The dizzying heights of this laid-back, maritime village provide exquisite views of the sea and Dublin Bay, and from some vantage points, across to Dalkey and the Wicklow mountains. Prices here range from former local authority cottages in village at around £120,000 to three-bed semis for £200,000plus up to fine homes with sea views from £1 million-plus.
Drive time
City Centre:
60 mins. Off-peak :
Roadworks: Clontarf Road, near Fairview.
Traffic lights and roundabouts: 25.
White-knuckle factor
Tailbacks at Clontarf, exacerbated by the new bus lanes in Fairview and North Strand, have brought traffic to a crawl. The "shortcut" through the Alfie Byrne road, which cuts across toward the East Link toll bridge, is just as slow-moving.
DART/bus
DART service begins at Howth and takes 25 minutes to the city centre. Free parking spaces are especially abundant around the harbour. Two bus routes, the 31 and 31B, take 40 minutes to town.
Lucan
One of Dublin's fastest growing suburbs, with easy motorway access and next to Ireland's latest shopping mall, Liffey Valley. New three-bedroom semis cost from around £115,000, while almost new homes can be had from around £105,000 in large settled estates.
Drive time
City centre:
60-80 mins. Off-peak: 20-30 mins.
Roadworks: None at present. Traffic lights and roundabouts: 12.
White-knuckle factor
Heavy congestion from the Hermitage Golf Club to the motorway is the norm.
Train/bus
Nearest train station is at Leixlip, taking 35 minutes to get to Connolly. Five bus routes: 25, 66, 66A, 67, 67A. Journey time: 50-60 minutes to Middle Abbey Street.
