Houses for Sale in Clontarf: Prices, Areas & Lifestyle Guide

Clontarf has a way of drawing people in. With its Victorian terraces overlooking Dublin Bay and the DART running just minutes from the seafront, it’s no surprise this Dublin 3 suburb is one of the most sought-after coastal addresses in the capital.

Current median asking price (Clontarf): €1,200,000 (approx.) ·
Properties currently listed: 53 on Daft.ie (May 2025) ·
Most expensive current listing: €2,950,000 (Bedford Lodge) ·
Typical property size range: 69–226 m² (2–5 beds) ·
Population (Clontarf electoral area): ~30,000

The pattern: Five key facts converge into one — Clontarf’s property market is defined by scarcity of supply, coastal desirability, and a buyer pool that includes both upsizing families and high‑net‑worth professionals.

Is Clontarf a wealthy area?

By almost any measure Clontarf is one of Dublin’s more expensive residential districts. House prices consistently run well above the Dublin average, and the concentration of professionals in finance, law and technology pushes local earnings higher than most other postal districts.

What is the average income in Clontarf vs. Dublin?

• While ward‑level median income is not publicly available, CSO data for the broader Dublin 3 area shows median household income around €55,000–€65,000 (2022 census). Clontarf’s coastal ward is estimated to be higher, consistent with its house‑price premium.
• By comparison, the national median household income was roughly €46,000 in 2022 (CSO – Ireland’s national statistics office).

How does property value reflect wealth?

Asking prices in Clontarf start at about €475,000 for a two‑bed apartment and climb quickly past €2 million for detached family homes on the coast road. The gap between Clontarf and the Dublin average (€450,000–€500,000 for a house) is a direct reflection of the area’s income profile and desirability. A property like 206 Clontarf Road listed by DNG Estate Agents at an estimated stamp duty of €29,000 underscores the high transaction costs buyers face.

The pattern: buyers pay a wealth premium now for a location that historically retains value better than most Irish suburbs.

Is Clontarf, Dublin a good place to live?

Most residents and agents would say yes — the suburb offers a rare blend of seaside living, strong community, and excellent city access. It consistently ranks among Dublin’s most desirable residential areas.

What are the schools and amenities like?

• Primary schools: Belgrove Boys’ and Girls’ schools, St. John’s Primary, and St. Paul’s College (secondary) are all well‑regarded.
• Parks: St. Anne’s Park (over 240 acres) is a five‑minute drive, and the Clontarf Promenade offers a scenic walk along the bay.
• Sports: Clontarf Golf Club, Clontarf Lawn Tennis Club, and sailing at the nearby Royal Dublin Yacht Club.

How is transport connectivity?

• DART: Clontarf Road station to Pearse Street in about 15 minutes.
• Bus: Dublin Bus routes 29, 31, 32, 42, and 130 run frequently along the coast road.
• Cycling: The Clontarf to City Centre cycle route (part of the Sutton–Sandymount greenway) is largely off‑road.

The implication: Clontarf’s liveability scores high on all three axes — education, recreation, and commute — which underpins the price premium.

What is the most expensive house sold in Clontarf?

Among current listings, the most expensive is Bedford Lodge on Mount Prospect Avenue, a detached residence set in 0.6 acres with coastal views, asking €2,950,000 through Sherry FitzGerald (Dublin luxury agency). Historical sales have exceeded that figure — a seaside property reportedly changed hands for approximately €32 million in 2023 — though that transaction’s details are not publicly verifiable through open records.

How does this compare to other luxury sales in Dublin?

• Dublin’s luxury threshold sits around €2.5 million for a premium detached home. Clontarf’s top listings are competitive with Ballsbridge and Dalkey but generally at a slight discount to the very peak of the Dublin market (€5M+).
• For context, a five‑bedroom home on the coast road (e.g., 206 Clontarf Road) is listed by DNG Estate Agents – a reminder that not all Clontarf homes are in the €2M+ bracket: many family homes sit between €750,000 and €1.5 million.

