Discover Loughlinstown

If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Loughlinstown, your interests may help you decide: would you like to explore architectural history, discover the ecological character of the woodland, or plan activities involving sports and swimming? Loughlinstown brings together these different themes, though they do not offer the same kind of travel experience. The places and activities below each have their own distinctive focus.

Architectural history and architecture

At Saint Columcille's Hospital, the Rathdown Union Workhouse complex was built and opened in 1841. The surviving Front Block is a significant remnant of the complex. Its tall, Neo-Gothic Tudor gables stand out as distinctive landmarks in the landscape.

Loughlinstown House also offers a range of architectural and historical points of interest. It was built in two phases, preceded by a house inhabited by Sir William Domvile (1609–1689). The older part has a symmetrical floor plan, with a centrally placed Venetian window and a restrained pediment. The building is positioned to maximise views of gently rolling parkland and grounds, with a mountain backdrop. The house thus brings together its architectural form and its carefully designed relationship with the landscape.

Loughlinstown Wood and its ecological importance

Loughlinstown Wood is a proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA). In an assessment of the conservation value of native woodlands, it ranked fourth in County Dublin and first in the DLRCC area. The Shanganagh River runs through the woodland and plays an important ecological role for fish, mammals, birds, and other aquatic and terrestrial species. Loughlinstown Wood is also part of the Brides Glen ecological corridor. These connections give the woodland ecological significance in its own right, in addition to its character as a landscape.

Swimming, sports and training

dlr Leisure Loughlinstown brings together a range of different facilities. The 25-metre swimming pool is fully accessible. There are also two sports halls, artificial turf pitches and a fully equipped gym. For spinning, there is an immersive studio with high-quality bikes; two hydromassage loungers complete the facilities. The options range from swimming and gym workouts to sports in the halls and on the artificial turf pitches.

Swimming lessons are also available: the programme includes more than 90 swimming lesson sessions per week, as well as a swimming lesson programme for adults. Children's classes are for children aged four and over, and cater to all ability levels. The number of available sessions may change, so check the current programme if you’re planning to attend a class. Access options at the leisure centre include pay-as-you-go visits and flexible membership options. Their terms may also change, so it’s worth checking the current conditions before your visit.

More practical information

The centre includes the 505 Coffee Shop. Check in advance whether it will be open when you visit. dlr Leisure Loughlinstown has more than 100 parking spaces; capacity may change. If you need parking, take this into account when planning your visit.

Another specific detail for families is the climbing wall at Loughlinstown playground, where children can practise their climbing skills. Check before your visit whether the equipment is currently available.

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