I lived in Donabate for about 10 months, and one thing I really loved was Newbridge House and Demesne, or The Newbridge Estate as it might also be called. This is a historic site in Donabate, and if you're coming in from Dublin by train it's only a 10 minute walk from the station to one of the side gates. The Dublin Buss 33B (from Portrane to Sword) stops by the main gate here. And if you have a car there is lots of parking.
There is over 400 acres of parkland and trails and I loved coming here and going for a walk. Of all the things I miss about living in Donabate this is at the top of the list. I'd see people walking and running on the trails here. There were often families, and some people would bring their dogs (must be on leash of course).
The Newbridge House is a Georgian style home and it's one that you can visit. They have guided tours of the house where you'll learn of of the Cobbe family that built the house and lived here until the 1980's. Apparently there was a portrait of William Shakespeare discovered at the house, but when I was visiting it wasn't on display.
Along with the house there is a working farm that is run like it would have been in the 1800's. A ticket to the farm and house is €10. The farm has several breeds of different farm animals, including some Irish specific breeds like Connemara Ponies and Kerry Cows. If you are here after the house and farm has closed for the day (but while the park is still open) walk the trail behind the house toward the farm and you'll be able to see some of the animals. If you have kids a visit to the farm only is €5.50. And there is a playground by the house for kids too
There are also Irish Red Deer in a pen on the path close to the entrance on the east side of the property. Sometimes the deer will come up close to the fence, but often they stay back. There are ten does and a buck in the pen. Don't feed the deer and be careful because they are animals and not Disney cartoon characters who will be your friends. There's often goats in this pen too.
Beside the Newbridge House is the Coach Cafe. It has coffees, teas, juices, minerals, and a variety of pastries and sandwiches to enjoy. The cafe is nice, but can get quite busy especially on weekends. I didn't have lunch here, but did enjoy a coffee and a muffin.
Anyway I loved all of my visits to the Newbridge House. I think the only downside is that it isn't open 24 hours a day (hours vary season to season), and that I'm back in Canada and can't just walk here in 10 minutes like I used to. I know one day I'll come back to Donabate and this will best the first place I visit. read more