It comprised the polling districts of Stepaside, Rathfarnham, Tallaght, Rathcoole, Blanchardstown, Lucan, Kilmainham, Drumcondra, Coolock, Howth, Swords, Naul, Balbriggan, Skerries, Lusk, Rush, Malahide, and Clontarf.
In 1900, the boundaries of the city of Dublin were extended to include areas such as Kilmainham and Clontarf.
Under the Redistribution of Seats (Ireland) Act 1918, the parliamentary representation of the administrative county was increased from two to four divisions.
South Dublin was extended to the west, with the creation of two new divisions of Pembroke and Rathmines.
Under the Government of Ireland Act 1920, the area was combined with the Pembroke, Rathmines and South Dublin Divisions to form Dublin County, a 6-seat constituency for the Southern Ireland House of Commons and a two-seat constituency at Westminster.