Finglas

History

The name Finglas (Irish: Fionnghlas), meaning a clear streamlet, is derived from the Finglas River, a stream which flows through the village and joins the Tolka at Finglas Bridge.

Early history

Finglas was originally the site of an Early Christian abbey, the origin of which has been associated, from early times, with the name of St. Cainnech, or Canice, the patron of Kilkenny, said to have founded it in 560 A.D. The Nethercross from the first abbey can be seen today in the old graveyard. Several primary schools and churches in the area have been named after Canice. According to an ancient legend, the ground on which Finglas stands had been sanctified by St. Patrick, who is said to have uttered from it a prophecy that a great town would arise at the ford of hurdles in the vale beneath. St. Canice is said to have been born at Glengiven near Derry. The Finglas or Finglass family, prominent in law and politics in the sixteenth century, took their name from the district.

Finglas is a civil parish in the barony of Castleknock.

Following the Battle of the Boyne in the 17th century, Finglas was used as a camp for four days by William of Orange en route to Dublin city. While there he issued the Declaration of Finglas, offering a pardon for many of James II's defeated supporters.

20th century onwards

In 1932, Ireland's first commercial airport was set up at Kildonan in Finglas. It was the site for the first Irish commercial aircraft, a Desoutter Mark II aircraft "EI-AAD", and the first commercial air taxi service, the Iona National Air Taxis and Flying School.

In the 1950s Finglas was developed with extensive housing estates, to re-house many north inner-city Dublin residents. Many of these housing estates particularly in Finglas West were named after prominent Irish republicans from early 20th century Irish history including Barry, Casement, Plunkett, Mellows, McKee, Clune and Clancy.

Amenities

In the village centre are a range of shops, including one of the first-established Superquinn stores (since rebranded as SuperValu), banking facilities, pubs and restaurants. To the north are several light industrial estates.

Finglas is home to one of Dublin's four Road Safety Authority Driving Testing Centres, which is located in Jamestown Business Park.

Finglas is home to two shopping centres, Charlestown Shopping Centre and Clearwater Shopping Centre, whose anchor tenants are Dunnes Stores and Tesco respectively.

Sports

The Rugby Union club Unidare RFC and the GAA club Erins Isle are based in the area. Soccer clubs include Tolka Rovers F.C., Valley Park United, WFTA Football Club, Willows FC and Finglas Celtic FC. Beneavin F.C.

Politics

Finglas is part of the Dublin North-West constituency for elections to Dáil Éireann. For local elections Finglas is split with the west and south in Cabra-Finglas and the east in Ballymun local electoral areas of Dublin City Council.

Education

There are upwards of 15 primary and national schools in the Finglas area, and approximately 8 secondary schools. for example Beneavin De La Salle College Coláiste Íde is in Finglas West and offers third level courses.

Transport

Finglas is served by a number of Dublin Bus routes. These include the 17A, 9, 40/D, 83/A,140 & 220 (Route 240 which ran for less than a year in 2009 was recently abolished for its under use in the community. Instead Dublin Bus decided to extend some of the 40B journeys to Toberburr where the 240 began its journey). It is also served by the 88n Nitelink service. Two Bus Éireann routes also serve Finglas, passing along the main Finglas Road, including the 103 from Duleek/Kilmoon Cross/Ashbourne to the city centre (Beresford place,O'Connell street) and is extended at peak times to Saint Stephens Green and University College Dublin (UCD)

People

Finglas has been the home of a number of public figures including:

Town partnerships