Dun Laoghaire Travel Guide

Dublin

Dun Laoghaire
Dun Laoghaire
Photo by Nicola Cunningham
Photo by Alex Totaro
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

TheNationalMaritime 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 artefacts 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.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Dun Laoghaire

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
The price is £137 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
£137
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Dublin. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,073 reviews)
"✅"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

4 out of 5
Stockhole Lane, Swords, Clonshaugh, Dublin
Fully refundable
The price is £137 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£137
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Clonshaugh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6,737 reviews)
"Very convenient, airport shuttle"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
The price is £120 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
£120
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dublin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,241 reviews)
"The staff was very friendly and helpful. The airline lost my luggage and Ralph did everything he could to help try and contact the airline. They also booked us for when we come back in several days from Europe. Thank you Marlin Hotel."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
The Mercantile Hotel

The Mercantile Hotel

3 out of 5
28 Dame Street, Dublin, Dublin
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £130 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£130
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Dublin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions St. Stephen's Green and Guinness Storehouse ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (36 reviews)
"The location is perfect if you are wanting to explore Temple Bar! You can definitely hear people partying pretty late but that didn’t bother us, it comes with the location. The room is also quite small but my partner and I are both on the smaller side so we were good with that too. In addition, the ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

The Mercantile Hotel
Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport

Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport

4 out of 5
Dublin Airport, Corballis, Dublin
The price is £138 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
£138
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Corballis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,203 reviews)
"It was what I needed"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road

4 out of 5
Burlington Road, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4, Dublin, Dublin
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £101 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£101
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dublin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,369 reviews)
Nice stay for an overnight
"Our hotel stay was pleasant, but the hotel could use some updates and provide USB ports as there were none available in our room…bring UK adapters. Additionally, the parking is limited and can pose a challenge if arriving later in the evening. We stayed at the Clayton because it was close to our ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Dun Laoghaire

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Stillorgan

The ample dining options and picturesque gardens are just a few popular features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Crypt Theater or Museum of Childhood while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Stillorgan Station to get around town.

Stillorgan
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Sandymount

Sandymount is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Dublin Port and Dublin Bay while in the area.

Sandymount
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Smotscourt

While visiting Smotscourt, you might make a stop by sights like Royal Dublin Society and RDS Main Arena.

Smotscourt
Aviva Stadium which includes a park, heritage architecture and modern architecture

Ballsbridge

4.5/5(174 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Ballsbridge is its fantastic nightlife. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Aviva Stadium and Herbert Park.

Ballsbridge
Bord Gais Energy Theatre featuring a city, street scenes and theatre scenes

Dublin Docklands

While visiting Dublin Docklands, you might make a stop by sights like Dublin Port and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Dublin Docklands
Bord Gais Energy Theatre featuring a city, street scenes and theatre scenes

Grand Canal Dock

If you're spending some time in Grand Canal Dock, Dublin Port and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Grand Canal Dock


Dun Laoghaire Travel Guide

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