Hi
I am a long term resident in Rathfarnham and know the area very well, so let me clear the air here...
1) Rathfarnham has expanded over the last 15 years, it used to stretch from Terenure right up to Lamb Doyles and the Dublin Mountains. Whitechurch is in the greater Rathfarnham area, but is referred to as Ballyboden.
2) Whitechurch is considered one of the least favourable areas of Rathfarnham to live in because it used to be council housing, however it is not a bad area.
3) The area around the village is "true Rathfarnham" and is one of the most desirable areas to live in South Dublin. (Source Gunne)