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Mini guide to Dun Laoghaire
located just seven miles south of Dublin, Dun Laoghaire is one of Ireland’s premier ferry ports and is the first stop for thousands of visitors arriving in Ireland every year. Rich in history, the town also offers plenty of recreational activities as well as a peaceful atmosphere.
Dun Laoghaire’s splendid harbour is its main attraction and is the focal point of its many leisure activities. At the seaside you can stroll along the shore, swim, sail, fish, windsurf, scuba-dive or enjoy the high speed exhilaration of the exciting SeaThrill rides around the bays.
A walk around the town is the best way to discover some of Dun Laoghaire’s sites. The Town Hall is a fine example of Venetian-style architecture with its arched windows, circular pierced balconies and coloured stonework. Adelaide House has been in continuous occupation by the same family for generations, and interestingly, is the only house in Dun Laoghaire with two front doors. The National Maritime Museum, celebrating Ireland’s maritime tradition, is also well worth a visit.
Dun Laoghaire boasts a wide variety of restaurants to suit everyone’s palate and budget, as well as cinemas, theatres, nightclubs and pubs playing traditional ‘diddle aye’ music. Visit Smyths Pub, which not only retains an ‘old world’ atmosphere, but is legendary.
Daytrips out of town allow you to savour the pleasures of the countryside. Nearby are several quality golf courses for you to practice your swing, while there are countless footpaths to explore in the county’s hills. One such path is the famous Wicklow Way, which takes you through South County Dublin and on into County Wicklow—a walker’s paradise.
The closest airport is Dublin International; from there it is only a short drive to Dun Laoghaire. The passenger ferry from Wales brings travellers right to the town, while there also is a frequent commuter-rail service on the DART, which takes you to Dublin’s city centre in 25 minutes. A well developed highway makes access to Dublin east by car, though Ireland generally doesn’t have an extensive highway system, and many routes out of the area are provincial roads.
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