Overview
Balgriffin is a part‑rural suburb on the north‑side of Dublin, perched on the historic boundary between Dublin City and the modern administrative county of Fingal. Though today it feels like a quiet residential enclave, the area has been a crossroads of Norman lords, Gaelic chieftains and Anglo‑Irish landowners for centuries. Its modest hamlet centres around a crossroads, an 18th‑century public house, a village green and two cemeteries, while the surrounding plains are threaded by the Turnapin and Cuckoo streams that join to form the Mayne River, eventually reaching Baldoyle Bay.
Geography & Administration
Balgriffin (Irish: Baile Ghrífín, meaning “Griffin’s town”) is a civil parish of roughly 540 acres in the ancient barony of Coolock. It lies in the Dublin 13 postal district and forms part of the Dublin North‑East Dáil constituency. Administratively the settlement is split between Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council, with the Roman‑Catholic parish of Donaghmede‑Clongriffin‑Balgriffin serving the Catholic community.
History
Balgriffin’s name – “Griffin’s town” – hints at its medieval roots. Maps in the Dublin City and County Archives record the settlement back to the 14th century, when Robert Burnell, a judge of the Court of Exchequer, held the manor. The Burnell family remained influential into the 17th century. In 1542, Henry VIII granted an estate here to Conn Bacach O’Neill, linking the area to the wider story of the Tudor re‑grant of Irish lands.
The most striking historical landmark is St Doulagh’s Church, situated about a kilometre north of the hamlet. Originally a 5th‑century monastic site founded, according to tradition, by the Welsh Saint Samson, the stone‑roofed church was remodelled in the 12th century and has remained in continuous use. It is now part of the United Parishes of Malahide, Portmarnock and St Doulagh’s, and is celebrated as the oldest stone‑roofed church still active in Ireland.
The surrounding countryside stayed largely agricultural until the late‑20th century, when housing estates such as St Samson’s, Castlemoyne and the controversial Belmayne development reshaped the landscape. Despite rapid growth, Balgriffin retains a sense of its earlier, lightly settled character, evident in the historic pub, the village green and the two cemeteries that mark the old crossroads.
Religion
Besides the Anglican St Doulagh’s Church, the Roman‑Catholic community is served by Holy Trinity Church, founded in 1974 as part of the Donaghmede parish. A modern Mass Centre operates from the information centre on Belmayne Avenue, providing weekly services for the growing Catholic population.
What to See & Do
St Doulagh’s Church
A pilgrimage for history lovers, the church offers a rare glimpse into early Irish Christianity. Visitors can admire the simple yet sturdy stone roof, medieval stonework and the tranquil churchyard that has witnessed over a millennium of worship. While there is no formal admission fee, the building is open during regular services and on most weekdays; checking the parish’s schedule online is advisable for those wishing to explore the interior.
River Walks and Natural Spaces
The Turnapin and Cuckoo streams carve gentle valleys through Balgriffin’s green spaces. A leisurely walk along the banks provides opportunities for bird‑watching and quiet reflection, especially where the two streams merge before becoming the Mayne River. The route links to the wider Dublin Port Greenway, a traffic‑free path that follows the historic port’s shoreline.
Disc Golf
Balgriffin hosts a modest disc‑golf course set among the fields near Limekiln Lane. The 9‑hole layout is free to use and attracts families and enthusiasts looking for a low‑key outdoor activity.
Abbeville House (nearby in Kinsealy)
Just a short drive north, the 18th‑century “big house” of Abbeville offers a glimpse into aristocratic life. Once home to former Taoiseach Charles Haughey, the house was altered by James Gandon in the 1790s. Its grounds feature a small pond, historic streams and the remnants of a disused brewery – a pleasant spot for a contemplative stroll.
Local Amenities
Balgriffin’s historic pub, now complemented by a handful of shops and eateries, provides a cosy base for a coffee or a traditional Irish meal. The village hall hosts occasional community events, and the two cemeteries—one older to the west and a newer civic one to the east—offer quiet spaces for reflection.
Practical Information
Balgriffin is well‑connected by public transport. Dublin Bus routes 15, 42, 43 and 128 serve the area, linking the suburb to Dublin Airport, Donaghmede, Malahide and the city centre. The nearest DART stations are Clongriffin, Howth Junction and Donaghmede, each within a 30‑minute walk. Major roads such as the R139 (from the airport) and Malahide Road provide easy car access; parking is generally free on the streets surrounding the village centre.
| Service | Route | Frequency (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 15 – Dublin Airport ↔ City Centre | Every 10‑15 min (peak) |
| Bus | 42 – Donaghmede ↔ Malahide | Every 12‑20 min |
| Bus | 43 – Donaghmede ↔ Portmarnock | Every 15‑20 min |
| Bus | 128 – Dublin City ↔ Balgriffin (limited) | Every 30‑45 min |
The historic church has no fixed opening hours; it welcomes visitors during daylight hours when services are not in progress. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. For those travelling by car, the main entry points are Balgriffin Road (from Portmarnock) and the R139. The area is largely flat and wheelchair‑friendly along the main streets, though some river‑side paths may be uneven.
Getting There
- By Bus: Catch routes 15, 42, 43 or 128 from Dublin city centre or the airport. The Balgriffin Road stop is a short walk from the village centre.
- By Train/DART: Alight at Clongriffin, Howth Junction or Donaghmede and walk northwards along the Malahide Road.
- By Car: Follow the R139 north from the airport, then turn onto Balgriffin Road. Street parking is free on most of the residential streets.
Nearby Attractions
Balgriffin sits a short distance from some of Dublin’s most popular coastal spots. A quick drive north brings you to the golden sands of Portmarnock Beach, ideal for a seaside stroll or a dip on a warm day.
Just east of the beach, the Velvet Strand offers a quieter stretch of sand framed by dunes, perfect for bird‑watching.
For cyclists and walkers, the Dublin Port Greenway runs close to the Mayne River’s lower reaches, providing a scenic, traffic‑free route that links the harbour area with the coastal villages.
These nearby sites make Balgriffin an excellent base for a day of varied activities – from historic exploration to beach leisure and greenway cycling.