Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions 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."

"This is the first university ever built in Ireland, with an old library that houses the world-famous Book of Kells, a 9th century religious text. The visit to see the Book of Kells is self-guided, however guided tours of the grounds of the university are available. Many of the guides are students, so this is a good way to get the inside story in a fun and informative way."

"One of the most famous places to visit at Trinity College is the Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. The writing was complete in 800 AD, and it’s supposedly the oldest and most famous book in the world. The book has the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which people come from all over the world to see."

"Originally founded in 1028, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity contains one of the oldest structures in all of Great Britain. Commonly known as the Christ Church Cathedral, the property houses the famous underground crypts which have been an important pilgrimage site since medieval times. The mysterious monuments and resting places far below the surface of the foundation are still one of the most popular tourist attractions for people who love the historical, religious, and cultural aspects of Ireland."

"If you’re on the search for churches in Dublin, you won’t want to miss out on a trip to the city’s most famous cathedral. Located at the top of a hill that looks out over the beautiful sights of Dublin, the Christ Church Cathedral is very popular amongst tourists and culture seekers. The structure dates back to the 11th century when it was built as a place of worship for Christians from all over the world."

"Its hilltop location and eye-catching flying buttresses make this the most photogenic of Dublin 's three cathedrals, as well as one of the capital's most recognisable symbols."

"Ireland's largest church, St Patrick's Cathedral was built between 1191 and 1270 on the site of an earlier church that had stood since the 5th century. It was here that St Patrick himself reputedly baptised the local Celtic chieftains, making this bit of ground some fairly sacred turf: the well in question is in the adjacent St Patrick's Park, which was once a slum but is now a lovely spot to sit and take a load off."

"Another photogenic place in Dublin is the St Patrick's Cathedral. The cathedral is very old, as it's from 1191. Taking photos of the cathedral is definitely a great idea, as the building is very photogenic."

"Tel: + 353 1 896 1116 Email: dhgallery@tcd.ie Web: www.douglashydegallery.com. The Douglas Hyde Gallery, founded in 1978, became independent of Trinity College in 1984, and for some years afterwards was the only publicly-funded gallery in Ireland that regularly exhibited contemporary art. The Douglas Hyde’s exhibition programme was wide-ranging and eclectic, including shows by major international artists as well as by emerging Irish artists."

"Trinity College / The Book of Kells – My favorite place to visit in Dublin is probably the Old Library at Trinity College, where you can find the famous Book of Kells, as well as the Long Room, which is basically any book lovers' dream library. The Book of Kells exhibit is really interesting, and it's also fun to get a glimpse into Trinity College, which is the oldest university in Ireland."

"One of the most famous places to visit at Trinity College is the Trinity College Library to see the Book of Kells. The writing was complete in 800 AD, and it’s supposedly the oldest and most famous book in the world. The book has the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which people come from all over the world to see."

"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."

"At the northern end of Parnell Square is a small, peaceful park, dedicated to the men and women who have died in pursuit of Irish freedom. The Garden of Remembrance marks the spot where several leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held overnight before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol, and was also where the Irish Volunteers movement was formed in 1913. The central water feature is in the form off a sunken crucifix with the mighty Children of Lir statue at one end."

"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."

"the world's highest free-standing monument resembles a needle and is about as popular with locals as the sewers below O'Connell Street and the Spire. You know they're there, but you don’t stop and admire them. Only artists, architects, and non-Dubliners spare this steel column more than a passing glance."

"A regular meeting point for the locals (At 120metres high you can’t really miss it, can you?!). From the North, the south, the east or west, you’ll soon find a shot that you like!. The Spire is also known by a few other names… we’ll let you ask the locals what they are!"

"Average Rating - 4.7Total Number of Ratings - 50+Location - Dublin City NorthAverage price - £££££Review - Great service, thank you!. View Sprout & Co-Exchequer Street Menu"

"Dubliners around Dawson Street grab one of the best vegan-friendly cuisines around the city in Tang Coffee—another famous restaurant around Dawson St. They offer three, widely-varying menus—breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Their signature dish during breakfast is the Buckwheat Pancakes—for only €8.75 your squishy buckwheat pancakes are served with greek yogurt, fresh berries, pecan nuts, honey, and almond butter."

"This cozy family-run place pulsates the spirit of an Argentinian-Irish amalgamation, offering a refreshing all-daybreakfast experience that takes their guests on an unprecedented culinary adventure. While the name means ‘soul’ in Spanish, it also stands for the initials of the four daughters in the family which runs this thriving café. The cafe resonates with health and happiness."

"This Portobello café stunned me twice this year - once upon a "first look" visit and a few months later while on the hunt for the tastiest pancakes in Dublin. Run by an Argentinian lady whose parents and siblings have also moved over since it opened to lend a hand. There are four sisters in the family, which gives Alma its name - each letter representing a sister."

"Bright and cheery Alma in Portobello is a relative newcomer on the Dublin breakfast scene. The seasonal ingredients are sourced locally but the menu has an Argentinian twist. Stop in for the bestseller, Choripan Argento, which is Argentine chorizo and a fried egg on sourdough with chimichurri, salsa criolla, caramelized onions, and a spicy hit of sriracha."

"The Royal Marine Hotel sits hidden above Dun Laoghaire, offering beautiful sea views just outside the city centre. Sansana Spa has a philosophy of Relax, Revive and Retreat, which you can do in their 9 treatment and relaxation rooms. Experiences at the spa include a unique waterbed relaxation Float and Relax room, rock sauna and aromatherapy room, mud chamber, tropical experience showers, a manicure and pedicure Suite, hydrotherapy chamber and thermal suites with relaxation beds."

"The keenly priced Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire is everything a landmark seaside hotel ought to be: handsome, grand, nicely maintained, a local focus point – and in a splendid setting: on rising ground overlooking the great piers of picturesque Dún Laoghaire harbour, with views across Dublin Bay."

"The Royal Marine Hotel is situated on the coast out in the seaside town of Dun Laoghaire. Dublin City centre is easily assessable by public transport. In fact, the train ride into Dublin City centre from Dun Laoghaire is absolutely beautiful as it hugs the coastline."

"With 92 newly refurbished bedrooms combined with exceptional service, Maldron Hotel Smithfield has everything you need for a perfect hotel break in Dublin. With an abundance of things to see and do right on our doorstep and the LUAS just a 2 minute walk away, it is the perfect base to stay and explore this wonderful city.Maldron Hotel Smithfield is located in Smithfield Square just 15 minutes' walk from O'Connell Street. The hotel is just 2 minutes' walk from the LUAS stop, meaning you are just a short LUAS (tram) ride from all areas of the city."

"After one visit here, we’re certain you’ll fall in love with this bright and contemporary café just like we have. It’s one of our favourite places to visit when we’re in Dublin—the food is fantastic, the staff are friendly and helpful, and best of all it has a lovely welcoming atmosphere. You simply cannot go wrong with ordering a traditional Irish fry from this place."

"Located on Dublins busy O’Connell Street, Gelato Di Natura Dublin is another superb traditional Italian ice-cream parlour. Formerly known as SUSO, with stores all over the world, you are sure to get top quality ice cream at Gelato Di Natura Dublin. With an impressive 28 flavours to choose from you will be spoilt for choice."

"Gelato Di Natura is located on the bustling O’Connell Street, and you can choose if you want to enjoy your ice cream inside or outside. Cookies, vanilla and chocolate are popular but also unusual flavours like walnuts and figs can be found in their selection of flavours. View this post on Instagram"