Dublin Destinations - Dun Laoghaire

Dun Laoghaire - a little bit of history...Dun Laoghaire Tourist Office is located at Marine
Dun Laoghaire derives its name from the Fort (Dun)Road by the harbour.
of Laoghaire. King Laoghaire was the ancient HighDun Laoghaire was also the location of the first ever
King of Ireland before the invasion of the Vikings. Itrailway in Ireland. The Dublin to Kingstown railway
was also named Kingstown by King George IV toopened in 1834. This was to serve the growing sea
honour his visit to the town, and it retained this nametrade resulting from the closeness of the port to
through the Victorian Era until just before themainland Britain. The thriving port necessitated the
declaration of Irish Independence in 1920, when thebuilding of a railway to serve the sprawling growth of
Town Council voted to rename the town Dúnthe community and their access to Dublin city. This
Laoghaire.original railway line is now part of the DART suburban
The harbour at Dun Laoghaire is one of the largest inrailway, the link to the city centre from Dun
Ireland, and it's the base of a major car ferry to theLaoghaire. The main bus to Dublin city from the area
UK. The harbour took a period of over 40 years tois the 46a, from Dun Laoghaire town centre.
create, and was officially opened in 1859. A visit toWhat can visitors do here...
the harbour will see the historical obelisk, which wasDun Laoghaire is ideal for a range of outdoor
constructed at the time close to the old ferry portactivities. If you're interested in sailing, the area is
terminal to commemorate the opening of the harbourhome to no less than 6 yacht clubs! The National
nearly 150 years ago. The ferry port servicesYacht Club, The Royal Irish Yacht club and the Dun
Holyhead, Anglesey, in Wales, and one of Ireland'sLaoghaire Motor Yacht Club are the most popular
prominent sea links to the UK.clubs. Windsurfing is also a very popular (and daring)
The harbour is well known for its two large graniteactivity here - the area to the north of the West
piers. The East Pier used to have a famousPier is probably the best spot. Fishing too attracts
bandstand, which has recently been taken down tovisitors to the area; boat charter, rods, fishing tackle
be restored to its former glory. It's a very popularand lines may be rented from Dun Laoghaire Harbour
spot for city folk, especially during spells of goodor from any of the local harbours.
weather, and all year round you'll see people strollingFor a spot of retail therapy head to Dun Laoghaire
the seaside promenade - you can take in the viewstown centre. The main shopping street is Georges
right across Dublin Bay. You'll also find the lighthouseStreet. So when you tire all the sea air you can perk
on the East Pier.yourself up by browsing the shops and boutiques of
There are numerous historical monuments at Dunthe shopping centres? There's also a newly opened
Laoghaire Harbour as well. The area, south of the12-screen cinema in the town as well as a range of
harbour known as "Scotsman's Bay" was a populareateries and public houses including the Purple Ocean
area for Victorian seasiders. Public baths, which wereRestaurant and De Selbys. You can enjoy a pint in
very much in demand in those days, are now derelict.Dunphys or Cooneys after your leisurely stroll along
However there are plans for redevelopment andthe pier and get a warm Dublin welcome!
many of the tourist walkways are still very muchPopular places to visit in the town include the Tourist
intact.Information Office at the Ferry Terminal, the National
The National Maritime Museum of Ireland is located inMaritime Museum, and the People's Park. The park is
the Mariners Church, which was used by the Britishhome to an organic market every Sunday, along with
Navy. This is a terrific place to learn all about life inother stalls selling arts & crafts and jewellery!
Dun Laoghaire in times past, and the importance ofFamous Dun Laoghaire people and culture...
the port for sea trade and for the surrounding areas.