East Pier
On my recent NCL Dawn Cruise around Scotland, Ireland, and the Northern Cities of Europe, one of the places on the itinerary was Dublin. We were not actually berthed in Dublin though, but in Dun Laoghaire which is a short train/bus ride away.
Whilst I had originally planned to go into Dublin as there are many Museums and places of interest, I thought I would first look at this pretty town and I am now so glad I did, the feeling and atmosphere that I experienced whilst I walked and explored was amazing.
So, if you are lucky enough to be visiting Dublin too, but you are berthed here I urge you to step off your cruise ship in Dún Laoghaire (Dun Leery to the locals), and you’ll feel it straight away: sea breeze, elegant old buildings, and the sound of gulls wheeling over the harbour. You don’t need more than a few hours here to get a real taste of this pretty coastal town—so let’s take a little walking tour together.
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A Stroll Along the Pier
As soon as you leave the pier, turn right and join the locals for a walk along the East Pier Promenade. It’s about a mile to the lighthouse at the end, and trust me, the views of Dublin Bay are worth every step. On a clear day, you can even see the Wicklow Mountains rolling away in the distance.
History in an Old Church
Heading back into town, it’s just a few minutes to the National Maritime Museum. You can’t miss it—it’s inside an old stone church. Inside, you’ll find model ships, maritime maps, and even a lighthouse lamp. It’s compact, so you won’t lose track of time.
A Pause in People’s Park
Next, it took me about ten minutes to the People’s Park, a leafy Victorian garden complete with fountains and flowerbeds. If you’re here on a Sunday, (one of the locals asked me how long I was staying)said that the place is buzzing with a food and craft market—perfect for grabbing a snack, coffee or real Irish handmade momento before heading back to the cruise ship.
Hidden Gems Along the Way
If you’ve got a little extra time, swing by the Forty Foot, a famous swimming spot where brave Dubliners hurl themselves into the chilly sea. Or duck into the modern dlr LexIcon Library—the rooftop terrace has great views, and it’s a nice quiet breather.
There was an exhibition on in the Lexicon of traditional weaving and woolen garments.
Architectural Surprises
With so many different styles it is hard to choose which of the buildings and styles I liked best. All were my favourites! Perhaps a special place in my memories though will go to the great Victorian buildings and housing.
Dun Laoghaire really is the most special of Irish Seaside Towns. The atmosphere, the friendly people, architecture, culture and history all play their important role in a place that you really would like to go back to and explore in more detail.
Suffice to say, by the time I had finished my wanderings, and stopped for a coffee to drink in all this beautiful town and harbour had to offer, it was time for me to return to the ship, without even a short bus or train ride on the Dart.
For those of you with more time, here are some further details of what you might do and what I might do should I visit this magic place again.
So if You Fancy Going Further - what can you do?
Got 3–5 hours and want to roam a bit?
• Dalkey Castle: Fun tours with actors in costume. 15 mins by DART train (€2.50, every 10 mins) or 10 mins by taxi (€10–12).
• Killiney Hill: A short hike for sweeping views over the bay. 15 mins by taxi (€15–18).
• Central Dublin: The DART whisks you into the city in 25 minutes for €3, with trains every 10 minutes.
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Getting Around
• DART train: Quick, reliable, every 10 minutes.
• Bus: Every 10–15 minutes, fares from €2—good for short hops.
• Taxi: Easy to grab at the pier, though pricier.
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As a final wrap so they say…
Dún Laoghaire is one of those stops where you can keep it simple—just a pier walk, a park stroll, and a coffee—or hop a train for a bigger adventure. Either way, you’ll step back on board feeling like you’ve had a true slice of Irish coastal life.
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In friendship and fun - I hope you have enjoyed my Postcard from Dun Laoghaire in Ireland.
