Welcome to An Charraig Dhubh.

Blackrock, 'An Charraig Dhubh' in Irish, is an affluent suburb just 15 minutes from Dublin's city centre by DART and is a good spot for shopping outside of the city. 

Hundreds of years ago, Blackrock was known by several longer names such as ‘Newtown-at-the Black Rock’ but over time, it was abbreviated.

It is named for a rock formation found locally, a limestone that appeared black when wet, and this was once visible on the shore and forms part of the foundations of Blackrock Park. 

When the railway from the city centre to Kingstown was being built in 1834, this rock was used for wall cappings between Williamstown and Blackrock and it can also be seen in the walls of the train station at Blackrock and other buildings like St. Mary’s Chapel of Ease in St. Mary’s Place in the city, which is nicknamed ‘The Black Church.’

The Rock Road, which forms the south western boundary of the park, is part of one of the oldest roads in the country: the ancient Slíghe Chualann constructed by the High King of Ireland to connect Tara in Co. Meath with what is now southern Dublin and north-east Wicklow.

In the 18th century, it was notorious for highway robberies.

Once a small coastal village, Blackrock evolved as Anglo-Irish aristocracy beganto build a number of stately homes in the area in the 17th century. Estates were established at Mount Merrion and Stillorgan. The area quickly developed, attracting wealthy Dubliners.

It transformed into a popular seaside resort in the 18th century before the new railway line to Dún Laoghaire in the 1830s changed its fortunes once again as the crowds moved further down the line.

Modern Blackrock is home to one of the best private health clinics in the country as well as Blackrock College, a stronghold for the rising stars of Irish rugby.

It has a bohemian feel to it with numerous art galleries dotted about the town as well as a popular market and a mix of flea and farmers’ market every weekend.

A pleasant afternoon is easily had in Blackrock. While the time away in Blackrock Park, enjoying the lush scenery and views over Dublin Bay or go bird watching in nearby Booterstown Nature Reserve. Once you’ve had enough of the sea air and scenery, hit the shops.

There are two big shopping centres and several boutiques in the town for an afternoon of shopping without the city centre traffic.

For eating out there are several options, from cafes to gastro-pubs to restaurants. James Joyce is said to have frequented a popular pub here which is still serving up pints to this day.

Take some time out at Blackrock and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. blackrock.ie

To explore more in Blackrock click here.