Rathgar

I have a place to live in Dublin. I'll live in Rathgar. The name Rathgar derives from the Irish Ráth Gharbh, meaning "Rough Ringfort". Rathgar is a well-to-do suburb of Dublin, Ireland, lying about 4 km south of the city centre. My school is on the outskirts of city centre. Basically I'll have to walk about 20-25 minutes to class each day. That's not too bad.

I found a tid-bit of information about the area online...

The housing stock largely comprises red-brick Victorian terraces. Much of the area lies within a historic conservation zone. Rathgar is largely a quiet suburb, with a higher than average number of retired citizenry. I guess I won't have to worry about loud neighbors!

I've been told that there will be shopping in the neighborhood. I don't know exactly what that means. Surely there will be a grocery store!

Rathgar has a rich history. Fine architectural features include the Presbyterian Church at the junction in the village centre and a Catholic church . The Roman Catholic Church of The Three Patrons on Rathgar Road is known as "The Servants' Church" because in the late 19th and early 20th century it was the place of worship for the large number of servants who worked and lived in the large houses in the area.

Famous people include author James Joyce, who was born in Brighton Square. Mr. Jack Lynch, who was Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland intermittently from 1966 to 1979 had his home at Garville Avenue, Rathgar. And also Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, lived in Rathgar on Orwell Park in the later part of his life.

I'll be living in a house with 3 other people who are about my age. There is another student from Purdue who I will share a bedroom with. The other two residents are strangers to me. One is a musician; the other an accountant. In Ireland this is considered apartment living. Apartments that we have here are called "flats" in Europe. It's all going to be a crazy adventure.

Keep in touch!