Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes is the perfect Dublin base, offering easy access to Dublin City and County, and the wonders of Wicklow. If you are not heading into the City, here are some places to visit along the Coast and within a short day trip…
Bulloch Harbour and Coliemore Harbour
There are several small harbours on the coast of Dalkey, near to Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes. Bulloch Harbour is the biggest; it is towards the northern part of Dalkey at Harbour Road and is a declared seal sanctuary. It is still a working harbour with boats that fish for lobster and crab. It is also used by locals and tourists who hire boats for nearby fishing, sightseeing and for getting to Dalkey Island. Coliemore Harbour is much smaller but very picturesque and is in the southern part of Dalkey at Coliemore Road. It is hard to believe that Coliemore was the main port for Dublin between the 14th and 17th centuries during times when the River Liffey silted up.
Dún Laoghaire by the Sea
Brightly painted villas, palm trees and townland parks greet visitors to Dún Laoghaire, the elegant port town just 5km from Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes (a 10 minute drive). It has been popular with holiday makers since Victorian times. Visit and breathe in the sea air and watch the world go by as you stroll along Dún Laoghaire’s mile-long East Pier Walk. You’ll pass the beautiful Victorian bandstand as fishing boats and yachts sail quietly in and out of the harbour.
While there, visit the National Maritime Museum of Ireland which houses an amazing wealth of Ireland’s maritime history, all housed a converted cathedral. You can also visit the James Joyce Tower and Museum – famous for its appearance in the opening scenes of the novel Ulysses – it offers wonderful panoramic views Dublin Bay. If you fancy a swim, head to the ’40 Foot’ – a scenic Dublin swimming area where locals have enjoyed a dip in the ocean for over 250 years. On Christmas Day each year swimmers brave the chilly waters, with television cameras there to witness their bravery!
Visit Howth – by Dart Railway
Howth in Dublin is a beautiful fishing village that can be easily reached via the DART Rail system. There is a DART station at Dalkey just 5 minutes away from the Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes by car. Howth has got great walks and lots of restaurants and cafes. Many of the restaurants along the seafront serve up the catch of the day fresh off the Howth Head boats. Howth Market is home to an array of Irish crafts, delicate handmade jewellery, and vintage antiques; perfect for gift shopping. Less than a ten-minute walk from the market, you’ll find Howth Castle and Grounds. Immerse yourself in history and take in the beautiful surrounding gardens
Visit Malahide – by Dart Railway
Malahide in Dublin is a beautiful seaside village with traditional shop fronts, colourful hanging flower baskets, and a gorgeous view of Dublin Bay. It can be easily reached via the DART Rail system and there is a DART station at Dalkey just 5 minutes away from the Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes by car. The jewel in Malahide’s crown is its spectacular Malahide Castle; one of Ireland’s oldest castles. Tours regularly run inside, revealing what life was like for the Talbot family who lived there for almost 800 years. Visit the medieval castle, stroll to the marina and down to the beach, before discovering the town’s charming cafés and chic boutiques.
Powerscourt Estate (and Waterfall), Co. Wicklow
A special day out is a visit to the majestic Powerscourt Estate, in Co. Wicklow, voted the #3 gardens in the World by National Geographic.
Set in the wild Wicklow countrywide, overlooking the Sugarloaf Mountain, Powerscourt is just 18km from Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes. The Gardens stretch over 47 acres and offer visitors a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statues and ornamental lakes, secret hollows and rambling walks. Experience 300 years of garden design and development including the walled gardens, the Italian garden, the dolphin pond and the among other features and attractions. The Palladian Mansion at Powerscourt is home to the best in Irish design, and features craft and interior shops. The Terrace Café offers excellent cuisine. You should also stop off at Powerscourt Waterfall. It is Ireland’s highest at 121m (398ft.) and is 6km from the Main Estate. It’s spectacular.
The National Sea Life Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow
The National SEA LIFE Centre on the seafront in Bray is a perfect family fun day out. It’s just a 20 minute drive from Fitzpatrick Castle Holiday Homes. An aquatic Zoo with over 30 displays which are home to over 1,000 creatures including Black Tip Reef Sharks, octopus, seahorses, stingrays and Red-Bellied Piranha. Dive in and be wowed by the many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep as you journey through the amazing underwater world of SEA LIFE, Bray. Prepare for close-up views of everything from humble starfish to tropical sharks, all in displays which recreate their natural habitats.