Visiting Dun Laoghaire Town in Dublin South County

Dún Laoghaire lives beside the sea; it's 8 miles south of Dublin, Ireland's capital city. Generations have 'taken the air' on its East and West Piers ever since the Harbour was constructed in the early 19th century. It's one of the finest, largest man-made harbours in the world. (You can walk or bike along 'The Metals' to Dalkey on a route historically constructed to move quarried granite from there to Dún Laoghaire).

Up past the Town Hall and Pavilion Theatre (where theatrical performances have been enjoyed for decades), lies the town itself. At first glance it looks a contemporary place, but look up and you will see the red-brick shop frontages from the Victorian era. Close at hand is the Mariner's Church, dating from 1837, one of only two of its kind in the world. And when the sun sets over the West Pier, illuminating your surroundings in its golden glow, Dún Laoghaire has even more to offer. Stroll towards Sandycove where the brave swim all the year round in the famous Forty Foot - and where Joyce's Tower looks out over the 'green sea'.

The region itself boasts many family friendly activities and events. The so-called "People's Park" transforms into a bustling market at various stages throughout the month that displays organic and specialist food products much to the joy of local foodies. The friendly open street atmosphere is highlighted by the many shops, bars and eateries that line the coastal slice of Ireland.

Sailing enthusiasts can enjoy the waters of Dublin Bay in a personal capacity or by utilising one of the many sailing services and courses available in the region. The proximity to Dalkey makes the stunning Kiliney hill climb easily accessible. Many a family can be seen picnicking at the hilltop overlooking the waters of Dublin in fair weather. Dun Laoghaire is also one of the stopping points on the way to many Wicklow and Dublin South County tours.

If you want to stretch your horizons, centre-city Dublin is 20 minutes away by DART; while the villages of Glasthule, Dalkey and Monkstown are close-by. It is not often that one can experience the pleasures of a small coastal town in an area with so much ready access to the conveniences of a nation's capitol.

Dun Laoghaire is Dublin Bay's cultural and leisure waterfront experience. View the Official Dun Laoghaire Town website for photographs, news, events and more in Dun Laoghaire town. http://www.dunlaoghaire.ie