Dún Laoghaire Harbour is located on the east coast of Ireland in Dublin Bay. The Harbour, built in the early 19th century and the original entry port for the city of Dublin, remains one of the largest man made harbours in Western Europe. It has been described as one of the finest artificial harbours in the world. The town of Dún Laoghaire is within walking distance of the Harbour. Here you will discover all the amenities a modern, vibrant town has to offer – fine restaurants and friendly, welcoming bars, on-street shopping, two large shopping centres, cinemas and a theatre.
Within the Harbour, there is an excellent rapid rail transport system which connects the harbour with Dublin City just 20 minutes away. Historically, Dún Laoghaire and its surrounding villages of Sandycove and Dalkey have lots to offer visiors – monastic settlements, ancient monuments, churches and the Martello Tower at Sandycove where James Joyce’s stay inspired his great novel, ‘Ulysses’.
The Mariner’s Church, dating from 1837, in Dun Laoghaire is one of only two remaining churches of its kind in the world.
Why Dun Laoghaire?
Location
Dun Laoghaire Harbour lies 8 miles from the centre of Dublin city. The city can be accessed within 20 minutes using the rapid rail service located adjacent to the quayside. There are also taxi and bus services available.
Entertainment
Entertainment, Irish Music and ‘craic’
Renowned for its warm welcome, visitors to Dun Laoghaire Harbour can sample a variety of restaurants and pubs locally. Enjoy the Irish Pub experience, with music, ‘craic’, a pint of the famous Guinness or an Irish Coffee. Visitors can also savour the delights of our many award winning restaurants.
Local Attractions
- James Joyce Martello Tower
- The Queen Victoria Fountain
- The National Maritime Museum
- Monkstown Castle
- The Obelisk
- Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre
- The Peoples Park
- Bullock Castle and Harbour
- East and West Pier Walks, Dun Laoghaire Harbour
- East Pier Battery, Dun Laoghaire Harbour
Find out more about locale attractions here.
Scenic & Cultural Tours
Whilst many local landmarks are within walking distance of the quayside, a vast array of scenic and cultural visitor opportunities lie within a 30 mile radius of the Harbour. The M11 and M50 motorways are a short distance away, allowing access to Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland and its many attractions – Powerscourt House and Demesne, Kilruddery House, Mount Usher Gardens, Glendalough and much more. Coach transfer to Dublin and the many cultural sites is available to our visitors.
Shopping
No visit to Ireland is complete without a visit to the shops. Dun Laoghaire offers its visitors an excellent choice, from smaller local craft and produce shops to large department stores.