How about a journey back to 1901? Our focus is Clontarf West ED 1901. This place was once an electoral division. It resided within the civil parish of Clontarf. The barony of Coolock encompassed it all. Dublin County held it within its borders.
Clontarf West meant “meadow of bulls” in Irish. Cluain Tarbh Thiar is its Irish name. It’s a place marked by history.
Imagine Dublin in 1901. The echoes of Brian Boru’s victory still resonated. The Battle of Clontarf shaped this area. It marked the end of the Irish Viking Wars.
The Normans arrived later. Adam de Pheypo built the first Clontarf Castle.
Clontarf West is located at 53° 21′ 58″ N, 6° 13′ 21″ W. The townland covers a certain area. It ranks as the 48013th largest nationwide. Within Dublin, it’s the 648th largest.
In 1649 Oliver Cromwell gave Clontarf to John Blackwell. John Vernon later took possession. The Vernon family occupied Clontarf Castle for nearly 350 years.
Back then fishing and farming were main occupations. The fish-curing industry thrived at the Sheds. It was near Vernon Avenue.
Around the early 19th century Dubliners visited Clontarf for holidays. They enjoyed sea bathing and seawater baths. Clontarf became a fashionable place.
Daniel O’Connell sought to hold a meeting here. It was symbolic because of the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The meeting was banned. O’Connell called it off to avoid bloodshed.
Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness acquired land. He formed St. Anne’s Estate. It later became Saint Anne’s Park.
Clontarf’s seafront is its most notable amenity. The promenade stretches from Alfie Byrne Road to Dollymount. It is 4.5 km long. Shelters and lifeguard stations lined the promenade.
A replica Easter Island Moai statue stands near The Sheds pub. It was a gift from Chile.
Clontarf also has a seawater swimming pool. It closed in 1996 but later reopened with a restaurant and bar.
Saint Anne’s Park offers walks and sporting facilities. The Red Stables hosts an arts center, coffee shop and markets. The park also boasts a large rose garden.
Clontarf has access to North Bull Island and Dollymount Strand. The island is a haven for wildlife and birdwatchers.
Many businesses operate in Clontarf. They are members of the local Chamber of Commerce.
Clontarf West ED 1901 was added to OpenStreetMap. Brianh made the addition on 29 Aug 2015.
Clontarf has a rich history. It has evolved from a Viking battleground. It transformed into a fashionable suburb. Today Clontarf is a vibrant part of Dublin.