Balgriffin

Historically, it has remained as a lightly settled area of fields with a hamlet at a crossroads, at which now stands an 18th-century public house, some cottages, a village green and hall, and two cemeteries – the older of which is to the west, the newer, civic, one to the east.

[6] The best-known feature of the area is the early St Doulagh's Church; it is also said that magnate de Burgo (Burke) had a base close by.

Until recent years a small rural settlement, Balgriffin experienced several developments, including St. Samson's and Castlemoyne, and most notably the substantial one called Belmayne, infamous for its provocative advertising, and which remains unfinished.

[7] This development was, in February 2011, the subject of urgent fire safety works, but without the evacuation of residents experienced in nearby Priory Hall, Donaghmede.

[10] At the time of its inception, the Welsh Saint Samson made a pilgrimage to Dun Etair (Irish: Binn Éadair) (Contemporary Howth) and is said to have founded the monastery that is now St Doulagh's Church.

[14] Donaghmede Parish served Balgriffin Roman Catholic parishioners since its inception in 1974, with a Mass hall and then Holy Trinity Church.