Carrickmines is a suburban area situated on the southern edge of Dublin. Carrickmines Co. Dublin stands proudly- featuring the rich history and modern buzz of this era. It’s a charming place where the village meets the new modern life.
This is kind of a time-traveler’s destination. Here, ancient history and modernity shake hands. If you are a lifestyle enthusiast or a peace lover, visit the Retail Park to pick up your cherished goods or grab a coffee from one of the best coffee shops. Or, if history chases you more than modernity, then go and taste the archaeological essence of the historic Carrickmines Castle ruins.
You will find all the flavors of Carrickmines here in this article as best attractions near Dublin, from the in-vogue Retail Park to the echoes of the ancient Castle.
There’s something for everyone- so keep reading!
Carrickmines, Co. Dublin, A Lively Collage of Heritage, Nature, and Stylish Living
History and Geography of Carrickmines, Co. Dublin
We were a group of seven, and all had their purpose to visit Carrickmines, Co. Dublin. But the main purpose was to get an escape from our busy life and get some mountainous air with a bit of modernization.
To visit this suburb, we had a long-cherished plan. As if its scenic trails, Castle ruins, and retail park always beckoned us. We were school friends, but our higher studies subjects were different. Our group consists of environmentalists, archeologists, fashion designers, lifestyle bloggers, and holistic living enthusiasts.
So, we had a real adventure and an amazing holiday there. It’s a bang-on place when you want nature, history, and trendy comforts all in one place!
Carrickmines is located on the southern edge of County Dublin, the name derived from Irish “Carraig Mhaighin” meaning rock of the little plain. This suburb has evolved from a medieval settlement with Carrickmines Castle to a modern area.
Here exists a unique mix of cultural manners. It has been rapidly developed over the past 1 or 2 decades. Once a quiet semi-rural area now has a twist of modernization, but still it holds that innocence. The community has local traditions, Schools, cultural and sporting clubs. The Foxrock and Stepaside have influenced the culture, so there exists a mixed culture with traditional Irish culture.
Surroundings and Natural Beauty
Carrickmines was previously a rural area, but it has since become suburban. The blend of commercialism and naturalism amazed us. We had heard many things about Carrickmines before. And stepping down there, we were sure about the obvious adventure we were going to enjoy there.
Presently, it’s well known for the famous retail park, but the main showstopper is the surroundings of this mountainous suburban land. The quiet landscape will steal your mind and make you go for a walk with your partner.
This is a family-friendly place with green space. You will get opportunities to cycle and walk through the peaceful roads and hike in the mountains.
Things to do in Carrickmines
Despite the modest size, this suburb offers a huge things to do and get amused! This is a fantastic package of nature, history, shopping, and modern living.
The Carrickmines Retail Park is the heart of the whole suburb. As this place combines so many things that it has become a charm for locals and visitors. You can shop, relax, and eat there.
In the mid-retail time, you can sip coffee or have a quick bite at the fast-food stores. Big-name shops have created branches there, i.e., TK Maxx, Smyths, and Dunnes. The unbelievable part is the free and hassle-free parking zone. We head there on a weekday and browse there without the difficulties of rush days.
We reserve 3 days for Castle sites, walking through the Ballyogan Valley, and hiking through the Mountains of Dublin. Additionally, 2 more days for other areas and amusements.
I mostly enjoyed a walk with friends in Ballyogan Valley Park. We were spellbound by the wilderness and calming streams. The strollers would enjoy the paved paths as it was serene and isolated from the busy roads.
Carrickmines has grown between the mountains and suburbs, so this is a gateway to the mountains of Dublin. So offers easy-peasy opportunities for outdoorers! We got easy access to the Three Rock Mountain to hike.
Though it’s a bit distinct from Carrickmines, we decided to go for Orby Park. That place is full of biodiversity and considerable ecological factors. We all brought some fresh and rejuvenating views from there!
Carrickmines Park, Dublin
Carrickmines Park, on the southside of Dublin, is more than a shopping centre; it’s a mini adventure for lifestyle haulers! If you are questing for a complete package for fashion, food, and home appliances, then this place is waiting to spell you bound by its charms!
The Retail Park has a free and very convenient car park with a spacious area. This park has a large LUAS Park and Ride Car Park. We went there in the private car of one of my friends. He had all the necessary documents for his vehicle, so we paid for parking smoothly.
We were seven in number, and all had our tastes. My friend and I first visited the Boots shop. As our tastes matched and we both tried to live a holistic life. We chose some beauty, health care products, and toiletries from this leading pharmaceutical and beauty care shop.
We had a newlywed couple of friends with us, and they wanted to buy something from home and garden appliances for their new home. Undoubtedly, this park has made retail and shopping a fun task. You can find almost all fancy to regular products here.
After that, we visited the sports shops and finally had some snacks and a great coffee. Many restaurants offer takeout options so that you may take food home and eat it as your comfort.
Good news for McDonald’s and KFC lovers. They have brunches there to treat you with fresh out of the oven delights! Moreover, you will get other variety of other options from their delicious dining choices.
Other Restaurants of Carrickmines Co, Dublin
Apart from the retail parks inside restaurants, we visited some others. We popped into Rudy’s Restaurant at 17 Main st, Blanchardstown. They have 4.4 reviews on Google and serve amazing steaks and fries. The service was also so friendly and welcoming.
Additionally, we visited La Dolce Italia near there. They offer really good snacks and pastas. We enjoyed a good evening there. They offered very nice service, and the outside seating setup enhanced our dining experience indeed!
Carrickmines Castle
We preserved one day for visiting the Historic Carrickmines Castle Ruins, as one of my friends insisted. She is an archeologist by passion and also profession. This Castle is more of an archaeological place than a tourist attraction.
This place is isolated and not that safe, and is under the M50 and surrounding roads. Some parts exist due to the protests and demonstrations against the construction of an interchange on the M50 motorway near the Castle in Ireland. We didn’t climb much down as there is controlled public access.
Most of the Castle is now demolished and has gone underground. Standing far from the ruins, we could realise the rich historical value of this place.
Transport Facilities and Hotels
There are many options you can choose from to head into Carrickmines from Dublin. Generally, the fastest option is to get a taxi, but this costs 21-23, but if you spend 1-3, then you can go by bus or tram.
I went there in my friend’s private car, so our journey was smooth and relaxing. It took 50 minutes to get there, indeed, my friend is a good driver!
We stayed in Rochestown Lodge Hotel, which is 3.5 km from Dublin. This lodge is comparatively nearer to Carrickmines in Dun Laoghaire and it’s tucked into near Dun Laoghaire. Their room rates are around €140–€150 per night, and that was more or less the same in other nearby hotels as per our prior research.
It’s a 3-star hotel with an indoor pool and a leisure centre. Overall, we got excellent service with some really good staff. We headed there to enjoy the outside, but I admit we had a great time inside, too.
Last Few words on Carrickmines, Co. Dublin
We selected Carrickmines, as it does not usually exist in every traveler’s list, and that made us feel like visiting the suburb! I bet, you will definitely get something more than an ordinary tour!
Hope you enjoyed reading my Carrickmines, Co. Dublin’s sweet experience in a nutshell. If you have already visited, then do let me know what you discovered differently and I will add that place to my list for my next trip, because I will undoubtedly visit that place again for a different occasion, in a different season.