Dún Laoghaire Harbour & East Pier Dublin
A charming coastal escape with a picturesque harbour, iconic East Pier, and a beloved ice cream tradition, easily accessible from Dublin.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the People's Park Market
Dún Laoghaire Harbour & East Pier Dublin
Best Time
Enjoy the People's Park Market

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming coastal escape with a picturesque harbour, iconic East Pier, and a beloved ice cream tradition, easily accessible from Dublin.
"The East Pier is a must-do for its stunning views and classic Teddy's ice cream!"
🚶♀️ Pier Walk Essentials
The East Pier is perfect for a leisurely stroll with great views. Grab a Teddy's ice cream while you're there!
☕ Seaside Cafes
Happy Out cafe offers stunning sea views and great coffee, a perfect stop after your pier walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

East Pier Stroll
Dún Laoghaire Harbour
A picturesque walk along the smooth, well-maintained pier with panoramic sea views and fresh ocean air.

Teddy's Ice Cream
On the pier
Indulge in a classic cone from this beloved local ice cream shop, a must-try Dún Laoghaire tradition.

People's Park Market
People's Park
A vibrant Sunday market featuring local crafts, food, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for browsing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Pier Perks & Local Bites
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Pier Walk Essentials
The East Pier is perfect for a leisurely stroll with great views. Grab a Teddy's ice cream while you're there!
☕ Seaside Cafes
Happy Out cafe offers stunning sea views and great coffee, a perfect stop after your pier walk.
🛍️ Sunday Market Finds
Don't miss the People's Park Market on Sundays for local crafts and delicious food.
🚆 Easy Day Trip
Dún Laoghaire is easily accessible from Dublin by train or bus, making it a convenient day trip.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Pier Walk Essentials
The East Pier is perfect for a leisurely stroll with great views. Grab a Teddy's ice cream while you're there!
☕ Seaside Cafes
Happy Out cafe offers stunning sea views and great coffee, a perfect stop after your pier walk.
🛍️ Sunday Market Finds
Don't miss the People's Park Market on Sundays for local crafts and delicious food.
🚆 Easy Day Trip
Dún Laoghaire is easily accessible from Dublin by train or bus, making it a convenient day trip.
🌊 Harbour Swimming
While swimming in the harbour is discussed, it's not a common tourist activity. Stick to the piers for now!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dún Laoghaire Harbour for its beautiful East Pier, offering a relaxing escape with stunning sea views and a beloved ice cream tradition. The People's Park Market adds a vibrant Sunday attraction. While some find the town centre itself less captivating, the coastal amenities and accessibility from Dublin make it a highly recommended day trip.
"This is wonderful place for getting exercise, and fresh air on a lovely walk or run .
You have the option of a ice cream cone at the end, if you choose!
Very peaceful and serene."
Barry Sullivan
"Fantastic walk with great views back at Dub Laoghaire. Ice cream and toilets are available at the pier end, fish and chips & coffee etc at start."
Darach McEoin
"This is a great place for fishing. Its so peaceful. And scenic place. A lot of people comes here, gets very busy during sunny weather. Good number of food shops nearby. A lot of people fish here. I come here now and then. Its a lovely atmosphere and enjoyable area."
Noble Paul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dún Laoghaire is easily reached from Dublin city centre via the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train line, which runs frequently along the coast. Buses are also a convenient option. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
Yes, there are several car parks available in Dún Laoghaire, including multi-storey options. However, public transport is often recommended due to potential traffic and parking costs.
While Dún Laoghaire is connected by coastal paths, walking directly from Dublin city centre might be too long for a casual day trip. However, you can easily access it from nearby Dalkey or Killiney via DART.
The DART train is the most efficient way to travel between Dún Laoghaire and charming nearby towns like Dalkey and Killiney, offering scenic coastal views along the way.
Several Dublin Bus routes serve Dún Laoghaire, providing an alternative to the DART. Check the Dublin Bus website or app for the most up-to-date route information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking on the East Pier is completely free and open to the public. It's a beloved amenity for locals and visitors alike.
The harbour and East Pier are generally accessible at all times, offering a wonderful experience day or night. Specific market hours apply to the People's Park Market.
Entry to the People's Park Market is typically free. You'll only pay for any purchases you make from the vendors.
Yes, the National Maritime Museum of Ireland usually has an admission fee. It's advisable to check their official website for current prices and opening times.
While not explicitly stated, dogs are generally welcome in outdoor public spaces like piers in Ireland, but it's always good practice to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main activity is a leisurely walk, enjoying the sea breeze and views. You can also find coffee stands and the famous Teddy's ice cream shop. It's a popular spot for people-watching and enjoying the coastal scenery.
The East Pier is generally considered more for leisure, with a smoother surface and better sea views, while the West Pier has historically been more of a working pier.
Absolutely! The East Pier offers stunning panoramic shots of the sea and coastline. The colourful buildings and the harbour itself also make for great photos.
Yes, Dún Laoghaire is great for families. The pier walk is safe and enjoyable for all ages, and the People's Park offers space for kids to play. Teddy's ice cream is always a hit!
Dún Laoghaire town centre has a mix of high street shops, boutiques, and local businesses. The People's Park Market on Sundays offers unique crafts and artisanal goods.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Happy Out cafe is highly recommended for its sea views and excellent coffee. There are also various cafes along the seafront and in the town centre.
Don't miss Teddy's ice cream for a classic cone! The People's Park Market offers diverse street food options. For a unique experience, China Tang offers a Peking Duck experience.
Yes, the area around the harbour has a good selection of restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale dining. 'Soup' is mentioned as a good option.
Given its harbour location, you can likely find fresh seafood options at various restaurants in Dún Laoghaire.
With the variety of cafes and market stalls, you should be able to find vegetarian and vegan options, especially at the People's Park Market.
📸 📸 Photography
The East Pier offers stunning panoramic views of the sea, coastline, and Dublin Bay. The colourful buildings along the seafront and the harbour itself are also great subjects.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful soft light for photography. Overcast days can also create a dramatic mood for seascapes.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. It's essential to check current Irish aviation authority rules regarding drone operation in public areas and near harbours before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea views and pier. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. A polarizing filter can enhance the colours of the sea and sky.
The iconic Teddy's ice cream van, the colourful boats in the harbour, and the unique architecture of the National Maritime Museum of Ireland are all great photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic East Pier Experience
Along the pier, you'll find small kiosks, including the legendary Teddy's Ice Cream, a must-visit for a classic cone that has been a Dún Laoghaire tradition for generations. The pier is also a popular spot for watching boats and enjoying the maritime atmosphere. It's a simple pleasure, but one that encapsulates the relaxed coastal vibe of Dún Laoghaire. The pier's length offers a satisfying walk without being overly strenuous, making it perfect for a casual outing.
Culinary Delights in Dún Laoghaire
Beyond these popular spots, the town centre and surrounding areas boast a range of restaurants. While specific recommendations like 'Soup' are noted, the general consensus is that you can find good dining options catering to various tastes and budgets. For those seeking a unique culinary adventure, China Tang offers a specific Peking Duck experience, adding an exotic flair to the local dining landscape. The presence of new ventures like Papi Chulo also indicates a dynamic and evolving food scene.
Exploring Dún Laoghaire's Maritime Heritage
The harbour itself, with its two piers, has played a significant role in transportation and trade. The East Pier, as mentioned, is the more leisurely of the two, while the West Pier has historically served more functional purposes. Discussions about the harbour's transformation and potential for community use, similar to other European cities, highlight an ongoing conversation about its future. Even without visiting the museum, simply walking the piers and observing the boats provides a tangible connection to this rich maritime heritage.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit