Stepaside developed in the 18th and early 19th centuries when the adjacent medieval settlement of Kilgobbin was bypassed by a new stretch of the Enniskerry Road, was built from what is now Lamb's Cross through to Kilternan. Stepaside became a new staging post along this route, while Kilgobbin Road with its coaching inn (now Oldtown House) was no longer used by goods traffic or stagecoaches.
Stepaside is home to Kilgobbin Church, built in the 17th century. [2]
History and development
Previously a separate rural village, as of the early 21st century, Stepaside has been absorbed by the Dublin conurbation to the north and east, and has seen accompanying residential development and population growth.[4][5]
As of the 2016 census, the population of the Glencullen electoral area, which includes the villages of Stepaside, Glencullen and Kiltiernan, was 19,773 in total.
Stepaside is served by Dublin Bus routes 44, 47 and 118 and Go-Ahead Ireland 63 and 63a. The LuasGreen Line has been extended to Cherrywood and the nearest stops (Glencairn and The Gallops) are approximately 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the centre of Stepaside. Stepaside is located 13.2 kilometres / 8.2 miles from Dublin City (a 33 minute ride on the Luas).
Amenities
Parks, gardens and hiking
Dublin’s newest public park is in Stepaside – the former estate of Fernhill House, which was opened to the public in 2019.[8] It has heritage buildings, garden areas, parkland and woods, located close to Stepaside village (one entrance is opposite the Belarmine development). Ticknock Forest is also nearby, along with several hiking trails.[citation needed]
Facilities and businesses
Stepaside village has a post office and a Garda station. It also has a number of pubs and restaurants, including a chipper, pub, restaurant and wine bar. Grocery shops include a small supermarket, fishmongers and butchers. There is also a pharmacy, medical practice, some salons and a clothes shop, as well as an estate agents.[citation needed]
Schools
There are several schools in Stepaside including Educate Together primary and secondary schools, and a private secondary school for girls.[citation needed]
There are a number of golf courses, driving ranges and par 3 golf facilities in the area. These include Stepaside Golf Course,[9] Stepaside Golf Centre,[10] and pitch and putt / par-3 courses at The Burrow[11] and Jamestown.[12]
People
Former or current residents of Stepaside village have included: