DÚN LAOGHAIRE

HARBOUR

DÚN LAOGHAIRE

HARBOUR

POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › Dún Laoghaire Harbour

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Dún Laoghaire Harbour is a sweeping Victorian masterpiece that dominates the coastline just south of Dublin. It feels simultaneously historic and alive, a place where the grandeur of 19th-century engineering embraces the simple, timeless pleasure of a seaside promenade.

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The harbour is defined by its two massive granite arms - the East and West Piers - which embrace a vast expanse of water often dotted with colourful dinghies and sleek yachts.

The East Pier

The East Pier is the most popular of the two and offers a distinct "Victorian promenade" experience. Its upper level is paved for walkers to enjoy uninterrupted views across Dublin Bay to Howth Head, while the lower level, sheltered by a high wall, was originally designed for the gritty work of sailors and traders.

The West Pier

The West Pier offers a more sedate and peaceful walk along the other side of the harbour with alternate views of small sailing boats and jetties and a panoramic look back at the city.

Victorian Bandstand

Halfway along the East Pier stands the East Pier Bandstand, a charming wrought-iron structure that serves as a focal point and a reminder of the harbour's genteel past. It often shelters buskers whose music drifts on the wind, adding a melodic layer to the crashing waves.

The Lighthouse

At the very end of the pier stands the iconic lighthouse, a beacon of safety that has guided vessels for generations. Reaching it feels like a small accomplishment, rewarded with a panoramic view of the ferry terminal and the open sea.