Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Dún Laoghaire

"The buses will take you past the major sights and, depending on which tour you choose (grab some leaflets the evening before or do some research on the internet), even far-flung attractions like the Guinness Brewery, Kilmainham Gaol, and Phoenix Park will be seen. The main thing to remember here: get a good seat on top, enjoy the view, listen to the commentary, and snap away... but do not get off the bus. This is your city tour."

"Dominated by the 200ft tall Wellington Monument, the Phoenix Park is an enormous space and one of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe (the Wellington Monument is also the largest obelisk in Europe!). But enough about obelisks. Lying around 2-4 km west of Dublin city centre, the Phoenix Park is easy to reach and is a fine place for a windswept ramble."

"The historical urban park is found 2 to 4 km west of the city center, and also known as the largest enclosed park in Dublin. It boasts myriads of features and tourist attractions, including the Papal Cross, which was erected as the backdrop for the outdoor mass of the late Pope John Paul II on September 29, 1979. Grazing deer can be found near the green area."

"As you watch the assorted groups of friends, lovers and individuals splaying themselves across the nine elegantly landscaped hectares of Dublin's most popular green lung, St Stephen's Green, consider that those same hectares once formed a common for public whippings, burnings and hangings. These days, the harshest treatment you'll get is the warden chucking you off the grass for playing football or Frisbee."

"St Stephen’s Green is located about 10 minute walk (with children) from Maldron Hotel Pearse Street. Adults will be charmed by the stunning Victorian park in the city centre whilst kids will love the playground and duckpond. Look out for free outdoor lunchtime concerts in the summertime."

"Just on the other side of the Liffey from Phoenix Park, in Kilmainham, the Irish War Memorial Gardens are a beautiful quiet spot for a first look or your wedding portraits. Just like with St Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens, you’ll need to get permission from the OPW. In return you’ll get one of the most beautiful backdrop of wisteria, roses or ivy – depending on what season you find yourself there!"

"These gardens are dedicated to all the Irish soldiers who fought in WWI. It’s a quaint setting to relax in, with a rose garden, fountains, and wonderful architecture around the grounds. Just like St. Patrick’s Park, the memorial gardens sit right by the bed of the River Liffey."

"St. Anne’s is the second-largest park in Dublin, sitting at 240 acres, and was formerly an estate owned by the Guinness family. On top of walking paths, rose gardens and ponds, the park boasts some great sporting facilities in the form of tennis courts and football pitches."

"Saint Anne’s Park is located on the Northside of Dublin and is one of the most beautiful parks in the county. The park is home to old ruins, Chinese Suzhou Gardens, Rose Gardens and some magical artwork. On the outskirts of the park lies Ireland’s very own tree of life."

"The beautiful grass and colourful flowerbeds are overlooked by the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a great day out for all, and even sits by the River Liffey."

"Dalkey Island is a beautiful place that's one of the most Instagrammable places in Dublin. It is an island that is very close to Dublin and it's very to get there. View this post on Instagram"

"Overlooking the villages of Dalkey and Killiney is a small public park, the Killiney Hill Park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of teas from their famous tea rooms, playgrounds for children and adult alike, and long green walking paths and woodland trails. Families and friends can enjoy their picnics here in the park as they enjoy the view of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountain."

"Ok, but this one’s pretty cool and it’s perched on top of a hill!. It also used to have a railway station (albeit one that closed over 150 years ago, but still). Located along the southern boundary of Dublin Bay, the main reason you’d head to Killiney Hill Park is for the gorgeous sweeping views from the viewpoint just south of the obelisk."

"A little park with a wonderful view of Dalkey and Killiney villages. It’s a steep walk up the hill, but it’s well worth it. Once you’re up, it’s one of Dublin’s most tranquil spots to relax in."

"A stunning mansion in the Elizabethan Revival style, Killruddery has been home to the Brabazon family (earls of Meath) since 1618 and has one of the oldest gardens in Ireland. The house is impressive, but the prizewinner here is the magnificent orangery, built in 1852 and chock-full of statuary and plant life. If you like fancy glasshouses, this is the one for you. It's 6km north of Greystones just off the R761 coast road."

"This market, located in the 247-acre park in Rathfarnham, is well worth browsing through when you're spending the day at Marlay Park. And there are some fantastic vendors at this market. Try the delicious food at Taste of Morocco, get some beautiful hand-made crafts from Handmade For U, find your next read at the Village Bookshop, or enjoy some rolled ice-cream in the sun."

"Set deep within South Dublin, sprawling Marlay Park encompasses wild woodland, indistinct paths, a manicured walled garden and even a golf course. There’s always plenty going on here, like the farmers’ market every weekend and, in summer, an extensive programme of outdoor concerts. Try to locate the ‘fairy tree’ – and good luck (this park stretches out over 300 acres)."

"Another awesome place to go for a walk in Dublin is Marley Park. It is the perfect place to go for some peace and quiet. The park stretches for 86 acres and is home to ponds, forestry and trails."

"If the hustle and bustle of Dublin's city centre is getting to you and you would prefer to take your Guinness with a scenic panorama then head up to Ireland's 'highest' pub, Johnny Fox's in the Dublin mountains. The drive is about half an hour but you can take the Express Bus from several central locations to arrive in time for service and leaving after last orders. The pub features live traditional music every evening and its famous 'Hooley Night' features a top dance act; a welcome alternative to the city's busy pubs."

"Established in 1798, Johnnie Fox's is one of the oldest pubs in Ireland. Renowned for being the highest pub in the country, nestled in the peaceful township of Glencullen and surrounded by the beautiful serenity of the Dublin Mountains."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kanakari used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Bord Gais Energy Theatre is a performing arts venue located in the Docklands. It is the city’s biggest fixed-seat theater and was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind for the Dublin Docklands Development Authority."

"Designed by Studio Libeskind in 2010, the Grand Canal Square formed an important milestone for the redevelopment of the Dublin Docklands area. The 2000-seat theater is based on the concept of stages: the stage of the theater, the stage of the piazza, the stage of the multiple lever lobby above the piazza."

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kanakari used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Bord Gais Energy Theatre is a performing arts venue located in the Docklands. It is the city’s biggest fixed-seat theater and was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind for the Dublin Docklands Development Authority."

"Designed by Studio Libeskind in 2010, the Grand Canal Square formed an important milestone for the redevelopment of the Dublin Docklands area. The 2000-seat theater is based on the concept of stages: the stage of the theater, the stage of the piazza, the stage of the multiple lever lobby above the piazza."

"The Olivier Cornet Gallery on Denmark Street represents some incredible contemporary Irish and international artists, who's works include painting, sculpture, ceramics, fine art prints, photography and installations. They're always running incredible exhibitions too, so have a look at their site to see which artists they're showcasing at the moment."

"Situated on the quays and overlooking the Liffey, The Workman's Club operates as both a venue for live music and comedy as well as a rarely empty club space. It's at times a little labyrinthine as it occupies 3 floors and a roof garden, each with many different rooms and areas and sometimes resembling a townhouse sitting room that's been overrun with people. The music is great, the cocktails are lethal and it's definitely one of the more affordable nights out in Dublin."

"The Workman's Club is here for you, offering regular indie disco nights and live music sessions. Of course, there's plenty of rock, hip-hop, guilty pleasures and disco hits scattered into the jam-packed event schedule."