Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock are two charming neighborhoods on the south coast of Dublin City, located beside each other and easily accessible by public transport. There’s plenty to see and do around those areas, especially if you enjoy good food and amazing views of the ocean. Taking a walk around the harbor while savoring one of Dublin’s most traditional treasures, Teddy’s Icecream, or checking out some local arts and crafts at one of the best markets in the city are just some of the fantastic things you can check out when visiting these regions. To help you make the most of your time in Dublin, here’s a complete guide to what to do in Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock:
Why should I visit Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock while in Dublin?
These two lovely neighborhoods are out of the traditional touristic route but are definitely worth the visit if you enjoy exploring hidden gems whenever you go somewhere new. While there, you will mainly see Dubliners going for a swim, taking a walk, or visiting the delicious restaurants and shops around. Because these areas are so close to the city center, it is very easy to be accessed by public transport and will take you no longer than a 20-minute drive on the Dart train to arrive, which makes it easier to add it to your travel itinerary.
By visiting these areas you will have a chance to see Dublin from a new perspective and have a better idea of what life is like for the ones residing in this part of the city. Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock are located just beside each other, so you can visit both places on the same day.
A guide on what do to in Dun Laoghaire
Start your journey by taking a southbound DART from Conolly Station to Bray, riding until Dun Laoghaire’s station. The train will leave you pretty close to the main areas to be visited in this region and we have two good suggestions of how you can start exploring this charming coastal town. The first is by taking a long walk through Dun Laoghaire’s harbor and pier, enjoying the breathtaking views of the ocean. The second is by following a self-guided historical tour (that you can check out here) around the town’s main streets and buildings, and learning more about the history of the place since the 1820s.
If you feel like having a coffee to keep you going during your stroll, grab the best in the area at Shoe Lane, which also sells pastries and sausage rolls. Make sure you also stop at the most traditional shop in this neighborhood, Teddy’s Icecream, which opened in 1950 and still serves one of the best gelatos in Dublin, definitely a local’s favorite.
If you feel like the weather is good enough to get into the sea, Dun Laoghaire has the best swimming spots in Dublin. Bring a change of clothes and a towel with you and head to the Forty Foot or the Seapoint, both very traditional places among the locals and with good access to the water. Make sure you check the tides before going, since waiting for the high tide is always the best option when deciding to swim in Dublin.
Another nice place to visit in Dun Laoghaire is the cute People’s Park, where every Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm an outdoor market takes place with local vendors of art, jewelry, crafts, and homemade food. The park itself is also beautiful and has amazing views of the ocean, as well as plenty of space to enjoy on a sunny day. You can also check out the food village known as Coco Market, located in the Lexicon Centre and with more than 50 options to choose from including hot or cold food, bakery, artisan food, and seasonal treats.
What to see in Blackrock
Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock are located just 3 km away from each other, so it is very easy to head to your second destination of the day. Take the northbound Dart at the Dun Laoghaire station and stop at Blackrock. Once you arrive you will be welcomed by the adorable view of the town overlooking the ocean, which used to be a small fishing village decades ago. Walking around Blackrock’s narrow and cute streets is definitely one of the best parts of visiting this amazing place.
The most popular spot in this area is the charming Blackrock Market, an indoor market with local craft and art, vintage books and decor, house plants, and some pretty amazing food options. It only opens on weekends and bank holidays, from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm, so make sure to plan your visit for a Saturday or Sunday. The Tree Leaves Indian Cusine is a great spot to have food in this area, selected as one of the best restaurants in Ireland according to The Irish Times. Prices are pretty fair for the amazing quality of food you will get in this place, with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans too.
We hope you will enjoy your time in Dublin and love Dun Laoghaire and Blackrock as much as we do!
Don’t forget that our reception is open 24/7 and our staff is ready to help you with any information you might need during your time with us. See you soon :)
