Dubh Linn

[fitsy]

Does anyone know where the dubh linn (black lake) that Dublin gets its name from is? I've heard Dublin castle and a tracle pool in the penguin enclosure in the zoo. Anyone know for sure?

[kalise25]

Well, it's the Viking name for the city, so that probably puts the penguin pool in the zoo out of the running!

[kalise25]

Sorry, managed to post that without finishing my reply...... what a clown! The Black Pool was the meeting point of the Poddle and Tolka rivers at the Liffey, above a peaty area (which gave it it's black appearence) and also the shallowest fording point, which gives the official Irish Gaelic name Baile Atha Cliath (town of the hurdle ford). It's mostly now underlying Dublin Castle - under the gardens and coachhouse.

[fitsy]

Thanks. Theres such support for the two theories on the Internet its hard to go.My boyrfiend is convinced the original dubh linn was in the phoenix park, now part of the zoo whereas Dublin castle sounds a lot more credible to me as its near there that the vikings started up their settlement.