A quintessential Victorian seaside resort, just sevenmiles south of Dublin, Dún Laoghaire on the eastcoast of Ireland is a veritable treasure trove ofcultural delights. Historically, it is known as the ‘Gateway to Ireland’ due toits harbour, which was once the main port of entry for ferries to Ireland fromGreat Britain.
The harbour is now a scenic display of yachts andboats but Dún Laoghaire is not all about life andsport on the water. Whether you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay, fairs,farmer’s markets or just some great places to eat by the seaside, DúnLaoghaire definitely won’t disappoint.
Parksin Dún Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire’sVictorian history pervades, even today. A traditional Victorian park, thePeople’s Park, is located centrally, and has been preserved as it was inVictorian times. Complete with fountains, carefully tended flowerbeds and evena functioning tearoom, a visit here is the perfect way to step back in timewith a scone and a pot of tea.
Find the Best Shopping in Dún Laoghaire
Fancya little retail therapy? Why not pop down to George’s Street in central DúnLaoghaire? With a wide variety of shops, from high street namesto independent traders, this is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir. Thetown also has two shopping centres: the Dún LaoghaireShopping Centre and Bloomfield’s.
Sports to Try in Dún Laoghaire
Theimperial lighthouse standing proud over the port is far from the onlyattraction that the waters around here offer: Dún Laoghaireis a great place to come for some water sport action. The town boasts windsurfersall year round, and those who are brave enough to join them have plenty ofopportunities, so there can be no more excuses! Also on offer are sailing,paddle boarding, kite surfing and kayaking.
Ifgetting wet is not your thing you can always go rock climbing or cycling to makethe most of the rolling countryside nearby.
DúnLaoghaire’s Maritime Museum
The NationalMaritime Museum of Ireland is located right in the centre of thetown, close to the East Pier, which is a popular tourist attraction in itself.Located in a church built in 1837, the Dún LaoghaireMaritime Museum was recently refurbished. Here you can learn about IsambardKingdom Brunel’s famous ship, the SSGreat Eastern, or see first hand artifacts recovered from ships that havebeen wrecked in the area over the centuries.
Theatreand Arts in Dún Laoghaire
ThePavilion Theatre, redeveloped and opened in 2000, serves as cultural hub for DúnLaoghaire. It hosts a selection of exciting events, such as the InternationalPuppet Festival, and the Dublin Theatre Festival. If you find yourself peckish,you’re also located close to all the bars and restaurants, where you can tryout the local delicacies.
VisitDún Laoghaire Today
Withthe rolling hills and seaside walks that County Dublin isfamous for, don’t hesitate – book a break to Dún Laoghairewith Expedia today.
