The greater part of the area lies north of the M50 semi-orbital motorway, with some remote parts merging into the mountainous districts of Tibradden and Kilmashogue south of the road, all at the foot of the Dublin mountains.

[1] The name of the area is derived its name from a small white church in Kilmashogue, built near an ancient cairn (which is a protected monument).

[citation needed] The Catholic order, the Augustinian Fathers, have had a presence in the area for many years.

[citation needed] A Carnegie library was built in Whitechurch in 1911 and remains in operation.

Firstly, there is St. Columba's College, a private mostly boarding secondary school.