Centuries ago a significant gathering took place on a hill near Ratoath Parish. Legend says Malachy the first High King of all Ireland held a convention there. Ratoath Parish boasts a rich history. Its name’s origin is uncertain. Some believe it derives from Rath meaning ringfort and Tuath meaning territory. Others suggest alternative Irish forms like Rath-Thog or Rath-Tabachta.
The parish’s history is intertwined with the changing fortunes of Ireland. Ratoath was once a parliamentary borough. It even sent members to the Irish parliament before the Union. The area held considerable importance. It housed a significant abbey dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. The village itself though once a thriving center now retains little of that past grandeur.
In 1392 Walter Kerdiff a resident of Ratoath sued Sir Walter Cusack for debt. This reveals a glimpse into the daily lives of the people living in Ratoath Parish centuries ago. The area’s prosperity continued to fluctuate. In 1468 a royal grant bestowed the manor of Ratoath upon Sir Robert Bold later Baron Ratoath. This act cemented Ratoath’s standing within the Irish hierarchy. The spelling of the name itself has shifted over time. It was once spelt Rathontoath reflecting the evolution of language over the centuries.
The population of Ratoath Parish has experienced dramatic growth. Between 1996 and 2022 it increased tenfold. This is largely attributed to its proximity to Dublin and the resulting surge in commuters seeking housing outside the capital. In the 2016 census most houses in Ratoath were constructed between 1991 and 2010. This explosive growth dramatically altered the landscape and character of Ratoath Parish. The area’s demographics are fascinating. Over three quarters of Ratoath’s workforce commutes to Dublin. The number of non-Irish nationals is significant though lower than the national average.
Ratoath Parish is more than just numbers. It is a community with thriving schools including two primary schools and Ratoath College founded in 2005. Initially housed at Fairyhouse Racecourse the college moved to its permanent location in Jamestown. Sport also plays a prominent role in the life of Ratoath Parish. The nearby Fairyhouse Racecourse holds the Irish Grand National. Ratoath GAA has a proud history. In 2016 they reached a Leinster final for the first time. Their success in the Meath Senior Football Championship is equally noteworthy with three wins between 2019 and 2022. Ratoath’s story is one of continuous change. It retains traces of its medieval past yet embraces its present-day growth. The blend of history and modern life makes Ratoath Parish a unique and intriguing place to discover.