains are provided from the R415 regional surrounding countryside south of Rathangan undulating nature of the lowlands in this part available views. The rural character of the area road and adjacent local roads. As a result of the village. The scenic and amenity value of both of the county and the existing hedgerows with provides scenic amenity value to the route. The generally smooth terrain and low hedgerows the water corridors and the landscape character mature trees add complexity to the vistas, as gently sloping lands of the River Liffey Valley and vegetation, extensive views over the plains of the surrounding countryside (which includes well as partially screening views along the roads. indicate the presence of the river corridor, which can be obtained. The Wicklow Mountains can long distance vistas onto the Red Hill) are of Although scattered housing is located in the is disguised behind the vegetation growing along be discerned in the distance. Although scattered significance. area, the landscape character remains unaffected its banks. housing occurs throughout the countryside, the and, similarly, the views along the road onto the landscape character of the area remains unaffected lowlands maintain their scenic value. Although and the scenic quality of the available vistas 20. Views of Plains of Kildare and West Central the hilltops to the west limit the extent of the 14. Views to and from Red Hill and Views of two remains to be significant due to the available Boglands. Views to and from Newtown Hills vistas, these remain highly scenic. Central Kildare Plains and Boglands on the extensive open views to this area of the County. (including county roads 5027, 1007) R401 and adjoining Roads. Location: Newtown, Grange, Kilbridge, 23. Views East at Brewel; L413 from Kingland Location: Redhill, Loughandys, Water Grange, Ovidstown, Killickaneeny, Nicholastown. 17. Views of the Kildare Plains and Boglands from Castle Ruins to Ballintaggart. Knocknagalliagh, Rathwalkin the The county roads that divert from the N4 towards Location: Brewel East, Ballintaggart Open and extensive views of the central Kildare Location: Dunbyrne, Barnacrow, Baronstown Newtown (i.e. L5027, L1007) run west of and plains are available from the local and regional West through Newtown Hills and thus provide scenic Extensive open views of Brewel Hill to the roads (i.e. R401) that run along the environs of viewpoints to the surrounding hill slopes and west and the Wicklow Mountains to the east Redhill. The smooth terrain of the dominating Open and long-distance vistas of the lowland lowland areas respectively. As the roads run along are available from the L413 road. The generally pasturelands - with low and well-maintained areas, both agricultural lands and boglands, are the ridgelines or hilltops, extensive views of the flat topography of the area rises at Brewel Hill, hedgerows and some scattered deciduous mature available from the roads - particularly the eastern surrounding lowland rural lands are available which represents a focal landscape feature. The trees - and the boglands provide for long-distance local roads - around the Hill of Allen. The elevated at points where the occurring hedgerows are agricultural lands are bordered by generally low vistas to the undulating lands. The rising slopes nature of the road allows extensive views over interrupted, and relatively large patches of and well-trimmed hedgerows intertwined with and the hilltop of Redhill as well as the hilltops in the plains. The Wicklow Mountains can also be deciduous woodlands can be seen. Small farms some mature trees. The Wicklow Mountains to the vicinity, define the skyline. discerned in the distance. Although scattered and deciduous trees along the low well trimmed the east define the skyline and thus, the extent of housing occurs throughout the countryside, the hedges occur along these scenic roads. visibility. scenic quality of the available vistas remains 15. Views to and from Dunmurray and Views of significant. Central Kildare Plains and Boglands on the 21. Views to and from Corballis Hills; county 24. Views across the Barrow valley; L397 from R401 and adjoining roads. roads from Carrigeen to Sherrifhill Cross Road Pinhill cross roads to Burton Cross Road. 18. Views from the South/South-East Side of the Location: Kilmoney South, Carrickanearla, Location: Corballis, Tankardstown, Ballynacarrick Location: Burton Big, Ballinadrum, Glassely Hill of Allen on the Milltown/Allen Road; Guidenstown, Dunmurray Upper/ Lower, Sherrifhill, Alymerstown R415 from Baronstown to Allen Cross Road. Extensive open views of the lowlands are The hilltops of Dunmurry and Red Hill define Location: Barnacrow Local roads throughout and in the vicinity available from the L397 local road that runs almost the skyline in this part of the County. Due to the of Corballis Hills provide scenic vistas of the parallel to the former N78 (now the R418). The generally flat nature of the surrounding landscape, Extensive open views of the lowlands are adjacent hilltops and surrounding undulating elevated nature of the road and the generally low- Dunmurray Hill is visible over a wide area and available from the local roads that run on the lowlands. The generally smooth terrain is lying hedgerows (intertwined with mature trees) long-distances. Extensive open views of the south/south-eastern slopes of Allen Hill. The interrupted by low and well-trimmed hedgerows allow long-distance views over the agricultural surrounding Kildare plains and boglands are elevated nature of the road allows extensive intertwined with some mature trees and plains and the Barrow Valley. Although scattered available from the R401 regional road that runs views over the agricultural plains. The generally vegetation, which add complexity to the vistas. housing occurs throughout the countryside the between Dunmurry and Red Hill. low-lying hedgerows (intertwined with mature Although these partially screen vistas along the scenic quality of the available vistas along this trees) provided for long-distance visibility. designated routes, open and long-distance views road remains unaffected. Although scattered housing occurs throughout are available for long sections along the scenic the countryside, these are partially screened by roads. Large concentrations of scattered housing existing vegetation and the scenic quality of the occur along the local roads, affecting the quality of vistas along these roads remains unaffected. the vistas.

