Rathgar is a quiet leafy suburb of Dublin, a mere 3 km from Grafton Street. The name Rathgar derives from the Irish Ráth Garbh, meaning ‘rough ringfort’ and the area is full of history and interesting architecture.
Among many influential literary, political and business people who made their homes in Rathgar, perhaps the best known is James Joyce. He was born here, and each year in June he is celebrated in The Bloomsday Festival.
In recent times there has been a resurgence of village live with the Resident’s Association, The Rathgar Business Association, The Friends of St Luke’s, and Christ Church Rathgar developing a synergistic energy to promote community activities. For example :
- The Book Festival for Children. The first was held in October 2019 and the hope is that it will become an annual event.
- The Festival of Christmas Lights. This has been an annual event for a number of years and is proving increasingly popular.
- The Festival of Christmas Carols. This has been another annual event, formerly known as Carols for All, organised by the Rathgar and Terenure Fellowship of churches. It has been renamed this year to make it part of the calendar of Rathgar Festivals.
Welcome to Rathgar! 