“I THINK FOR a lot of people here, Covid highlighted how brilliant it is to have the beach and be beside the sea,” says Greg Bauer, who was born and bred in the welcoming community of Donabate.
A village with its own character, history, and unique identity, Donabate prides itself on the welcoming atmosphere and stunning location right on the coast.
Located in north county Dublin, with easy access on the M1 to the centre of Dublin, the commuter-friendly Donabate also boasts a superbly located train station in the centre of the village that can take passengers to the city centre or north to Drogheda.
The village is also served by a number of bus routes that make nearby towns such as Malahide and Swords accessible, as well as being one stop by train from a DART station.
Whilst the transport to other towns is useful, Greg enjoys staying in Donabate and enjoying the proximity of various amenities too. “Everywhere is so close compared to other towns in the area. It’s so easy to walk to the schools, or the train station, or the gym.”
If you’re curious to learn more about Donabate, or indeed have an interest in settling in the town, we’ve talked to some locals about what makes the community special.
With the rugged coastal landscape as the background to the town, it’s no surprise that many of those living in the vicinity highlight the beaches at their disposal.
“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.
Afraid of the cold water? Fear not, as the local cliff walk is another way to enjoy the coast. The walk goes around the whole peninsula and is easily accessed from many points around the peninsula, including the Shoreline Hotel.
The Shoreline Hotel is the home of a fantastic coffee spot, serving several baked goodies and great coffee from a small horse box out the front. If you’re visiting the beach, it’s the perfect place to begin, says Greg, who also commented on the crowds visiting the beach every weekend.
“Since Covid, I think a lot of people are using the facilities in Donabate and maximising them. Before, people wouldn’t go down to the beach for swimming or walking, whereas now, every Saturday and Sunday it’s packed, and it creates such a good atmosphere around the place when you go down.”
No matter the weather, many locals enjoy a visit to the village’s ice-cream parlour, Scrumdiddlys, before enjoying a stroll around the coast or a visit to Newbridge Farm, which is a fantastic park with a playground for the smaller ones. You can also pay into the farm to visit the animals.
With a population that is growing year-by-year, the village is reaping the benefits of a newly-installed road that eases congestion worries. Speaking on the convenience of it, Greg said, “The new road has given more access routes. Now if you’re driving down to St. Pat’s GAA club, you don’t have to go the Old Turvey Road way or through the town centre, you can go down the new road and bypass the town centre completely.”
Locals definitely enjoy the ease-of-access to the GAA club, which is a major focal point in the town. Reflecting the growth of Donabate itself, the club is going from strength to strength at both underage and adult level with Greg adding “St. Patrick’s is growing so much in terms of the sheer numbers, the number of underage teams coming through the whole time.” Highlighting this, the club recently won the ‘Juvenile Club Of The Year’ award from Friends of Dublin Hurling.
Local football team St. Ita’s are also a part of the fabric of the community, with teams for adults and children. The astroturf located outside Donabate’s community centre is used frequently by all the local sports clubs. “The local teams can train throughout the year, so St. Patrick’s the GAA team and St. Ita’s the football team have an astro now,“ says Greg.
For those into fitness more generally, the local gym in the community and leisure centre has a large membership, and is excellently located in the village. “In the scout den they’ve recently set up a kickboxing club, Bridge Combat Fitness, and it’s gotten really popular,” adds Greg.
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.
When it comes to food in Donabate, the locals rave about firm favourite Keelings Pub, alongside several takeaways, including Chinese, Indian, pizza, and a chipper.
Megan 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.”
Another resident Lucy 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!”
With a friendly community, and plenty of activities to enjoy, Donabate is ideally suited for those looking for a place to call home.
Considering making Donabate your new home? Homes at Semple Woods are coming soon – register your interest here.
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