Places of Interest
Site of The Battle of Clontarf
The famous Battle of Clontarf took place on Good Friday, 1014. It was at Clontarf Strand where the Vikings beached their boats and invaded, only to be defeated by Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland and his army.After their victory, Brian Boru was killed by a group of Vikings who came across him as he was praying in his tent, close to where the Clontarf Castle stands today. Brian Boru’s Well, located on Castle Avenue, was later erected to mark this historic event in Clontarf.
The Birthplace of Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker, author of the world famous novel, “Dracula” was born in Clontarf in November 1847. This Gothic Horror novel was only outsold by the Bible and has been hugely successful in theatre and cinema productions to date. Stoker died in April 1912, after a successful life as novelist and columnist for newspapers such as the Dublin Daily Mail. The Bram Stoker Park commemorates him, at his ancestral home at number 15 The Crescent, in close proximity to Clontarf Castle Hotel.The newly opened ‘Bram Stoker Dracula Experience’ is located only a short distance from Clontarf Castle and offers visitors the chance to experience an epic spine-chilling tour through the story of ‘Dracula’ and also gives an insight into the life and many achievements of Bram Stokers.
The Bull Island Bird Sanctuary and Nature Reserve
The North Bull Island is located at the opposite end of Clontarf, via a scenic route along the Clontarf Promenade and Dollymount Strand. Declared a National Nature Reserve in 1988, it supports a wide variety of wading birds including terns, curlews, herring gulls and wintering Brent Geese.In 1986, the Bull Island Interpretative Centre was opened to the public to allow visitors to learn more about the natural inhabitants of the area and today the Bull Island is a tranquil escape for bird watchers and naturists alike.
St. Anne’s Park and Rose Gardens
Dublin’s second largest park is located within walking distance of Clontarf Castle Hotel and stretches across neighbouring suburb, Raheny. Within the park one can find sports pitches, pitch & putt facilities and the very impressive rose gardens. This is just one of the places around Clontarf Castle Hotel that is ideal for taking a leisurely stroll while staying in the hotel.
