The name Stillorgan is thought to have come from an old Irish Chieftain named Lorcan, Tigh Lorcain meaning house of Lorcan in Irish.
Attractions And Things To Do
Stillorgan Obelisk
This 100-foot structure made of granite was built in 1727. Obelisks are normally erected for religious or commeretative reasons but were also used in the past as a landmark. Lord Allen, who owned the house and grounds where the Obelisk was erected commissioned the Stillorgan Obelisk. It is thought that Lord Allen instigated the building of the obelisk to provide employment locally during the famine years. For the romantics it has also been said that he had the Obelisk erected in honour of his wife Lady Allen.
Edward Lovett Pearce, whose inspiration came from the Bernini Obelisk in Rome, designed the Stillorgan Obelisk. He was a very well known Irish Architect and became famously known as the Father of Irish Palladian Architecture and Georgian Dublin. He was also the architect for the Irish House of Commons.
There’s a large vault in the base of the Obelisk with a staircase rising to a viewing platform. Unfortunately the surrounding gardens no longer exist having made way for the development and growth of Stillorgan Village.
Local folklore has it that Joshua Allen, the second Viscount of Stillorgan, had his most favoured horse buried beneath it.
Bowling/Cinema
The first ever-bowling centre in Ireland is located in the Leisurplex on the Stillorgan Road. The First AMF World Cup was held here with the Irish Open being hosted here annually in January. This is guaranteed to be a great family day out with the ten-pin bowling lanes set up for all levels of bowler, there are kiddie ramps and ball walls on every lane. Other activities you can have a go at are qzar, snooker, pool, Children’s Zoo Adventure and there’s also a diner situated within the complex.
A short distance from the Leisureplex is the Ormonde Cinema; this is a 7-screen cinema complex with state of the art lighting and sound. There are kids clubs at the weekend along with an up to date listing of films to go and see in comfort, 7 days a week.
Eat & Drink
You’ll not be short of good value for money restaurants in the Stillorgan area. It’s well known for providing a variety of eating establishments with many choices available.
Baufield Mews Restaurant is situated on Woodlands Avenue, a short distance from Stillorgan Shopping Centre. This restaurant is one of Dublin’s oldest and you are sure to enjoy good quality food in spectacular surroundings.
You will be met with an aroma from the fresh herb garden that will have your mouth watering to taste from the variety of menus available. Be sure to browse through the restaurants 3 course “it’s a steal ” menu offering choices such as Country Lamb Sausage with Double Red Onion Marmalade and Red Wine Jus followed by White Chocolate and Coffee Mousse with Earl Grey Anglaise. The surroundings of the restaurant are just as impressive as the interior with an 18th century courtyard and a mature rose garden.
Another very popular place to eat is Pings Chinese Restaurant situated on the Grove just off the Stillorgan Road.
The Orchard Bar is a very popular drinking establishment in Dublin, both with the locals and visitors to the area. This traditional thatched building has a fresh modern interior comprising of two separate bars and a caf’ bar. The smaller bar has managed to retain the feel of an old traditional Irish Inn, with the second bar being more modern in appearance. The Caf’ Bar is modern and well lit with its dining area ideally situated overlooking the pretty patio garden.
Boland’s pub is a must, it is the oldest pub in Stillorgan and if the walls could talk, there would be many interesting stories told. Boland’s was a popular drinking spot for many Irish writers and entertained clients such as Brian O Nuallain and Maurice Walsh. Boland’s is well renowned for serving a ‘decent’ pint of Guinness.
Getting There
By car: The N11 leads south out of the city and through Stillorgan.
By bus: Dublin Bus operates a number of routes that will take you to Stillorgan, buses to take include the 10a, 11, 115, 117, 118, 11a, 46a, 46c, 46e, 47, 63, 746, 75, 7b, 84 and 84x.
Check out the Dublin Bus website for up to date timetables, etc.
By Luas: The Green Line Luas stop is located next to the reservoir and Sandyford Industrial Estate.
