Dún Laoghaire Harbour: A Victorian Maritime Masterpiece
Explore Dún Laoghaire Harbour: a historic maritime gateway offering scenic beauty, leisure, and easy access to Dublin's vibrant city life.
Dún Laoghaire Harbour, located on the east coast of Ireland in Dublin Bay, stands as one of the largest man-made harbors in Western Europe. Constructed in the early 19th century (1817-1859), the harbor was originally known as Kingstown, named in honor of King George IV. The harbor's creation was driven by the need for a safe and accessible landing place for ships, addressing the challenges of navigating into Dublin Port. The harbor consists of two piers that extend into the bay, creating a sheltered basin. The East Pier, a popular spot for leisurely walks, features a lighthouse and offers stunning views of the coastline. The West Pier, while longer, provides a different perspective of the harbor and the surrounding area. Dún Laoghaire Harbour has played a significant role in Irish history, serving as a point of arrival for British troops during the Easter Rising in 1916. Today, the harbor is a hub for various activities, including yachting, sailing, and ferry services. The town of Dún Laoghaire, within walking distance of the harbor, offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The harbor's rich maritime history and scenic beauty make it a must-visit destination for tourists.
Local tips
- Take a walk along the East Pier for stunning views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in Dún Laoghaire town.
- Visit the National Maritime Museum of Ireland to learn about the harbor's rich maritime history.
- Take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) from Dublin city center for a quick and scenic journey to Dún Laoghaire.
A brief summary to Dún Laoghaire Harbour
- Harbour Rd, Dún Laoghaire, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, IE
- +35312801018
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Dublin city center, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) provides a direct and efficient route to Dún Laoghaire Harbour. The journey from Connolly Station takes approximately 25 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes during peak hours. A single fare costs between €2-€3. Alternatively, Dublin Bus routes 7, 46a, and 75 serve Dún Laoghaire from various points in the city. Bus fare is approximately €3.
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Walking
From Dún Laoghaire town center, the harbor is easily accessible on foot. Follow Harbour Road towards the sea. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes, offering views of the town and the harbor. There are no tolls or access fees for walking to the harbor.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Dublin and Dún Laoghaire. A taxi from Dublin city center to Dún Laoghaire Harbour typically costs between €18-€23 and takes approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. There are no tolls on this route.
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Driving
If driving, Dún Laoghaire Harbour is accessible via the N11 and M50. Parking is available at the harbor, with hourly rates of €2.00. Discounted daily rates are available in certain areas, such as the Old Harbour (€4 per day) and Carlisle Pier Carpark (€5 per day). The Underground Carpark costs €2 per hour or €5 per day. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak season.
Attractions Nearby to Dún Laoghaire Harbour
Landmarks nearby to Dún Laoghaire Harbour
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Martello Tower Number 14 Seapoint
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Killiney
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Great South Wall
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Bull Wall
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Ballycorus Lead Mines
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Tom Clarke Bridge
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Patrick Kavanagh Statue (1991) by John Coll
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Irish Architectural Archive
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Sir John Rogerson's Quay
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4 Merrion Square S
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Diving Bell
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N Wall Quay
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Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland
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The Little Museum of Dublin
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Merrion Square Park