Clontarf Castle was built in 1172 by Hugh de Lacy as part of the defenses for Dublin. In 1649 Oliver Cromwell granted the estate to John Blackwell and he later sold it to John Vernon. The Vernon family occupied the castle for a number of years before it was later sold to various owners and was for a number of years left empty. In the 1960's the castle began a new life of an entertaining venue and was extended and refurbished for the wedding and cabaret market. The present owners Gerry and Carmel Houlihan bought Clontarf in 1972 and operate it as a four star hotel. Attractions include deluxe bedrooms, conference and banqueting facilities, Templar's Bistro, The Knight's Bar and The Drawbridge Tavern.