124 Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 125 25. Views to the North-West of Kildare 28. Views from the county roads (L5017 & L26) The existing lake and deciduous woodlands 34. Views towards , Liffey Valley, Plains; R418 South of Moortown House to of Carbury Castle and Hill: Teelough road within the estate and the open landscape character Clonaghlis and Oughterard; R403 Tippeenan Lower. junction with the R402 and upland area at of the environs contained within the Demesne from Barberstown Cross Roads to Saint Mylerstown. can be described as having high landscape and Patrick’s Hill. Location: Moortown, Thomastown, Ballyshannon, scenic amenity value. Due to the hilltop location Tippeenan Lower Location: Calfstown, Mylerstown, Knockcor, Location: Barberstown Lower, Ardrass Upper, of Carton House, views to the surrounding open Carbury, Coolcor. Castledillon Lower, Friarstown Extensive and long-distance views of the Kildare countryside are available. plains are available from the R418 regional road Extensive views of the surrounding rural Extensive vistas of the undulating lowlands are south of Kilcullen. The apparent elevated nature of landscape are available along the R402 regional provided from the R403. Views to the east include the road, which runs through the plains, and the road from Kilshanchoe to Carbury. Scenic vistas 31. Views within Castletown - Donaghcumper the river valley - the River Liffey corridor being generally lowlying hedgerows provide for long- can be obtained, particularly when approaching rural area; Views to the south and north screened by vegetation growing along its shores distance views over the agricultural plains. Carbury: the Ardkill bog and wildlife reserve, from Castletown House, including axial view - and the hilltops around Oughterard, Lyons Hill, dominated by birch trees, frame the Carbury Hill to Obelisk. Clonaghlis and the lower elevation of St Patrick’s and Castle (Fortified House) views. The landscape Location: Castletown, Barrogstown, Barnhall, Hill, where the designated section of the road 26. Views to and from Hughestown Hill (L8052). can be described as historic and presents a high Rinawade, Crodaun ends. The Wicklow Mountains in the next county Location: Hughestown, Carrigeen Hill, scenic amenity value. The local roads L5017 and define the skyline and the extent of the views. Views within Castletown Demesne have a high Ballynacarrick Lower, Davidstown L26 provide important viewpoints towards Although some scattered housing is located and Carbury Fortified House on Carbury Hill. A scenic value as a result of the landscape quality powerlines are visible, the extensive vistas and Long distance views of the lowlands are available number of local roads that set off from Carbury of the demesne lands. The open green areas and the landscape characteristics of the area provide from the L8052 local road that runs on the town are perceived as having scenic value as a existing mature vegetation add to the visual amenity scenic amenity when looking from the road, and western slopes of Hughestown Hill. Although number of extensive views - partially screened value. Views onto the River Liffey are also available. therefore the vistas remain significant. the elevated nature of the road provides for by deciduous trees and hedgerows - and historic long-distance visibility over the agricultural landscape views were encountered during the plains, views are limited due to the generally site. Furthermore, the local road from Carbury to 32. Views of the River Liffey from the Main 35. Views of Dún Áillinne from the R418 - mature hedgerows along the road, which screen Broadford is designated as a tourist route and also Avenue of Castletown House. Moortowncastle to Knockbounce. potentially scenic vistas. Local roads provide provides high quality vistas to the surrounding Location: Castletown Location: Moortowncastle, Moortown, Old scenic views onto Hughestown Hill, which - environs. Kilcullen, Glebe North, Knockaulin, Knockbounce together with Corballis Hill - defines the skyline Views towards the River Liffey are available and presents a local landscape focal point. from the main road within Castletown Demesne. Open vistas of Dún Áillinne are available from Although scattered housing is located throughout 29. Views of Countryside and East Kildare Although the river corridor itself is not visible the R418 regional road. Although the undulating the countryside the vistas available along Uplands from Bishopshill Commons. due to the mature vegetation growing along its landform of the area determines the extent of banks, the quality of the vistas is of significance. hedgerow openings on this road remain highly Location: Carrigeen, Barrettstown visibility to the surrounding environs, extensive scenic. vistas to the undulating lowlands can be obtained Extensive open views of the countryside and along the R418. Scenic views are also available to the Wicklow Mountains to the east are available 33. Views to and from the Ridgeline on the east, which include the undulating lowlands, 27. Views to the south of the open countryside; from the local road that runs through Bishopshill the East Kildare Uplands and Views St Patrick’s Hill and the Wicklow Mountains in from L138 Kilmeague cross road to Coolaght. Commons. The generally flat topography of the of the Central Plains. the far distance. Location: Kilmeague, Coolaght area undulates and rises towards the Wicklow Location: Cromwellstownhill, Cupidstown Hill, Mountains, which define the skyline to the east Rathbane, Punchestown, Caureen, Hempstown Extensive views of the open countryside are of the County boundary. The generally low and Common, Pipershall, Crosscool harbour 36. Views of the Gibbet Rath and the Curragh available from the L138 road. Agricultural fields well-trimmed hedgerows of the agricultural lands from the R445 at St. Ledgers Bottoms. with low and well-maintained hedgerows Long-distance vistas of the central plains (i.e. provide for long-distance visibility. Location: St. Ledgers Bottoms intertwined with deciduous mature trees provide lowlands agricultural and urban areas) are available for vistas to the environs of Kilmeague when from all the hilltops on the eastern boundary of The elevated nature of the former N7 national looking to the south-east. The River Liffey is also 30. Within Carton Demesne Walls: Views . Due to the open and extensive road (now the R445 regional road) when crossing discernible in the distance. Although scattered to and from Carton House, the Lake and nature of the available views, these can be through the Curragh allows extensive views dwellings and farm buildings are located in the Woodland Areas described as scenic. However, many views have of the Gibbet Rath, the racecourse lands and been affected by development. Views to the upland area, vistas along this section of the road remain Location: Carton its environs. The generally smooth terrain and unaffected. areas are also of scenic value as ridgelines define the lack of vegetation allow for long-distance Views to the Carton House and Demesne are the skyline as well as presenting conspicuous visibility of the area. not available from the R148 to landscape features and focal points. Despite the Regional Road (classified as part of the North fact that industrial and infrastructure developments Kildare Tourist Route) nor from any other local have affected some of the available vistas, the roads due to the height of the stonewall boundary. continuous designation and inclusion of these areas in the Development Plan is recommended.

