Geraldine Hennessy, Branch Manager, Sherry FitzGerald, Killester

There is so much to love about Clontarf and nearby Killester,  it is difficult to know where to start.  For anyone considering a move to this area there are some obvious and some hidden attractions, which are well worth investigating. 

Firstly there is no doubt that the biggest attraction for anyone living in the Dublin 3 area is the proximity to the sea.  The beautiful Clontarf promenade draws you in on a sunny or even crisp day, with the breathtaking views  – the peaceful atmosphere broken only by shrieks of joy of children on their bicycles. 

From the start of the promenade Bull Island is just an energetic 3 km stroll.  After that the wooden bridge takes you to Dollymount beach.  Here you can appreciate the scenic seaside area for its own natural beauty and enjoy a day on the beach.  There are also  panoramic views of Howth and the Dublin Mountains, the spires, towers and chimneys of the city. 

Weather permitting the beach is ideal for summer sunbathing, for picnics and barbecue parties, for walking, jogging and running.  Children can play and build sandcastles.  The island is patrolled by wardens and Dublin Corporation is at present preparing a long term plan to provide facilities or special zones for the various activities engaged in on the island.

Another amazing amenity in the area is St Anne’s Park which is a public park and recreational facility, shared between Raheny and Clontarf.  The park, is the second largest municipal park in Dublin and  is part of a former 500 acre estate assembled by members of the Guinness family. The park has a number of features, from the small Naniken River to the Duck Pond, a number of follies, a walled garden, and grand avenue, all built by the Guinness family, and from more modern times, a rockery, a famous Rose Garden and newer miniature rose garden, and Dublin’s city arboretum, with 1,000 varied trees.

21 Vernon Avenue, Clontarf. Click image for details

St Anne’s is also famous for ‘The Red Stables Food Market’ which runs every Saturday from 10am to 5pm (10am to 4pm in winter) in the Red Stables Courtyard (Rose Garden entrance). The market’s focus is on quality merchandise supplied and sold by locally based Producers, Crafts Persons and Artisans.  Stall holders for the Red Stables Food Market include bespoke foods such as hand made chocolates, artisan cheeses and preserves, organic meat, fresh baked bread, cakes and biscuits, toasted nuts and organic produce.

Other outdoor attractions in the area include Fairview Park.  The Park is noted for its seasonal bedding displays but also has playing fields, a children’s playground and tree-lined walks.

The Tolka River runs right past the park, Clontarf Road DART station is located near the park, and across the railway line there is a 400 metre athletics track.

One of the more famous residents of Dublin 3 is Bram Stoker, author of the world’s best selling novel “Dracula”.  Bram Stoker was born in Clontarf, Dublin in November 1847. Bram is commemorated by the Bram Stoker Park, a small oasis at the bottom of the Howth Road, which is an ideal location for a family picnic and a safe place for families with little children to allow them play safely on bikes or scooters.

The Yacht on Clontarf Road

Other amenities in our area include West Wood Gym on the Clontarf Road offers an enormous choice of activities for all the family. From Ireland’s first 50 meter pool to the indoor 12 meter climbing wall and running track. With 7 indoor tennis courts and ‘FitZone’, the multi-level adventure area for kids of all ages, there’s no excuse not to be active, whatever the weather.

A few of my personal favourites………

Restaurants

• Casa Pasta, 55 Clontarf Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3.  Telephone 01 833 1402  Opening hours: Sun – Wed 10am – 10.30pm, Sittings for dinner: Thurs – Sat: 5pm.  Lunch: 12:30-3pm Monday to Friday, Dinner: 5:30pm-11pm Monday to Saturday

Family friendly atmosphere with great take away /delivery service 

• Kinara, Pakistani & Eastern Cuisine, 318 Howth Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Telephone; 01  8336759.  Opening Hours: 5pm – 11pm Monday to Friday 12pm – 4pm Thursday to Sunday for Lunch. 

Very popular restaurant with great early bird 

• Bay Restaurant, 367/368  Clontarf Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Telephone 01 8532406. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am – 10pm Sunday 9.30am to 10pm. 

Lively atmosphere with a with a healthy menu guide 

• Clontarf Castle Hotel, Castle Avenue, Clontarf,Dublin 3 

Popular venue for weddings with great bars and restaurant

Pubs

• Harry Byrne’s. 107, Howth Road, Dublin 3.  Telephone; 01 833 2650
•  The Yacht, 73 Clontarf Road, Clontarf,Dublin 3.  Telephone 01  8336364