In addition to competing sailors we also very much look forward to welcoming supporters and families to Dun Laoghaire for the Laser Masters in September. Our ‘Meet & Greet’ Team will be on hand to welcome all supporters to the event.

Things To Do in Dun Laoghaire

Where to start? There is so much to do and see in the seaside town of Dún Laoghaire. Located on on the glistening south coast of Dublin Bay, the town first came to prominence as a tourist destination during Victorian times, thanks to the construction of it’s famous Harbour, and because Ireland’s first ever railway connected Dublin to Kingstown (now known as Dún Laoghaire).

The tourism spirit has never left the town, and it’s this that makes Dún Laoghaire a great place to stay or make a day trip from Dublin City Centre which is only 20 minutes away by DART)

Eat

Dún Laoghaire is a foodies dream come true. There is so much to choose from in the town. Be it fish & chips along the pier, pizza overlooking the harbour, all the restaurants at The Pavilion & Crofton Road, and you’ll be spoilt for choice around the George’s Street area.

The town has it all, and we’ve made it really easy for you to pick where to go with our Restaurant & Pub Trail (and Coffee & Tea Ma for all the towns wonderful Cafés). Pick one up in any of the fine eateries in the town, or download a copy here.

Hang on to them and you can tick off all the places you’ve visited.

Shop

Did you know there are over 220 shops in Dún Laoghaire? Yep, it’s true. We’ve counted them. And you can check them all out on our Shopping Guide (coming soon).

From small family run boutiques to international brands, Dún Laoghaire has it! The town is also home to two shopping centres and one of the longest high streets in Ireland coming in at 1.1km.

National Maritime Museum & dlr Lexicon
maritime museum and dlr lexiocon The National Maritime Museum of Ireland is situated in a 180 year old mariners church, and is home to loads of historical naval artifacts and exhibitions. You will learn about maritime history, exploration, navigation, radio, deep-sea cable technology, nature, wildlife and view art inspired by the sea. And just beside the Museum is the now famous dlr Lexicon, the flagship library for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. Opened in 2014, it boasts unparalleled views of Dublin Bay, and incredible award winning architecture both inside and out.

Walk the Pier

Walkers East Pier

No visit to Dún Laoghaire would be complete without walking one of the Harbours piers. The East Pier, is the more trodden of the two. At 2.6km out and back, it’s featured in some famous films over the years, including Michael Collins (1996) and 2016’s Sing Street. Along the way you’ll see the Analemmatic Sundial, and Band Stand, before arriving at the Battery and lighthouse at the end.

On the way back, keep an eye out for Waypoint 2 of our Historical Waypoint Tour.

The West Pier is a little further out of the way, and a bit more rustic, than it’s counterpart to the east, as it’s unpaved. Coming in at just over 3km out and back it’s slightly longer too, on the way you’ll pass by the Coal Harbour, and get a great view of the boats berthed in the Marina.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Credit: Eric Barnes

One for the adventurers out there. Aboveboard, located just beyond the West Pier, offer Stand-Up Paddle Board rental and lessons.

The guys will take you out allowing you to explore the Harbour from the sea all the while getting fit in the process.

The People’s Park

The People’s Park located at the end of Upper George’s Street, and on the Coast Road (Windsor Terrace). It was developed by the Kingstown Town Commissioners at the end of the 19th Century, and features two victorian style water fountains, a recently redeveloped playground for kids and tea-rooms which are now home to Fallon & Byrne. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Parks Department, always do a wonderful job of maintaining the flower beds when in bloom.

And the dlrcoco market is not one to be missed. Every Sunday throughout the year, local artisan food producers, and craftspeople showcase their wares.

Catch a Show

Yep, Dún Laoghaire has got this one covered too! Whether you fancy a Play in The Pavilion, or visit one of the town’s pubs for some live music. The Purty Kitchen, Gilbert & Wright, McLoughlin’s & O’Neill’s have live music throughout the week.

Go for a Drink

Why not take in the oceanviews from Wetherspoons or The Haddington House, while unwinding with a pint or glass of wine?

Or explore the towns more traditional pubs like McKenna’s, Beer Traders or The Lighthouse. Use our Restaurant & Pub Trail as a guide.

Go for a Dip

Boys Swimming off the east pier in dun laoghaire

The world famous Forty Foot is just a 15 minute seafront stroll outside Dún Laoghaire. Featured in James Joyce’s Ulysses and listed as one of The Ten Best Places to Swim in the World this year by The New York Times.

If you happen to be in Dún Laoghaire around Christmas Time, a trip to the Forty Foot is a must on the morning on the 25th, as hundreds of brave swimmers jump off the rocks in their Santa hats.

Get a Treat

Teddy's Ice Cream

And what list about things to do in Dún Laoghaire would be complete without mentioning Ice Cream!

Teddys is quite literally the home of the 99 (their own words). They can be found throughout the town and harbour when the sun is shining (they have a lot of Ice Cream vans these days) or you could visit their store at Windsor Terrace, just beyond the People’s Park. Or if you feel like taking a walk on the wild side, why not venture down to Scrumdiddly’s, where the boast about serving Ice Cream in 2,400 different combinations. That’s a lot of toppings to try!

Historically, Dún Laoghaire and its surrounding villages of Blackrock, Monkstown, Glasthule, Sandycove and Dalkey have lots to offer visitors – monastic settlements, ancient monuments and churches. A particular favourite for locals and visitors alike is the Martello Tower at Sandycove where a stay by James Joyce’s inspired his great novel, ‘Ulysses’.

Visit Dublin City

The vibrant city of Dublin is a mere 12km from Dun Laoghaire and is a 20 minute ride on the rapid train, ‘DART’ from Dun Laoghaire. It is a must for all visitors to the Laser Masters during your stay. The Visit Dublin Website has everything you need to know about Dublin, map, things to do and see etc