Your Neighbourhood is a series of local area guides from TheJournal.ie, presented by KBC. We’re bringing you the best of city neighbourhoods combined with the latest property data. 

CARRICKMINES IS JUST on Dublin’s southernmost edge, and it’s been that way for centuries. During the Middle Ages, it was a key part of the fortified border of the Pale, with a castle holding the line against those outside it.

The site of Carrickmines Castle is now under the M50 motorway (although some sections were preserved after protests). And Carrickmines itself is an area that is changing rapidly. Formerly fairly rural, with its origins as a settlement on the Carrickmines River, the last 15 years have seen the arrival of new transport links – not just the M50 but also the Luas extension. These have brought housing construction with them.

New home developments are still opening, and the retail park (home to an IKEA delivery outlet, with the brand reportedly in talks to build a full store) was recently judged to be among the country’s best performing.

Today, Carrickmines is located to the south and west of Foxrock and Cabinteely, with sections on either side of the M50. 

Take me there! OK, here you are on Glenamuck Road just coming out of the Luas stop. 

So what’s the big draw? Carrickmines is a stone’s throw from the Dublin Mountains and the seaside, but also offers very strong transport links with other areas of the city – both the Luas and the M50 are on the doorstep. While it might lack an obvious town or village centre, it’s an area with plenty of open space and good access to other villages nearby – from Stepaside to Foxrock and Shankill.

What do people love about it? Its spot on the very edge of town is a bonus, says resident Lisa McEntee. 

It’s reasonably close to town while still being that bit out that it’s a bit countrysidey. But generally it’s just pretty around the place and there’s lots of trees. Since they’ve built Carrickmines Retail Park, there are decent shops nearby which helps too, since it had next to nothing before. It’s all very new anyway!

John Doyle also cites location as a plus:

Convenient to both seaside and country, great location, green spaces.

And… what do people NOT love about it? Public transport is yet to catch up with housing, says Lisa. 

The main downside is the absolute lack of public transport on my side or the far side – the Luas stops are still a hike from where anyone actually lives, and the bus routes are non existent – unless you go down to Cornelscourt/Cabinteely for the dual carriageway or want to wait for the elusive 63 from Kilternan to Dun Laoghaire.

John also mentions transport, although his view is that some roads need attention. “All local roads” need upgrading, he says.

What’s the story with house prices? Not cheap, but worlds away from some of its neighbours to the north and east. According to Daft.ie the average asking price for a property in Carrickmines is €449,406, slightly lower than Cabinteely and Cornelscourt where it is €481,923. Meanwhile in Foxrock average asking prices more than double, sitting at an eye-watering €930,124. 

How long will it take me to the city centre? It’s just over half an hour into town in the car outside peak times. 

The Luas will get you into Stephen’s Green in 30 minutes flat. As one resident has noted above, the Luas stop itself isn’t exactly on anyone’s doorstep. But it does have a large park and ride car park. 

There’s also the 63 Dublin Bus running into Dun Laoghaire every half an hour or so. 

Where should I get lunch? Without a village to speak of, most of Carrickmines’ food options are in the retail park. Try the Vanilla Pod, a deli serving Instagram-friendly twists on standards. 

Alternatives: Barry & Browne is another coffee house and restaurant in the retail park. If you’re going further afield, The Gables in Foxrock is a popular neighbourhood place that serves upscale food all day. 

And what’s my new local? Again, Carrickmines itself lacks a town centre so pubs are in neighbouring areas. The Horse and Hound in Cabinteely comes recommended as a friendly spot. 

Alternatives: The Step Inn in Stepaside village is another well-established local. Or take the time to walk up to the Blue Light in the mountains, for the best views in the city. 

Schools and supermarkets? There’s a Dunnes up towards Leopardstown, a Tesco Superstore in Ballybrack and a SuperValu and a Lidl in Deansgrange.

The closest primary schools are Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua in Ballyogan (multidenominational, mixed, 162 pupils) and Holy Trinity in Leopardstown (Catholic, mixed, 516 pupils). 

OK, I’m sold. Give me one piece of Carrickmines trivia to impress a local. Carrickmines might be a new place for housing, but it’s been around for a long time. It gets a mention in none other than James Joyce’s A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man, published in 1916:

Often they drove out in the milkcar to Carrickmines where the cows were at grass. While the men were milking the boys would take turns in riding the tractable mare round the field.

It’s changed a little since then, of course. 

Do you live in Carrickmines? Share your opinion in the comments!