Finglas

Finglas
source
Name	Finglas
Coordinates	53.3833, -6.2833
Population total	31841

Finglas is a suburb of Dublin located in the Republic of Ireland, near the River Tolka and the M50 motorway. It is situated close to the Phoenix Park, one of Europe's largest urban parks, and the National Aquatic Centre. Finglas is also near the Blanchardstown and Tallaght suburbs, and is part of the Dublin 11 postal district, which includes the nearby areas of Ballymun and Glasnevin. The suburb is home to several notable landmarks, including the Finglas Village and the Charlestown Shopping Centre, which is also close to the St. Helena's Park.

Geography

Finglas is situated in the northwest of Dublin City, near the County Dublin border with County Meath. The suburb is bounded by the M50 motorway to the west, the River Tolka to the east, and the Phoenix Park to the south. Finglas is also close to the Hill of Tara, a historic site located in County Meath, and the Boyne Valley, a region known for its natural beauty and historic significance. The suburb's geography is characterized by its proximity to the Dublin Mountains and the Wicklow Mountains, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism. Finglas is also near the Grand Canal, a major waterway that connects Dublin to the Shannon River and the River Liffey.

History

The history of Finglas dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a small settlement located near the River Tolka. The suburb was an important center for the Vikings, who established a settlement in the area in the 9th century. Finglas was also a significant location during the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century, when it was granted to the Archbishop of Dublin by King Henry II of England. The suburb is also close to the Battle of the Boyne site, a historic battlefield located in County Meath, and the Hill of Tara, a ancient seat of the High King of Ireland. Finglas has also been associated with several notable figures, including Jonathan Swift, who was born in Dublin and lived in the nearby Glasnevin area, and Wolfe Tone, a leader of the United Irishmen who was born in Dublin and is buried in Bodenstown.

Demographics

According to the Central Statistics Office Ireland, the population of Finglas is approximately 31,841 people, with a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The suburb is home to a significant number of Irish people, as well as people from other European Union countries, such as Poland and Lithuania. Finglas is also a popular destination for international students, who attend institutions such as Dublin City University and University College Dublin. The suburb has a strong sense of community, with several local organizations and events, including the Finglas Festival and the Dublin 11 Community Council. Finglas is also close to the Rotunda Hospital, one of Ireland's largest maternity hospitals, and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, a major teaching hospital located in Dublin.

Economy

The economy of Finglas is diverse, with a range of industries and businesses, including retail, manufacturing, and services. The suburb is home to several major employers, including the Charlestown Shopping Centre and the Finglas Business Park. Finglas is also close to the Dublin Airport, one of Europe's busiest airports, and the Port of Dublin, a major shipping hub. The suburb has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with several small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups based in the area. Finglas is also part of the Dublin Region, which is home to several major multinational corporations, including Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. The suburb is also near the International Financial Services Centre, a major financial hub located in Dublin.

Education

Finglas is served by several educational institutions, including St. Kevin's College, Finglas Secondary School, and the Dublin Institute of Technology. The suburb is also close to several major universities, including Dublin City University, University College Dublin, and Trinity College Dublin. Finglas has a strong focus on education, with several local initiatives and programs aimed at promoting literacy, numeracy, and lifelong learning. The suburb is also home to several libraries, including the Finglas Library and the Charlestown Library. Finglas is also near the National College of Art and Design, a major art and design institution located in Dublin, and the Royal Irish Academy of Music, a prestigious music conservatory.

Transport

Finglas is well-connected to the rest of Dublin and the surrounding region, with several major transport routes and hubs. The suburb is served by several bus routes, including the Dublin Bus and the Bus Éireann networks. Finglas is also close to the M50 motorway, which connects Dublin to the rest of Ireland and Europe. The suburb is also near the Dublin Airport, which offers flights to destinations across Europe and beyond. Finglas is also served by the Irish Rail network, with several nearby train stations, including the Ashtown railway station and the Navan Road Parkway railway station. The suburb is also close to the Grand Canal, which offers opportunities for cycling and walking along the Grand Canal Way. Finglas is also near the Port Tunnel, a major transport hub that connects Dublin to the Port of Dublin and the M50 motorway.