Overview
Milltown sits on the south bank of the River Dodder, a stop on the Luas Green Line. Its Irish name, Baile an Mhuilinn, ‘town of the mill’, points to the corn, iron, paper and textile mills that once worked the river. The mills are long gone. What is left is a leafy Dublin 6 suburb with a pleasant river walk, more a quiet hour off the Luas than a day trip in its own right.
The Nine Arches Viaduct and the Dodder walk
The landmark is the Nine Arches Viaduct, built in 1854 to carry the railway over the Dodder and now carrying the Luas Green Line across the same stone spans. The riverside beneath it is the real reason to come, with open banks and patches of woodland beside the water. Herons are a reasonable bet along the river, and the path is popular with dog walkers.
Use open public paths by the Dodder. The Dublin City Council project page has updates on the Milltown Road to Dundrum Road section of the greenway, so check it before you set out. Follow any local diversions, keep back from the river in high water, and expect muddy ground after heavy rain, when decent shoes help.
Milltown Park
Just inland, Milltown Park is a green space laid out on former Jesuit grounds, with open lawns. It is pleasant in the late afternoon when the light comes through the trees.
Eating and around
Milltown Road is the commercial spine of the suburb, a practical run of shops with cafés and pubs along it. Opening hours and menus change, so look up current details before you plan a stop.
The suburb has a strong scholarly streak, with Alexandra College and Gonzaga College both here, and the Ahlul Bayt Islamic Centre stands on the Dodder.
Sport
Milltown Golf Club, established in 1907, is an 18-hole parkland course near the river. Contact the club about visitor tee times before you turn up. There is football history here too: Glenmalure Park in Milltown was Shamrock Rovers’ home ground until 1987. For big matches, Aviva Stadium is a short Luas ride away.
Getting there
- Luas: the Green Line stops at Milltown, and the line crosses the Dodder on the Nine Arches. Check the Luas map and service notices for your journey.
- Bus: Dublin Bus serves the area; check current routes with the operator.
- Car: a car is not needed if you are coming from the centre, and parking in the area is limited, so check local signs before you leave a vehicle.
If you are here to walk the Dodder, start at the Milltown Luas stop and explore the open public paths beside the river near the Nine Arches. You can jump back on the Luas whenever the legs give out.