Rathfarnham is a Southside suburb of Dublin. It is south of Terenure, east of Templeogue, and is in the postal districts of Dublin 14 and 16.
Its history dates back to the 12th century however the Rathfarnham we know today largely developed in the 1970s as the outer ring of Dublin’s population grew and the demand for homes for young families soared. Alongside Rathfarnham, new homes also sprang up in neighbouring Churchtown, Ballinteer, Ballyroan, Ballyboden and Templeogue to manage the influx and today there are a wide range of places to visit and facilities to enjoy to meet the demands of this now well-established population.
Historical sites include Scholarstown, Kilmashogue, Mount Venus, Tibradden and Taylors Grange and Rathfarnham is home to several notable historic buildings; Rathfarnham Castle and Loreto Abbey are well worth a visit. If it is a scenic walk you are looking for then Rathfarnham is the place for you with four parks on offer: Marlay Park, Dodder Park, St Enda’s and Bushy Park. Back on the historical trail, Padraig Pearse established St Enda’s School for Boys, which is now a museum in his honor situated in Saint Enda’s Park.
Today, the heart of Rathfarnham’s retail scene has moved away from the old main street, heading to Rathfarnham and Nutgrove shopping centres.
Rathfarnham has a lot to offer both from a historical, modern and scenic point of view, running south from the Dodder river to Marlay Park. It’s also bordered to the east by Dundrum (with one of the largest shopping centre in Europe), then to the north by Terenure (heading into the city centre) and to the west by Knocklyon (at the foothills of the Dublin mountains).
From a transport point of view, it is positioned between the city and the M50.
The beauty of Rathfarnham is its ability to provide every modern convenience whilst at the same time enabling you to escape modern Dublin and retreat into the peace and calm of vast green areas of parkland or breathtaking mountain views within minutes.
So, for both families and pet lovers it is idyllic!
A Pet Lovers Guide to Rathfarnham
Rathfarnham Pet Stores
Petworld
Unit 5, Nutgrove Lidl Centre, Nutgrove Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14.
tel (01) 2980 292
Located beside Nutgrove shopping centre and behind the Fire station, this Irish company has an incredible selection of everything you could possible want for your pet. Staff are so friendly and very knowledgeable.
Rathfarnham Groomers
Paw Prints Grooming Parlour
Nicole Connolly, 14 Marian Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. tel (086) 2295 883
Award winning dog groomer with full City & Guild diploma based in Rathfarnham Dublin. One of her gifts is putting even the most nervous dog at ease and you will love the results of her grooming skills.
Rathfarnham Dog Trainers
The Canine Centre.ie Beaumont Avenue, Dublin 14. tel (01) 298 5988
Located in Churchtown Business park, just minutes away from Rathfarnham and Dundrum. Training is done on a 1-2-1 basis. Trainers are fully qualified and certified by the IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Training) and have years of experience working with dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Rathfarnham Pet Sitters & Dublin Dog Walkers
Rathfarnham Pet Friendly Locations
Marlay Park Dog Park
Marlay Park House, Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
Marlay Dog Park is an enclosed dogs off leash area within Marlay Park. Great opportunity for socialising your dog and the area is split into large and small dogs’ areas so playtime is more manageable.
Rathfarnham Castle 55 Rathfarnham Road, Dublin 14. tel (01) 493 9462
Lovely grounds for a walk with a river running through and woodland. Wonderful playground and if you’re feeling peckish there is a nice café for snacks with outdoor seating and water bowls provided for thirsty dogs. Parking is pay by the hour.
Place To Walk Your Dog in Rathfarnham
Marlay Park Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.
Marlay Park is a 300 acres public parkland comprising of woodlands, ponds and walks. A beautiful location offering a wide range of facilities including a Dog Park, golf course, tennis courts, football, GAA and cricket pitches, children’s playgrounds and a miniature railway. There is also a craft courtyard with home craft shops and a coffee shop.
Rathfarnham Restaurants and Cafes
Wicklow Way Café Marlay Park College Road | Marlay Park, Rathfarnham Dublin 16.
+353 1 493 7807
A great selection on the menu and reasonable priced. Picnic tables outside with water bowls (and sometimes treats) provided for dogs.
Rathfarnham Shopping Centres
Rathfarnham Shopping Centre
Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. tel (01) 513 5382
Rathfarnham Shopping Centre is a busy centre with Tesco and Penneys as anchor stores and a wide variety of smaller retail units (pharmacy, newsagents, bank, café, bookstore and more). Open seven days a week and always busy, it could do with more parking.
Nutgrove Shopping Centre Nutgrove Ave, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. Tel (01) 493 3289
Anchor tenants include Tesco, McDonald’s, Dunnes Stores, Penneys and Argos.
This is a large centre with over 70 shops to choose from and ample free parking.
Recently refurbished with a nice selection of places to rest and have a break from shopping.
Rathfarnham Cinema
Movies @ Dundrum Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14. tel (01) 291 6802
A few minutes away from Rathfarnham is one of the best cinemas in the country. Huge screens, very comfortable seating and lots of goodies available to buy on the way in.
Rathfarnham Beauty Salons & Hairdressers
Rathfarnham Beauty Clinic
56 Main Street, Rathfarnham Village, Dublin 14. tel (01) 490 8735
Located in the heart of Rathfarnham village they provide a wide range of treatments using well-known brands such as Guinot and Dermalogica. A great place to unwind with experienced staff.
Black Amber
3 St. Endas Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14. tel (01) 493 2987
Professional stylists and great atmosphere. They are competitively priced and highly recommended for both cut and colour techniques. A real treat.
If you try out any of these businesses let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget if you want a Dog Walker Dublin we can help!
