When I first moved to Abbey Glen by havitat, I was looking for convenience and calm. Somewhere close enough to the city for work, but far enough to breathe during weekends. What I didn’t expect was how quickly I’d fall in love with Cabinteely.
There’s something special about this neighbourhood. It’s quiet but not boring, lively but not loud. It feels lived-in, in the best way, like everyone’s in on a little secret about how nice life can be here. For me, weekends here are the best part and here is how I spend it.
9:00 AM – Slow Starts and Strong Coffee
Most weekend mornings kick off with a walk to the local café. There are a few good ones nearby, but my go to is Piccolo Bistro Caffè, around 15 minutes away from Abbey Glen by havitat. It’s relaxed, friendly, and the coffee’s consistently great. I bring it over to Cabinteely Park about 5 minutes away, where the walkways, duck pond, and hidden Japanese garden are truly a charm.
11:30 AM – Market Wanders or Local Bits
Late mornings are usually for pottering. If there’s a market in the park, I’ll pick up fresh bread or flowers. Otherwise, I’ll stop into Pickles Café for something sweet or browse the shops at The Park Shopping Centre, which is about a 20-minute walk from Abbey Glen. You don’t need to leave the neighbourhood to find what you need.
1:00 PM – A Proper Lunch
Lunch decisions vary depending on the day: maybe a casual bite in the village or a proper sit-down meal. On cooler days, I love a warming red curry from Tamra Thai, which is a 10-minute walk from Abbey Glen, or guests in the mood will find me over pasta and espresso back at Piccolo when the mood’s right.
3:00 PM – Local or Coastal
Afternoons depend on the mood. Sometimes it’s just relaxing back home at Abbey Glen by havitat, balcony door open, book in hand. Other days, I’ll head off for a short drive to Killiney Hill or walk the pier in Dún Laoghaire, just a few minutes’ drive away.
The sea’s never far here. That’s part of the magic, how close everything feels without the pressure of actually being in the city or the coast.
6:30 PM – A Glass, A Pint, A Stroll
Evenings are easy. Maybe a quick stroll through the park before it gets dark, then a glass of wine at The Horse & Hound about a 10-minute walk away, or dinner at home with something from the local deli. Sometimes friends come over. Sometimes it’s just a quiet night in. Either way, it’s all within reach, all without stress.
9:00 PM – Back Home
There’s something really calming about coming back to Abbey Glen at night. The streets are quiet, the air feels fresh, and the apartment is exactly what you want it to be: modern, cosy, and yours. This truly is one of the best decisions of my life.
Weekends here don’t need big plans. Cabinteely has this rhythm, uncomplicated, lived-in, easy. It gives you space when you need it and community when you want it.
