Discover Dun Laoghaire’s harbour and coastline

Dun Laoghaire brings together harbour scenery, walking paths and cultural attractions. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, you can explore the town according to your interests: by the water, with a focus on maritime history, or following the trail of art and culture.

East Pier and Harbour

The 1.3 km East Pier is a popular place for a walk. A memorial to Captain Boyd and a weather station on the pier recall two very different aspects of the place. At the end stands Battery Lighthouse. Visitors can buy refreshments there and enjoy views across the bay. The length, landmarks and views give the walk a clear sense of direction.

The harbour also tells the story of its location on Dublin Bay. It is one of the world’s oldest man-made harbours and was built in the 19th century as a refuge for ships entering Dublin Bay in rough weather. This makes it possible to connect today’s views over the water with the harbour’s former purpose.

Maritime History and Culture

The National Maritime Museum of Ireland is housed in the 180-year-old Mariners’ Church. On display are objects, pictures, paintings and documents relating to Ireland’s maritime history—from its beginnings to the present day. Visitors can also try out an electrified steam engine. A visit to the museum thus connects the history of the building and seafaring with an interactive element.

The cultural programme covers a range of other interests. At the Pavilion Theatre, the programme spans theatre and comedy, literature, opera and dance, as well as workshops, festivals and local art. If you have a particular performance in mind, check the schedule. The dlr LexIcon houses art exhibitions, displays on local history and other cultural exhibitions.

The Oratory is a work of the Celtic Revival. It houses a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, donated by a French town. It commemorates the men from Dún Laoghaire who fought and fell in the First World War. The site adds a distinct connection to the town’s history alongside its museums and theatres.

Parks, Art and Routes

The People’s Park has been around for more than 130 years. Its features include ornate fountains, bandstands, shelters and tea rooms, as well as a playground, well-kept flower beds and lawns. The mix of landscaped garden areas and open spaces gives the park a different feel from the harbour and museums.

Dún Laoghaire Anseo is an urban art trail featuring 28 works of art. The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council commissioned the works, and the trail runs from the harbour through the town. Art can therefore be encountered not only in exhibitions but also along a route through Dun Laoghaire.

There are also designated routes for getting around by bike: Dun Laoghaire has dedicated cycle paths and a cycle route along the waterfront. It connects the town with Monkstown, Blackrock, Glasthule and Sandycove, as well as Dublin city centre. On foot, East Pier offers its own 1.3 km route; the cycle route and pier therefore differ in both the way of getting around and their course.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The railway connection between Dún Laoghaire and Dublin opened in 1834 and was Ireland’s first railway. Today, the DART station and central bus station are close to the waterfront. The National Maritime Museum of Ireland is just a few minutes’ walk from the DART station. It’s worth checking current connections when planning your journey; the location of the stations also helps you find your way around once you arrive.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Blackrock, Sandyford, Dalkey, Stillorgan.

For the overview of the wider area: Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.