Ranelagh

Ranelagh is a trendy southside village full of the best cafés, restaurants and bars and within walking distance of the city centre. It’s upmarket feel, surrounded by nice parks and residential areas make it a wonderful place to call home.

Situated close to the canal, this pretty village hosts an array of local amenities and is without a doubt one of the best spots in Dublin to grab a bite to eat. Many of Dublin’s best schools are in the area, including Scoil Bhride, Sandford, Gonzaga College, Muckross Park and Alexandra College.

Accessible by bus and the Luas tram and a short drive into the city its an excellent location for anyone wishing to travel the short journey into the city centre and only approx. five-minute drive to Dundrum Town centre.

History & Culture

Originally known as Cullenswood, on Easter Monday in 1207, a celebrating group of English inhabitants of Dublin were attacked here by Irish raiders from county Wicklow. In the early years of 1641 – 1649, the area was the scene of constant feuds known as the Battle of Rathmines and the land between Ranelagh and Rathmines was recognised as ‘’The Bloody Fields’’ for many years.  In the 19^th century, the area was incorporated into Dublin’s Development Plan which then became known as Ranelagh.

Ranelagh is home to Dartmouth Square, which is a beautiful park set inside a square of picturesque Victorian red-brick houses just a few short minutes’ walk from Ranelagh’s main street. It was the previously subject of much controversy due to the confusion in ownership and development but is now open to the public and has open exercise classes on Saturday mornings.

Education

There are several primary and secondary schools in the area.

Scoil Bhríde, founded in 1917, was the first gaelscoil in Ireland.

Lios na nÓg, another gaelscoil, is located in Cullenswood House on Oakley Road, where St. Enda’s School (Scoil Éanna) was set up in 1908. This was the first school in Ireland where pupils were taught in both Irish and English.  St. Enda’s school moved to Rathfarnham in 1912.

The Ranelagh Multi-denominational School is another primary school established in September 1988, which is located on the main Ranelagh road close to the Luas stop.

Other primary schools in the area include Sandford National, located close to Gonzaga College.

Secondary schools include Gonzaga College for boys and Sandford Park School.

Dine & Drink

There are a vast number of great independent restaurants to choose from and you can find a restaurant to satisfy your every taste.  Restaurants, bars and are coffee shops are countless and include Nicks Coffee, Project Black, Rita’s, Tribecca, Dillinger’s, Host, Nightmarket, Taphouse and many more.

The Butcher’s Grill is one of the best places in Dublin to eat. This is a converted butcher’s that offers plenty of delicious permutations of beef to cater to every appetite. The interior is rustic and inviting and their wood smoke grill offers that little bit extra for the perfect evening out.

Nightmarket Thai Restaurant offers traditional, authentic regional Thai food, focusing on the rustic food of Chiang Mai.

Dillinger’s is a cool US-style restaurant and bar with a modern American menu, including excellent brunch and cocktail options.

Shop

If you’re looking for shops, there are several independent convenience stores, a Lidl, SuperValu and Tesco Express in the village.

The Ranelagh Village Market is an exclusive food and craft market that operates from Thursday until Sunday in the main street across from the Luas Station. You can pick up everything from organic foods and beauty products to second-hand books as well as general bric-a-brac. It’s a nice way to spend an afternoon.