One of the best-surfaced roads in Dublin now is that running beside the Grand Canal from Charlemont street Bridge to Dolphin's Barn, but the numerous side streets breaking into it prevent the motorist from over-much speeding. This is just as well, for it is a favourite walk of Dubliners on a fine summer evening, and I know of no way out of town by which one can so quickly leave the urban atmosphere behind and get into the region of green fields and distant mountains. Passing over the bridge in Clanbrassil street, one enters a peaceful, old-world region. Glimpses of the former greatness of the canal route can be seen in the remains of fine old country houses, now half ruined. Near Parnell place is a row of delightful, small, Georgian houses, covered with ivy, and in the front gardens of many of them are growing tall hollyhocks in great profusion, the whole making a picture that would charm the eye of an artist.
The Irish Times, August 28th, 1929.