Rose Barrett
Malahide and Cabra have been named among the Top 20 Best Places to live in Ireland and are in the running for the overall title.
The seaside town of Malahide in Fingal is renowned for its sandy ‘Velvet Strand’, But it further boasts the 12th century Malahide Castle and parklands which proved to be majorly popular during the pandemic restrictions.
The town hosts a lively hive of busy restaurants, pubs and cafes, hotels and shops. Along with a variety of sporting clubs – including international cricket grounds – it boasts a pretty marina and many open water sports activities.
For Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG), who lives in the coastal Fingal town, it was no surprise to see Malahide feature in the final top 20 best places to live.
“I was delighted to see so many nominations for Malahide. I think the number of nominations for Malahide speaks volumes, as I am sure they are mainly from residents who live in, and appreciate, Malahide.
“Malahide is a truly wonderful place to live with great community, people, amenities and facilities and I do hope it is deemed by the judges to be the ‘Best place to live in Ireland’”
Resident Timothy O’Regan described it “as a wonderful location for walks, sporting activities and outdoor pursuits of all types – whether along the beach, the estuary, the marina or in the gardens of Malahide Castle.”
While he noted it is on the edge of Dublin City, he said it feels very much like its own town with a strong community spirit – not to mention its fabulous bars and restaurants.
Dublin is one of just four counties to have two representatives make it through to the Top 20 final listing. The final destinations were chosen from a total of 470 locations nominated by more than 2,400 people from all 32 counties competing for the title of ‘Best Place to Live in Ireland 2021’.
While Malahide was the most heavily nominated location in the country with 320 entries, Cabra, the second Dublin finalist, Cabra received just two but nevertheless, made it to the final listing.
Resident Kath King stated Cabra had it all: public transport, schools, supermarkets, a good bakery, hospitals, local shops, GAA clubs, a third level college and of course, the Phoenix Park.
But, she claims, it is the sense of community and the friendliness of the people which makes Carbra special. “Cabra has everything I could ever want. I’ll say it again – we are so lucky to live here”
Another happy Cabra resident is Louisa Moss who there Cabra four years ago, and adores her adopted home.
“There’s a brilliant sense of community here in Cabra with an active Tidy Towns group, a sustainable energy group, wonderful neighbours, good public transports, and Cabra is walking distance to the city centre.
“It borders Phoenix Park and Grangegorman Campus with lovely walks by the canal – so it’s all good!! Cabra too has lovely pubs and restaurants; I’m Vegan and I believe that Dublin 7 is probably the vegan capital of Ireland!”
The Irish Times ‘Best Place to Live in Ireland’ competition is sponsored by Randox Health with the top five finalists to be named in mid-September and the overall winner to be announced on Saturday, September 25.
Chair of the Judging Panel, Conor Goodman said the entries from people all over the island showcased the quality-of-life available here.
“While the competition is a celebration of the many great places this country has to offer, it also has a serious mission. We want to highlight good examples of community cohesion and local initiatives, in the face of challenges such as the housing shortage and the public health crisis.”
See www.irishtimes.com/bestplace for full listing of the Top 20 finalists.
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