Fernhill Park and Gardens – DBN 12/2/22

Setanta Orienteers are hosting a Dublin by Night event this coming Saturday 12th February 2022. The event will be at Fernhill Park and Gardens, Sandyford, County Dublin. This is a new area for orienteering and Setanta wish to thank Dun Loaghaire/Rathdown County Council for permission to run the event. There are two courses –
Long – 4.0km long; 140m climb; 19 controls
Short – 2.5km long; 85m climb; 14 controls
Both courses have technically difficult control sites and orienteering legs. This event is suitable for experienced orienteers and juniors who are accompanied.
The map has recently been surveyed by Pat Healy. The map scale is 1:4,000 with a 2.5m contour interval. This park is newly acquired by DLRCoCo and work, including tree-felling, is ongoing. The area consists of open fields, gardens and woodland. There are a number of uncrossable fences, and gates will be opened at the marked crossing points. These must be used. Both courses go to the technical small forested area. The southeast corner of the wooded area has some old granite workings, and there is stony ground under foot. Please take care in this area (hint – follow the deer tracks as much as possible). The short course only skirts the edge of this area. One stream crossing has been marked out of bounds due to spraying of invasive species. There are a number of pedestrian barriers across footpaths. These have been placed to deter mountain-bikers and competitors are allowed to run around them.
The maps will be printed on A4 waterproof paper with control descriptions printed on the map. There will also be loose control descriptions available in the start box. SportIdent timing system will be used, but all controls will need to be manually ‘punched’ (SIAC will not be enabled).
Pre-entry only at https://www.orienteering.ie/fixtures/fernhill/ . Entry is now open and will remain open until midnight on Friday 11th February. Start times are between 18:30 and 19:30 with courses closing at 20:15. Cost is
Adults: €8 / person
Student: €5 / student
Unwaged: €5 / person
OAP: €5 / person
Family €20 / two adults plus 5 children max.
The event will be signposted from the Enniskerry Road, Sandyford (R117), grid reference is O 1838 2483. If travelling by bus, the 44B to Lambs Cross or the 47 to Belarmine will leave you with a short walk to Fernhill.