“Beautiful building sites for mansions and pretty villas” That’s what an 1862 Irish Times advertisement promised. It was about Foxrock. This affluent Dublin suburb wasn’t always the upscale haven it is today. Imagine the bustling energy of those early days. William and John Bentley and Edward and Anthony Fox had a vision. They leased lands from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and Archbishop Whately. Their goal was to transform Foxrock into a luxurious garden suburb. The Harcourt Street railway line made it all possible. It connected Dublin city within easy commuting distance. Smart move for the developers. They donated land for Foxrock railway station. It opened in 1861 boosting Foxrock’s appeal. The advertisement highlighted more than just location. It spoke of magnificent scenery green mountains and perfectly sheltered positions. Rents were moderate. Leases were for a whopping 900 years. Builders even offered discounted bricks stones lime and sand. Stage coaches and omnibuses connected Foxrock to Kingstown. A railway subscription cost just £7 annually. Foxrock market offered cheap excellent shopping.
Foxrock continued to evolve. Leopardstown Racecourse opened in 1888. It’s the only remaining horse track in the greater metropolitan area. The golf club followed in 1898. The original development’s three main roads remain Brighton Torquay and Westminster Roads. An Post’s boundaries include lands west of Clonkeen Road. Deansgrange Cemetery and Newtownpark Avenue are part of Foxrock. The N11 road cuts through. A small stream meanders through the area as well. Foxrock shares borders with Carrickmines Cornelscourt Deansgrange and Leopardstown.
Famous faces have graced Foxrock. Samuel Beckett the renowned writer was born in Cooldrinagh. Joe Dolan the singer had a home there. Even Jerry Lee Lewis the rock and roll legend lived on Westminster Road. Miriam O’Callaghan the broadcaster grew up in Foxrock. Sir Horace Plunkett’s house Kilteragh was unfortunately burned during the Irish Civil War. The musician Christopher Wolstenholme also called Foxrock home.
Today Foxrock retains its charm. It’s a leafy suburb combining period houses and modern developments. It’s a blend of history affluence and a unique village atmosphere. A testament to the vision of those early developers who transformed farmland into a desirable Dublin destination. So next time you see the sign for Foxrock remember its fascinating story a blend of ambition planning and a bit of clever marketing.