Clonsilla

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Clonsilla (Irish: Cluain Saileach, meaning “meadow of the willow”) is a northwestern suburb of Dublin in Fingal. It is also a civil parish in the Castleknock area. Once a village, Clonsilla is now a large residential area between Blanchardstown and Castleknock.

Historically, Clonsilla was known for horse studs, including the Ongar stud owned by Prince Aly Khan and Rita Hayworth. From the 1990s to the 2000s, many new housing estates were built, increasing the population.

Key sights include Luttrellstown Castle, a 15th‑century castle now a hotel and golf course. Nearby Beechpark House on 22.7 acres was bought in 2025 for €4.32 million. Beech Park is a public park opened in 2009, with the Shackleton Gardens, a walled garden once owned by explorer Ernest Shackleton.

The Royal Canal and a railway line pass through Clonsilla. A canal accident in November 1845 near Clonsilla resulted in 15 deaths. Clonsilla railway station is an interchange for Dublin–Maynooth and M3 Parkway services; Hansfield station serves nearby Ongar and Hansfield. The area is close to the N3/M3 road network.

Education and community: Clonsilla has several national schools, including St Mochta’s, St Patrick’s, St Philip’s, St Ciaran’s (Hartstown), and Scoil Choilm Community School (Porterstown). Secondary schools in the area include Hartstown Community School, Castleknock Community College, Coolmine Community School, Luttrellstown Community College, and Castleknock College. There is also an EducateTogether primary and secondary school in Hansfield.

Religious life: Porterstown–Clonsilla is a parish in the Blanchardstown deanery of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin, with St Mochta’s Church in Porterstown. In the Church of Ireland, the area is part of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla. There is a Latter-day Saints meeting house in Clonsilla.

Transport and sport: Clonsilla sits near the N3/M3 roads. Dublin Bus routes 39, 39a, and L52 serve the area. Local sports clubs include St. Peregrines GAA, Castleknock Hurling and Football Club, Westmanstown Gaels GAA, and St. Mochta’s F.C. at Porterstown Road. A karate club meets in the Clonsilla hall.