Clontarf (Cluain Tairbh "clue–en tarv")

Clontarf is steeped in history, and is less than 15 minutes drive north of Dublin city centre. The very famous Battle of Clontarf was fought here in 1014 and there is proof of settlers from the 12th Century, if not earlier. Just off the coast is Bull Island, a UNESCO Heritage site and a wild and rugged place to enjoy an afternoon away from your luxury holiday rental property.

Clontarf Castle still remains to this day, despite one of Cromwell’s men burning it down in 1641. Luckily, it was rebuilt and is the jewel in the crown of this picturesque spot. The village has no real central point; instead the main draw is the sea. There is a long promenade that runs for a considerable stretch all along the coastline.

Clontarf first became popular in the 19th Century as a holiday destination for wealthy Dublin people. Urban sprawl took over however, and by the mid 1900s Clontarf was a part of Dublin suburbia. One of the most famous residents of Clontarf was Bram Stoker, the author of “Dracula”, who was born at Number 15, The Crescent in 1847.

Why not follow in the footsteps of 19th Century holiday makers and plan to stay in Clontarf on your next Sunlight Properties self catering vacation in Dublin.

Dalkey (Deilginis “dell-gennis”)

Once the commercial port of Dublin, Dalkey is a beautiful heritage village situated 13 kilometres south of Dublin city. Nestled on the coast, it is one of the most exclusive places to live and residents include the likes of Formula One driver Eddie Irvine, film director Neil Jordan and U2's “The Edge”. Live it up like the rich and famous - click here to check out what holiday rental properties Sunlight Properties have to offer in Dalkey.

As with many towns in this area, there is a castle and heritage centre both well worth a visit. If your self catering holiday apartment is closer to the city centre, Dalkey is easily accessible, as it is conveniently served by the Dart.

There are also some lovely beaches and hill walks in this area, with stunning views back over the bay. Dalkey is definitely one of the most picturesque areas along the Dublin coast.

Dun Laoghaire (Dún Laoghaire “dune leer-ah”)

A buzzing town on Dublin Bay, and settled at the bottom of the Dublin Mountains. The town itself dates back to the early 1800s, and also went through a brief name change to “Kingstown”, after King George IV visited the new port in 1821. The harbour is one of the biggest in the country and is a celebrity in its own right, having been featured in the Liam Neeson movie “Michael Collins”. There is so much to enjoy here, with the perfect mix of water sports, restaurants, walks and shopping in this popular town. It is also the location for many events throughout the year including Summer Classical Concerts and the Christmas Festival.

Howth (Binn Éadair “bin aid-er”)

Howth is a beautiful coastal village situated 15 kilometres north of Dublin City. It is served by the Dart and is famous for its stunning headland, picture perfect views across Dublin Bay, Howth Castle and its many delicious seafood restaurants. Howth is another affluent part of Dublin and notable people who live or have lived here include actress Saoirse Ronan, Larry Mullen (U2), Dolores O'Riordan (The Cranberries) and WB Yeats, who spent some of his childhood living in Howth.

Howth is one of the best places to get out and about and see the beautiful Dublin countryside. Heather covered fields roll down to the cliffs and there are many different hiking routes, each as enjoyable as the next. Although the views are glorious here on a sunny day, it is also a beautiful place to go on a wild winter’s day! Wrap up warm and enjoy an energetic hike before making your way back to the village for a delicious seafood meal.

For an alternative way to get around during your Sunlight Properties vacation, why not book a Dublin Bay Cruise from the city or Dun Laoghaire to Howth?

Killiney (Cill Inίon Léinίn “kill in-eeon len-een”)

Another impossibly picturesque town on Dublin's coast, just south of Dalkey, Killiney is a beautiful place to base a luxury self catering holiday in Dublin. Click here to view Sunlight Properties range of holiday lets in Killiney. If you are just visiting from your city vacation property, Killiney can be easily reached on the Dart. Enjoy the panoramic views over Dublin Bay and the Sugar Loaf Mountain from the top of Killiney Hill, which rises 170 metres above sea level. Take a leisurely stroll down the magnificent beach from the pretty village. Many famous faces have made Killiney their home including Bono and Van Morrisson. Enya has also made her home here, having bought Victoria Castle and renaming it “Manderley Castle”

Malahide (Mullach Íde “mull-ach eeja”)

15 kilometres to the north of Dubin city lies Malahide, a coastal village that is also steeped in history. First known to be settled by the Vikings who used the estuary as a base, the Talbot family have been linked to Malahide since the late 1100s. They were in ownership of the entire estate up until 1975 when it was sold to the Irish state. It has recently undergone extensive refurbishment and Malahide Castle, the gardens and demesne are now open to the public. While the village is a charming place to visit, the castle is certainly a highlight of any trip to Malahide.