126 Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 127 37. Views to Pollardstown Fen. The local road south of Pollardstown Fen provides extensive and open views to a unique bog formation landscape. The elevated nature of this road allows scenic vistas that include views to the Hill of Allen of which the rising slopes and hilltop are conspicuous in the otherwise flat terrain of this part of the County.

38. Views of Allenwood to Local Road. Extensive bogland and pastureland views are available along this local road. Although large areas along the road look onto cutaway bogland, intact bogland views can also be obtained. Therefore, the visual amenity value of the vistas obtained along this local road relies on the variety of bogland landscapes that can be viewed.

39. Views of Lullymore to Rathangan Local Road. Extensive views of the intact bog at Lullymore can be obtained from this local road to the west. Agricultural lands and the ridgelines of Redhill, Boston Hill and Allen Hill defining the skyline define the landscape to the east. The quality of the available open and long-distance views is perceived as significant.

40. Views of Ballynafagh Lake Extensive and long-distance views of the Ballynafagh lake environs and lowland agricultural lands can be obtained to the west. Although conifer plantations in the area limit the extent of visibility, the elevated nature of the local road along this section allows long-distance views of the Kildare uplands to the east. Scattered housing is located throughout the area; however, the extensive open nature of the available views, which include the lake feature, can be described as significant.

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