Sitting between Glasnevin and the M50, Finglas is another early Christian settlement that grew around a 6th Century Abbey and has since become an extensive and popular residential area in Dublin 11 whilst retaining a village feel.
History
Founded as an abbey in the 6th century, by St Canice, Finglas strategic position close to a crossing point on the Tolka led to the area being used as a stain post both for attacks on Dublin and the wider area including the Siege of Dublin. William of Orange’s forces camped here following the Battle of the Boyne.
It was also home to Ireland’s first commercial airport.
Finglas really began to expand in the 50’s as Dublin City sought to rehouse many of the inner-city tenements, providing higher quality housing further out. Since then, Finglas has continued to be popular with first-time buyers due to the size and affordability of the housing stock, coupled with extensive starter home and apartment developments.
Shopping
Being a residentially focussed area, Finglas has a range of areas, including the original Village centre itself, since joined by the Charlestown and Clearwater shopping centres.
Pubs and Restaurants in Finglas
The original Finglas Village centre acts as the social hub of the area and is home to many of the Eating and drinking options, including the Lemon tree Chinese restaurant, Carmines Carvery and the Indian Curry House.
Similarly, the Village centre has a range of pubs including the Village inn, Shamrock Lodge and the Full Shilling, with Martin’s Bar and the Bottom of the Hill a bit further out.
Finglas Schools
From primary through to Third level, Finglas has a large number of educational institutions, with over 25 schools. St Canice’s, St Brigid’s and Finglas Parochial are well regarded National Schools, whilst Gaelscoil Uí Earcain and Colaiste Eoin provide Irish language schooling,
St Mary’s and St Vincents, along with De La Salle College are amongst the Secondary schools, and the College of Further Education provides Third level courses. CDETB offers Adult educational services.
Getting around Finglas
Finglas sits at heart of the commuter routes into Dublin and is very well served with bus routes both into and across the city, making it a great place to live regardless of where you work. Routes run out to Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown, into the City and Across the river to areas like Kimmage and Rathmines.
Close proximity to the M50 makes commuting to the wider Dublin area easy and the Finglas Road is a major commuter artery from the North connecting to the M2/N2 towards Slane and Ashbourne.
Housing stock
Reflecting it’s 1950’s Heritage, Finglas is a favourite for first-time buyers, enjoying affordable 2-3 bed Semi’s and Terraces, including a number of terraced cottages. Most homes offer front and back gardens and many have been refurbished and extended to high standards.
Newer properties like those around the Hampton Woods, Melville Park and North road area, reflect more modern design ideals, with a greater density of starter homes and apartments, attracting a younger population.
Although the first time buyer is better catered for there are many larger family homes available, especially in the newer estates.