Clontarf

Set above Middle Harbour from the north side, Clontarf has stunning views across to the Spit Bridge. It has an abundance of large, beautiful homes with many extensively landscaped.

Clontarf is believed to have been named after a suburb of Dublin. The original location for a battle in 1014 where the Irish managed to repel the invading Danish vikings.

In contrast to its current upmarket harbourside standing, in the late 1800s it had a more dubious reputation for drunken licentious behaviour. Popular in the 1800's as a picnic ground and pleasure spot, a public holiday in the 1870's could see as many as 5000 people arriving by ferry from Sydney.

The Moore brothers who owned the dance hall at the time took exception to a Bulletin newspaper report which described the goings on as "... not an excursion - it was an orgy". They sued and won a victory that was made a mockery by the judge awarding them damages of just one farthing.

On 12 March 1868 it again developed an Irish link. A crazed Irishman called Henry James O'Farrell shot at Prince Alfred Duke of Edinburgh, the colony's first royal visitor. The prince recovered, but O'Farrell was hanged in Darlinghurst Gaol for his efforts.

Today Clontarfs lush bushland, waterfront location and proximity to the Spit Bridge make it one of the most desirable of addresses on the peninsula.