Find the Best Things to Do in Dún Laoghaire
By Emily Carson
Dublin Local Expert
About Dún Laoghaire
Photo courtesy of Sebastian Dooris
Dun Laoghaire, while difficult to pronounce, is one of Dublin’s nicest seaside towns and has plenty on offer to provide a whole day’s worth of fun. When the weather is good take a bracing walk down the East pier and get a city-famous Teddy’s ice cream, it’s a Dublin institution after all. The harbor receives new hauls of fresh fish and seafood daily and there are plenty of places to sample some of the best that the Irish Sea has to offer.
See & Do
Dún Laoghaire harbor's East Pier is a brilliant place to take a good walk and get the sea air in your lungs. The views are fantastic and you'll catch a glimpse of dinghy races and fishermen and maybe even a performance if there's someone in the old band stand. For those who love the sea maybe head down to the National Maritime Museum for a closer look at the nearby depths.
Eat
There's no better place to sample some of our fresh fish and seafood than at Caviston's restaurant and food emporium. This restaurant offers a fantastic range of high quality produce along with a delicious menu and if you come near Bloomsday (the day honoring James Joyce's novel Ulysses) then you will find yourself among crowds of Dubliners dressed up. Head to nearby Gourmet Food Parlour for tapas and live music if fish isn't your thing.
Party
No other club in Dublin can boast the impressive views that Privé has to offer. Overlooking the harbor and providing a panoramic vista of the whole bay this is a clubbing experience like no other. Combine this with slick design and sumptuous fabric and you are sure to have a VIP experience. The music policy here is r'n'b and funky house but you will probably find yourself drawn to enjoying the views and your drink rather than taking to the dancefloor.
Stay
This historic building has been a hotel since the early 19th century and has fantastic views of Dublin Bay. The Royal Marine Hotel is a beautiful Victorian building that boasts rooms with balconies and sea views that are well worth plumping for particularly during the summer months when you can enjoying the morning sunshine.
Shop
Every Sunday The People's Park in Dún Laoghaire plays host to a fantastic farmer's market that showcases some of the best produce that Dublin has to offer. The stalls vary from artisan cheeses to gluten free bakers to Man of Aran fudge to sushi and falafel. There is bound to be something here that piques your interest and the prices are also excellent considering the quality of the food on offer.
If the weather is good this is the perfect way to experience something truly Irish and a local favorite.