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Dun Laoghaire Places to Visit

The seaside town of Dun Laoghaire is in County Dublin and just outside Dublin. Historically, it was well known for being a significant entry port from Britain, but the town today has an impressive diversity of attractions considering its size - especially for people who like to be beside the sea.

The name means "fort of Laoghaire", a reference to a fifth century High King of Ireland, Laoghaire Mac Néill, who raided Britain and Gaul from this site.From 1821 until 1920, largely the period in which Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, Dun Laoghaire was called Kingstown.

Places to Visit in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin

Irish history enthusiasts will be delighted to know that remains of fortifications from the time of Laoghaire Mac Néill have been discovered on the modern town's coast, and some such remnants have been taken to the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, near the town's centre.

If you aren't so much into history, you can visit the large harbour's East Pier, which appears in the 1996 Liam Neeson movie Michael Collins. Even the pier's actual, still intact bandstand appears in the film!

While you're near the sea, why not see some of the windsurfing that occurs off the West Pier? The harbour is also home to several yacht clubs, among them the Dun Laoghaire Motor Yacht Club.

For an elegant stay right on the seafront, consider the luxury 4-star Royal Marine Hotel. Rasam Restaurant serves Indian cuisine and has even won TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence.

Transport in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin

It is easy to travel between Dun Laoghaire and central Dublin by public transport, thanks to the Dublin Area Rapid Transit railway. The mainline rail service also connects Dun Laoghaire with Dublin, as well as Wexford and Rosslare. Dun Laoghaire is also a stop on the Aircoach service that runs 24 hours a day and, on the way to or from Dublin Airport, stops at the town's County Hall and the above mentioned Royal Marine Hotel.