The R820 road is a regional road in County Dublin, Ireland, which forms a significant part of the outer orbital route for Dublin City Centre. It primarily serves the southern suburbs of Dublin, connecting various residential and commercial areas and providing vital links between several major radial routes that lead into the city centre.
Route Description: The R820 typically commences in the coastal suburb of Blackrock, County Dublin, often at a junction with the N31 road (Blackrock Bypass). From Blackrock, it follows a generally north-westerly and then westerly course, traversing through a series of densely populated suburban districts.
Key areas and junctions along its route include:
- Blackrock: The road's eastern starting point, often connecting with the N31 and other local roads.
- Stillorgan: It passes through Stillorgan, a major commercial and residential area, where it has a significant intersection with the N11 road (Stillorgan Road/Donnybrook Dual Carriageway), a primary national route.
- Dundrum: The R820 continues towards Dundrum, a prominent commercial and retail hub known for Dundrum Town Centre.
- Goatstown: It connects through Goatstown, a residential area.
- Clonskeagh: The road traverses Clonskeagh, providing access to areas around University College Dublin (UCD) and intersecting with roads like the R117 road (Milltown Road).
- Milltown: In some sections, the R820 is known locally as Milltown Road, passing through this inner suburb.
- Ranelagh: It proceeds towards Ranelagh, a popular residential and cultural area.
- Donnybrook: The route then extends towards Donnybrook.
- Ballsbridge/Merrion: The R820's western/northern extent can vary in description, but it typically concludes by connecting back towards the N11 or other regional roads in the Ballsbridge or Merrion areas, effectively completing a partial loop around the south side of the city.
Purpose and Significance: As an outer orbital route, the R820 plays a crucial role in distributing traffic around the southern side of Dublin, enabling motorists to bypass the congested city centre when travelling between the southern and western suburbs. It facilitates local journeys, provides access to numerous residential areas, and connects to key amenities such as shopping centres, universities, and hospitals. Its intersections with the N11 and various other regional roads make it an integral component of Dublin's extensive urban road network.