A coastal town near Dublin with Ireland's largest marine port, a Victorian-era seafront promenade, and a distinctive East Pier that stretches 1.3km into Dublin Bay.
Just 12 kilometers from Dublin, Dún Laoghaire welcomes visitors with its 180-year-old granite harbor and Victorian seafront. You can walk the 2.6-kilometer East Pier, join year-round swimmers at the Forty Foot bathing spot, or spot seals during a Dublin Bay cruise. The Maritime Museum holds naval artifacts in a former church, while local vendors sell fresh bread, cheese, and handmade crafts at the People's Park market each Sunday.
Exploring the Harbor Piers
Two granite piers form Dún Laoghaire's harbor, with the East Pier stretching 2.6 kilometers round trip. A red-and-white Victorian bandstand marks the halfway point along the pier. The harbor took 42 years to build, and its marina now holds 820 vessels, making it Ireland's largest. You'll see both local sailing boats and international yachts in the berths throughout the year.
Swimming and Water Activities
The Forty Foot swimming spot draws locals year-round, with some swimmers breaking winter ice for their daily dip. Take a 75-minute Dublin Bay Cruise from Dún Laoghaire to Howth to spot grey seals near Dalkey Island, Ireland's Eye, and Lambay Island. The Irish National Sailing School runs weekend courses where you'll learn basic sailing techniques and essential water safety skills.
Visiting People's Park
The People's Park dates from Victorian times, with symmetrical flower beds, black cast-iron benches, and two decorative water fountains from the 1800s. Every Sunday, the CoCo Market fills with stalls selling artisan bread, local cheese, handmade jewelry, and seasonal produce. Children can play in the playground while parents sit at the Fallon & Byrne tea rooms, which look out over the formal gardens.
Maritime Museum and Cultural Sites
The Maritime Museum, housed in the former Mariners' Church, contains a complete ship's radio room, personal items from Titanic passengers, and artifacts recovered from the RMS Leinster shipwreck. The glass-walled DLR Lexicon library sits on a hill with panoramic Dublin Bay views. You can join poetry readings, art exhibitions, and community workshops in its reading rooms and gallery spaces.
Getting Around
The DART train connects to Dublin city center in 20 minutes. Twelve bus routes link to nearby areas - take one to explore Dalkey's medieval castles or walk the Killiney Hill paths. George's Street, the 1.2-kilometer main street, runs between the People's Park and York Road, lined with independent shops and cafes.
