Three Rock Mountain
One of Maeve's favourite places to walk, think, and escape the city for a few hours.
Three Rock Mountain is one of Maeve's favourite places to walk with Nidge. It appears throughout the series, but readers will know it best as the place where Nidge's curiosity leads to a discovery that changes everything in Purls and Peril.
Despite feeling wild and remote, Three Rock is one of Dublin's most popular mountain walks. At weekends, the trails are often busy with walkers, runners, and mountain bikers making the most of the views and fresh air.
That's why Maeve especially loves the quieter days.
On a weekday morning, or even better, on a misty or rainy afternoon, the mountain can feel as though it belongs entirely to her and Nidge. The trails become quieter, the city fades into the distance, and the only sounds are the wind, birdsong, and the occasional splash as Nidge charges through a muddy puddle.
The views from the top are spectacular. Looking east across Dublin, it's easy to forget that you're standing on a mountain only a short distance from the city centre. On a clear day, Dublin Bay stretches out before you, reminding you just how closely the city and the sea are connected.
Of course, there is a price to pay for having the mountain to yourself.
The View from Three Rock
On a clear day, the views stretch across Dublin Bay towards Howth and beyond.
Rain transforms parts of the trail into a muddy scramble, and sturdy footwear quickly becomes essential. But for Maeve, the peace, the fresh air, and the views make it more than worthwhile.
Even when she promises herself she'll try somewhere different next weekend, Three Rock has a habit of calling her back.
Fortunately for readers, Nidge has a habit of finding trouble there too.
The Scramble Trail
A favourite route for Maeve and Nidge. Beautiful, peaceful, and occasionally very muddy.