Things to see and do in Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
Get on your bike
To make the most of beautiful Dun Laoghaire, you must rent a bicycle and then your first port of call should be Dun Laoghaire Pier. The 2.6km return journey along the East Pier is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. The perfect way to get fresh salty air into your lungs and leave your worries behind.
Ice-cream at Teddy’s
Teddy’s Ice cream was established in Dun Laoghaire since 1950 by Edward Jacob. Teddy’s has become a household name on the southside of Dublin over the past 65 years and through three generations, people have been bringing their children to Teddy’s for a treat; whether it be one of their famous ice-creams or a quarter of their favourite sweets from an old-fashioned jar measured out in front of them.
Have an ice-cream at Teddy’s and if you have the Irish luck, you can get a clear day and see Howth!
National Maritime Museum
Ireland’s National Maritime Museum is housed in Dun Laoghaire’s 180-year-old Mariners Church. The museum’s greatest artefact is probably the building itself as it is one of a few custom-built places of worship for seafarers remaining intact in the world to-day. Experienced guides will bring you on a voyage of discovery, enthralling you with stories of discovery, heroism, war and disasters at sea. You will learn about maritime history, exploration, navigation, radio, deep-sea cable technology, nature, wildlife and view art inspired by the sea.
See the 10-tonne revolving Baily Optic, try the electrified steam engine and pause to reflect at the Titanic exhibit, the re-created radio room, the Royal Navy prisoners docks and the war memorial.
Time for a swim!
Bring your swimming togs! You can’t miss the Forty Foot, a favourite swimming spot for locals. For years, the Forty Foot was a men-only spot, where the male of the species could strip off in peace. Now, men and women, young and old, swim there, although there is a secluded part around the side where men still gather and women rarely venture. The great advantage of the Forty Foot is its depth, so you can always jump in even at low tide. It’s a great place to swim, with its clean deep waters.
The Oratory
A treasure of Dun Laoghaire, the Oratory of the Sacred Heart was created to celebrate the end of World War One. At the end of this war, a town in Northern France donated a statue of the Sacred Heart to the parish of Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire) to commemorate the many local Irishmen who had fought and died in Flanders. In the beginning the statue was refused by the Christian Brothers and also the local parish church. Finally accepted by a sister in the Dominican Convent, the statue was placed in an Oratory. Sister M. Concepta Lynch hand-painted the wall behind the statue and the results were so impressive that she was asked to complete the rest of the Oratory, which she proceeded to do from 1920 until 1936 in the style of the Gaelic revival, using the symbols of Early Irish Christian Art. The stained glass windows were provided by the famous Harry Clarke Studio of Dublin. The oratory remains well preserved and has won numerous architectural awards. There is also peace garden on the grounds.
A bit of shopping
After an afternoon spent in the water, or in a museum, you might fancy a spot of shopping and hit some of the many shopping districts Dun Laoghaire has to offer. There are the two different shopping centres: Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre and Bloomsfields Shopping Centre. With an endless supply of shopping options between the two, you’ll be spoilt for choice. As well as that, there is also George’s Street, filled with shops galore from big international companies, to smaller family-run businesses. There is something for every taste or style.
Pavilion Theatre
Pavilion Theatre was built in 2000 as a municipal theatre for the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area. It has since grown and established itself as a cultural hive of activity and entertainment for thousands of visitors each year. With a maximum capacity of 324 seats, Pavilion Theatre’s diverse programme of events entertains audiences from all over Ireland and the world. The team here work to ensure a high standard of art and culture is presented at Pavilion Theatre, from international theatre, cinema, dance and music companies, as well as the best of local and national professional and amateur companies.
St Michael’s Church
St Michael’s was formerly a 19th-century Gothic church, which was almost entirely destroyed by a fire in 1965 (only the tower and Spire remained). Instead of rebuilding in the original style, it was rebuilt in the style of the time. It was finally unveiled in 1973 and is a beautiful building to behold both inside and out. With its beautiful stained-glass windows and the great tower which dominate the skyline in Dún Laoghaire, it’s a sight to behold.