Dún Laoghaire is a suburban seaside town just a few miles south of the Dublin city center. The name, pronounced “dun-leary” (or in Irish, doon-leereh), provides amusement for locals looking on as tourists try to get their tongues around it. Everyone will recognize when you are trying to say, but might let you struggle through the tangled vowels and silent glottises just to see what funny sounds come out of your mouth. This perfectly sums up the coy yet kind vibe of the town.
This historic harbor town has so much to offer for tourists and locals alike; there are over 200 shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafés all within a short walk of each other. Aside from the waterfront there are other wonderful attractions like the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, the People’s Park, and Victorian-style tearooms like White Tea Café.
Often there are markets and fairs that are set up along the harbor and in the park, too, where people will come to sell their crops or local wares. Everything from expertly crafted handmade clothing to exceptionally fresh fish can be found. And speaking of exceptionally fresh fish, be sure to eat at Cavistons! The seafood-heavy menu changes often, but oysters, crab claws, and Dublin prawns are always available and always as fresh as can be.
The true attraction of the city, though, is the walk along the harbor pier. Definitely go for a stroll—it’s stunning. There are picturesque views everywhere you look that are dotted with quaint white pavilions. You’ll also be sure to encounter young couples nestled in each other’s arms, sitting on benches and enjoying the view.
Happy puppies often bound around while their owners attempt to control them, but all the new smells and excited children are far too much of a distraction. More than likely you’ll spot a man fishing off of the pier. He stands so confidently in the wind amidst the spray from the surf, it almost looks as though he belongs as part of the seascape.
Bring our One-Piece bag along to Dún Laoghaire; it'll look just right swinging from your hand as you join the locals ambling along the coast.
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