“THERE’S NOT A lot that can’t be solved by a walk along the coast, listening to the sound of crashing waves.” Having grown up by the sea, local Lucy O’Connor champions both the proximity to the water and the close-knit community in Donabate. 

Situated a 25-minute train north from Dublin city centre, Donabate benefits from a nearly ideal location, but that’s not all it has going for it. It boasts a wide range of walking and sea swimming activities, a cute coffee shop and a beloved pub. 

You can reach Donabate by car via the M1, or take a city bus or commuter train to Donabate train station, making it attractive for those who need to commute in and out of the city. 

If you’re considering relocating to Donabate or buying a home in the area, you’ll want to know just what the town has to offer. We checked in with locals to discover what they love about the area to give you a sense of the town’s amenities. 

Where to walk, hike and swim

First up, where to explore the great outdoors, since Donabate has those options in spades.

“Tower Bay beach is definitely my favourite place as it is secluded and is an amazing place to go for a swim,” according to local Megan Hogan, who has called Donabate home for her whole life. “I love it here and it’s amazing being so close to the sea and still close to the city centre,” she said.

If you’re looking to stay dry, Hogan suggests the local cliff walk, “The cliff walk goes around the whole peninsula.” It’s easily accessed from many points around the peninsula, including the Shoreline Hotel. 

O’Connor adds two more walking areas to the local list, “For a change of scene there are great walks up Paddy’s Hill and around the forests of St Ita’s,” she said.

For families old and young, you’ll want to head over to Newbridge Farm, “It’s such a lovely park and playground and walk around the farm,” O’Connor explained. There’s a large playground available to the public, as well as walking trails, or pay into the farm itself and meet the animals inside. 

Where to eat

When it comes to food, all roads lead back to Keelings Pub, followed by a pitstop at the local ice cream shop. 

Hogan explains her weekends usually include the local carvery, “Sunday afternoon is often not complete without a trip to Keelings Pub for a carvery and then to Scrumdiddly’s.” 

O’Connor concurs, “After building up an appetite in the sea air, we love to grab a bite to eat in Keelings Pub,” she said, “The wings with hot sauce are a firm family favourite.” The O’Connor family sometimes diversifies with a takeaway from Chung’s, but they’re equally loyal to their frozen treats, “My kids might vote for Scrumdiddlys ice cream shop as their favourite eatery!

Where to stop for a coffee

Every town needs a go-to coffee shop, and Hogan offers a recommendation for one that fits the bill, “On the weekend we always stop into Triangle Coffee co for a flat white and then to Pea and Pod for some lunch.” 

But you will have your choice of coffee shop, with Cate’s Cafe and Cuppacabana also in located in the village.

Where to get your sports fix

“Of course it wouldn’t be Donabate without our GAA club St. Pats,” Hogan reminds us. You’ll want to break out the black and green, as it sounds like the whole town comes out to support the teams. 

O’Connor says her family don the black and green as well, “We are members of St. Pats GAA club, where all three of my kids play a combination of Gaelic football, hurling and camogie.” And it’s a family affair, “My husband also still plays hurling and you will often catch me on the sidelines of Ballymastone, chatting with fellow parents,” she explained, 

But St. Pats isn’t the only club in town, O’Connor explains, “If I’m not cheering on the GAA sidelines, I change my colours for soccer, shouting for Portrane Athletic.” 

If golf is your sport, you’ll be spoiled for choice with Beaverstown, Balcarrick, Corballis Links, The Island, and Donabate golf clubs all located in the area.

Even the locals are excited about seeing new faces around their town, “There is a great sense of community in Donabate and it’s great to see many new young families coming to settle in.” 

Considering making Donabate your new home? Homes at Semple Woods are coming soon – register your interest here.

At Glenveagh Homes, our vision is that everyone should have the opportunity to access great-value, high-quality homes in flourishing communities across Ireland. We understand that buying a home is possibly the biggest decision you will ever make in your life – but we want to make it your easiest. Click here to find out more about Glenveagh developments.