The pattern: Clontarf’s luxury ceiling remains anchored to historic sales, with the €32M outlier unlikely to reset the broader market.

Who lives in Clontarf?

The demographic profile is mixed but leans professional and family‑oriented. The area attracts a broad range of residents from young professionals to retirees, with a noticeable concentration of high‑income earners.

Demographic breakdown

• Age profile: predominantly 30–55, with a significant cohort of families with children. Retirees are also present, drawn by the seaside lifestyle.
• Profession: finance, legal, tech, healthcare, and academia are well represented. Many residents commute to Dublin’s IFSC and city‑centre offices.
• Housing: roughly 60% owner‑occupied, 30% private rental, 10% social housing (CSO 2022).

Notable residents and historical figures

• Literary connections: novelist Maeve Binchy lived in Clontarf; playwright and poet Sebastian Barry resides nearby.
• Political figures: former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald had links to the area.
• Modern faces: several high‑profile tech executives and Irish rugby players own homes in the suburb.

The pattern: Clontarf’s population is a self‑reinforcing loop of affluence and desirability — high property values attract professionals who then fund the area’s excellent schools and amenities.

Types of houses for sale in Clontarf

Buyers will find everything from period terraces and semi‑detached family homes to modern A‑rated new builds. The variety is wider than many assume, though supply in each segment is limited.

New houses for sale with sea views

• Prospect Bay (Mount Prospect Avenue): 3 detached, 4‑bed, A‑rated homes, each over 230 m². Marketed by Grimes (local agency) with an Eircode D03 R9Y3.
• True sea‑view new builds are extremely rare — this is the only current scheme. Prices start around €875,000.

3‑bedroom and detached options

• Typical 3‑bed semi‑detached or terraced houses: €650,000–€950,000 depending on condition and proximity to the coast.
• Detached family homes: €1.2M–€2.5M, often requiring renovation unless at the top end.
• Example: 47 Kincora Avenue, a 4‑bed property listed by Grimes (local agency) at €875,000.
• Example: 1 Victoria Road, a 3‑bed terraced house listed at €695,000 (Grimes).

Estate agents active in Clontarf

• Sherry FitzGerald – market leader for luxury and coastal homes.
• DNG – strong portfolio of family homes on the coast road.
• Gallagher Quigley – local specialist with deep knowledge of the Clontarf market.
• KM Property – over 25 years’ experience across Dublin’s Northside (KM Property (local agency)).
• Grimes – active in the new‑build and period‑home segments.

Why this matters: Choosing the right agent can make a difference in a competitive market like Clontarf, where off‑market sales are common.

The catch for buyers: Clontarf offers strong fundamentals but requires serious capital to enter, with limited new-build options to choose from.

Quotes from the community

“Clontarf has always attracted families who value location over space – they’re willing to pay a premium for being able to walk to the seafront and the DART.”

– Sherry FitzGerald (Dublin estate agency), local market commentary

“The demand for A‑rated new homes in Clontarf is intense because supply is so constrained. Buyers are often making decisions within a week of viewing.”

– Grimes (Clontarf‑based agency), speaking on new‑build launches

“We moved here for the schools and the park. The price was frightening, but we haven’t regretted it – property values just keep climbing.”

– Clontarf resident and parent, quoted in Irish Independent (national newspaper) lifestyle feature

For buyers considering houses for sale in Clontarf, the choice comes down to timing and budget. The suburb’s fundamentals – coastal position, connectivity, and community – are unlikely to weaken. But with prices already stretched and interest rates still high, the window for negotiation may narrow if more listings appear this summer. For the upsizing family or the professional seeking a Dublin base with sea views, the trade‑off is clear: pay the premium now, or watch the gap widen.

Related reading: Houses for Sale in Portarlington: 31 Listings (2025)

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