22:02, Friday, November 20, 2009 (in Ireland)

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Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

Dun Laoghaire is a beautiful seaside town, located just 13km (8miles) south-east of Dublin City Centre, and a short Dart ride from the city centre, with many scenic and historic locations. If one sails into Dublin through the ferry port at Dun Laoghaire, one of the first sights will be the spectacular Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Dun Laoghaire is a popular tourist spot due to its vast selection of activities. A visitor can relax in one of its many restaurants or pubs, or take a walk along one of the piers. Fishing is also quite a popular attraction and boats, rods and lines may be rented from Dun Laoghaire Harbour or any of the local harbours. It is also possible to fish anywhere along the coast. Sailing, of course, can also be enjoyed here. Swimming is a nice way to cool off after a hot day, and there are many points along the coast that are safe for swimming. Horse-riding, rock-climbing and more activities are easily available.

Dún Laoghaire is one of Ireland's major passenger ferry ports and yachting centre situated 13km (8 miles) S.E. of Dublin City Centre. Dún Laoghaire was once a small ishing village located on an inlet of the rocky coast near Salthill, a small hillock once noted for the production of salt. It was called Dunleary until 1821 when a completely new town developed to the east as a result of the building of the present large harbour, and the construction of the railway. It was renamed Kingstown until 1920. It makes a surprising introduction to Ireland with its brightly painted villas, parks and palm trees. On a good day it exudes a decidedly continental feel. Many visitors head straight out of Dún Laoghaire from the ferry, however the town offers some magnificent walks around the harbour and to the lighthouse along the east and west piers. The town has experienced a renaissance in recent years which has transformed this once-faded ferry port into one of the most interesting places to visit and stay in County Dublin. Much under-rated in the recession of the 1970s and 1980s, the town has acquired the look of a place on the way up. There is a sense of good things happening in the town. The new Bloomfields Shopping Centre has shifted the focus of the town northwards and revitalised an area that was lacking in amenities. A 12-screen cinema has just opened, which is encouraging young people to use this end of the town more. Dún Laoghaire is a compact town, and everything you need is in easy walking distance. The swift train connection (takes just 15 minutes) makes it perfectly possible to explore central Dublin from here.