Why the name Blackrock? There seems to be some debate about the name but the most convincing argument is that the name comes from an outcrop of limestone rock on the coast, which turned black when wet from the tide.

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Blackrock is very much a nineteenth century creation as we know it today. The oldest buildings in the village, both dating from the early eighteenth century are the old Garda Station and the “old house” next door, which forms part of Blackrock Market.

Eighteenth century Blackrock was dominated by the local estates. Mount Merrion Avenue was originally the driveway to Lord Fitzwilliam’s house overlooking Dublin Bay.

Blackrock was also dominated by its attractions as a bathing place and as a healthy resort for wealthy Dublin residents who wished to enjoy the fresh sea air as an antidote to the stench of the city. They built villas to which they retired for the summer months, the most famous being Frascati, which was demolished to make way for the shopping centre of the same name.

The opening of the Dublin to Kingstown railway in 1834 meant that Blackrock became easily accessible from the city and the pace of development quickened. Houses started to be built without stables – evidence that the railway really did revolutionise the lifestyle of the middle classes of the day.

Some interesting landmarks in the area are:

• The Radisson Hotel – originally built for Thomas Cooley MP in 1754. Church of the Assumption on Booterstown Avenue was built in the 1820’s, mainly funded by the Earl Fitzwilliam of Mount Merrion. Because Catholic Emancipation was still some way off, its façade did not face on to the road.
• Willow Park - a fine 18th century house, was bought by the Holy Ghost Order of Blackrock College from the Bewley Family in the 1920’s and converted into a preparatory school. The gates come from the original avenue to Lord Fitzwilliam’s house at Mount Merrion.
• Despite the fact that today Blackrock attracts many shoppers to its two centres, it still retains its friendly village atmosphere and its main street has changed little over the past century.