Castleknock
Castleknock is a vibrant village on the Northside, 8km west of the city centre, starting at the Phoenix Park gates and running to Laurel Lodge bridge. It is in between River Tolka and the Liffey River and is very popular location with a great selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, and independent businesses in the village.
There is a strong sense of community in Castleknock with several generations living in the area and it is very popular for families with easy access to green space and due to its proximity to the city centre. Green spaces are in abundance with the Royal Canal greenway and the Phoenix Park with its 1,750 acres, popular with cyclists, joggers, and families.
Castleknock is also well-known for its sporting facilities with great options for GAA, soccer, tennis, and golf. Popular clubs for GAA are St Brigid's GAA club and Castleknock GAA. Castleknock tennis club has 10 outdoor and 3 indoor courts and there are multiple golf courses close by with Castleknock, Luttrellstown, Westmanstown and Elm Green.
It is close to the M50, Dublin airport and has excellent access to all parts of Dublin through the M50 and N3. Bus routes serving the area include 37, 38, 38a and 38b. There is the railway along the Royal Canal which takes about 35 minutes to get into the city. The area is also served by the Sligo railway line.
HISTORY
The church of St. Brigid was completed in the year 1810 and is built on a site of a former church and monastery that can be traced back to the Celtic times. Castleknock eventually came to be divided among a number of important families and their country estates. Today the neighbourhood has developed around the old village, which is now a busy commercial centre.
EDUCATION
There are six primary schools in the area. Scoil Thomais / Laurel Lodge, St Brigid’s, St Patrick’s, St Francis Xavier, Castleknock National School and Castleknock Educate Together are all mixed schools.
There are two secondary schools in the area. Castleknock College is all boys school and Castleknock Community College is mixed.
SHOP
There are many independent shops including a Lidl in Castleknock. For larger weekly shops there is a Tesco superstore in Blanchardstown shopping centre. There is also a Supervalu in Blanchardstown village and beside the Ashtown train station.
FOOD AND DRINK
There are many food and drinks option in the area.
D One 5 offers old school pizza, bar food and pasta options which is great for families.
Melo has guilt free gourmet food and is perfect for those looking for a healthy choice.
Okra Green is a highly regarded Pakistani and Indian restaurant offering an extensive menu.
For good Chinese food both Wong’s and Mandarin Castle come highly recommended.
For those looking for a drink there are several places. Myo’s is popular with locals and is right in the heart of the village. Other good options at the weekends are Brady’s, Kavanagh’s, and the Carpenter. For a quiet drink, locals go to the Strawberry Halls and Roselawn Inn.
Close by is the Hole in the Wall at the edge of the Phoenix park serving good food and home to a wine shop.
OTHER NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFERINGS
National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown has an extensive water park and 50 metre pool offering the best day out for families.
Luttrellstown Castle is an upmarket exclusive private parties, weddings, and events which offers guided tours. The woodland walk through the vast woodlands of this sprawling 567-acre estate is also a must!
