Blackrock was named as one of the Top 20 Best Places to live in Ireland by the public in 2021 and we can certainly see why! Blackrock was once a small fishing community and today it is one of Dublin’s most sought-after suburbs and just 9km from Dublin city centre.
Blackrock is home to some of the country’s best schools, it has a busy village centre with speciality shops, high end restaurants, and there is a garda station, post office, and a library.
There is an abundance of green spaces and parks to enjoy including The Carysfort, Rockfield, Avoca, and Blackrock Park.
There is a strong local community spirit to be found here which is reflected in Blackrock being awarded ‘Ireland’s Tidiest Small Town’ awards in 2019.
There are good transport options with Blackrock DART station and several bus routes into the city with the 4, 7, 7A, 7D and 84A. Depending on mode of transport you can get into the city centre in 15 – 20 minutes.
EDUCATION
There are many highly regarded primary and secondary schools in the area. There are four primary schools with Guardian Angels, Carysfort, Booterstown NS and Scoil Lorcan all offering mixed education.
There are two non-fee-paying secondary schools; Newpark which is mixed and Dominican College which is all girls. Fee paying options are Blackrock College and Willow Park, both of which are all boys.
SHOP
There are several major shopping centres right on the doorstep with Frascati, Blackrock, and Cornelscourt and Stillorgan shopping centres are just a short drive away.
For a weekly shop there is a SuperValu in Blackrock Shopping Centre and an Aldi and Marks and Spencer in the Frascati Centre.
In the village there is an organic supermarket and there is a Dunnes Stores and Tesco Superstore nearby.
DINE AND DRINKS
There is no shortage of dining options in Blackrock from casual bites to Michelin Star food options.
Ciamei Café is a cosy Italian and regarded as one of the top places in Dublin for breakfast, also offering quality pasta and pizza.
Coal is in the heart of Blackrock serving chargrilled steaks and fresh fish, all sourced locally.
Flash Harrys has a simple menu with quality burgers and cocktails.
For excellent authentic Indian street food 3 Leaves is in Blackrock Market.
Le Pastis serves classis European dishes with a French twist in a relaxed setting.
Liath is known for its Michelin star food and one of the best restaurants in the country.
Pubs include Donohoe’s, Conway’s, The Wicked Wolf and The Well. Jack O’Rourke’s is a classic Victorian style pub on the main street. Kelly and Coppers is a gastropub on the main street offering a large selection of drinks.
For coffee lovers Bear Market Coffee serve great coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. The Vanilla Pod provides gourmet food, coffee and treats in a relaxed and cosy environment.
OTHER NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFERINGS
The area is a hub for outdoor activity and there are many sporting clubs in the neighbourhood with Blackrock Bowling and Tennis Club, Carraig Tennis Club, Elmpark Golf Club, Blackrock Football Club and Monkstown Tennis Club.
Multiple shopping centres in area
Casual bites and Michelin star restaurants
Good transport options
Lots of green space and parks
Booterstown
Booterstown is a lovely coastal suburb approximately 7km south from Dublin city centre which can be easily accessed via the Dart. Beside the sea, it is a very popular place to live and close to Blackrock, Sandymount and Mount Merrion.
There are a wide range of attractive housing stock, traditional in architecture and character. The original properties retain the old-world charm and pretty styles with a mix of Victorian, Period, Red Brick, Georgian, Edwardian, modern and contemporary homes.
The village itself has several local shops, a restaurant, bar and the coastline that offers many opportunities for walks with trails for walking, cycling and swimming.
The area is well served with two good quality bus corridors and the Dart services the area.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Booterstown was once renowned for its rich farming land. Its original name came from the produce created Butterstown and this name was in place until the end of the 18th century. During this time the only building in the area was Booterstown Castle which still stands today.
EDUCATION
There are many great primary and secondary school options in the catchment area.
The main primary school is Booterstown National School, a co-educational national school.
St Mary’s Boys National School is all boys' primary school. Our Lady of Mercy Convent is an all-girls primary school.
St Andrews College is a co-educational day school.
Willow Park Junior School is a private school for boys from 5- 12 years.
Secondary Schools options include:
Blackrock College is a private day and boarding secondary school for boys aged 13–18.
Sion Hill is one of the oldest girls' secondary schools in Ireland and is a voluntary school for girls.
Colaiste Iosagain is an all Irish girls secondary gaelscoil.
Colaiste Eoin is a Hebrew language secondary Gaelcholáiste.
DINE & DRINK
The Old Punchbowl, dates back to 1779 is a famous tavern offering great food, welcoming hospitality and live music. It is steeped in history and a must see!
Gleeson’s is right in the heart of Booterstown and was once Murphy’s traditional pub and grocery store. Today it is a much-loved townhouse serves exceptional quality food and accommodation options.
Well established pubs in Blackrock to be enjoyed including O’Rourke’s, Conways, The Breffni Inn, and The Wicked Wolf. Well known eateries in Blackrock are Ouzos and Dunne & Crescenzi.SHOP
While shopping is limited in Booterstown, Blackrock village is a five-minute drive away providing good shopping facilities and boutique shops. Merrion Shopping Centre, Stillorgan Shopping are both close by for weekly shopping trips.
OTHER NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFERINGS
The Booterstown’s area is well known for its extensive sporting facilities at St. Andrew’s College and Newpark Sports Centre.
