Harbour Town and medieval stronghold.

A large coastal town south of Dublin, Dún Laoghaire is steeped in maritime history and adorned with Victorian architecture. The DART station is right by the harbour, which boasts pier walks and the largest marina in Ireland. 

The development of the town is largely connected to its importance as a port. Dún Laoghaire means ‘fort of Laoghaire’ referring to a 5th century High King of Ireland, Laoghaire Mac Néill, who chose the site as a sea base from which to carry out raids on Britain and Gaul.

The tables were turned and it later served as a major port of entry to Ireland from Great Britain.

Building of the new harbour started in 1817 and King George IV came to view the progress in 1821 and renamed the town Kingstown.

One of the largest man-made harbours in the world, its completion led to a new era for the town and in 1834, Ireland’s first railway opened, running from Dublin city centre to Kingstown.

The railway resulted in the relocation of the mail packet boat to the town and helped establish Kingstown as a preferred suburb of Dublin and a popular holiday destination.

Kingstown Town Commissioners was set up in 1834 and organised the building of the Town Hall as well as the transformation of a disused quarry into People’s Park, among other developments in the town.

Dún Laoghaire returned to its former name in 1920 in the run up to the foundation of the Irish Free State.

The harbour can accommodate cruise ships and they are a familiar sight here. Approximately 100,000 cruise passengers and crew visited local shores in 2017, with similar numbers expected for 2018.

There are many attractions and activities in Dún Laoghaire. Sailing is a common pursuit with yacht clubs, sailing schools and rowing clubs in abundance.

The 820-berth marina is the largest in the country and the first in Ireland to be awarded a 5 Gold Anchor rating.

The biennial Dún Laoghaire Regatta is one of the biggest sailing events in Ireland. Other water sports available locally include powerboating, paddleboarding, kayaking and scuba diving.

Many more prefer being by the water than on it, with walkers a familiar sight up and down the two long piers forming the harbour.

Cyclists will find plenty of routes, on and off road, to enjoy too.

From climbing to sightseeing cruises, adventure to culture, visitors are never short of things to do here.

After all that sea air, you’ll find plenty of bars and bistros, cafes and restaurants to satisfy your appetite.

There are several hotels and B&Bs in the town, some offering amazing sea views.

For more information on what to see and do, visit Dún Laoghaire’s Tourist Information Centre at County Hall on Marine Road or see dlrtourism.ie.

To explore more in Dún Laoghaire click here.