Vimla's guidebook of South County Dublin
Neighbourhoods
This beautiful and affluent area stretches from Dublin City southwards along the coast and is flanked by the Dublin Mountains. For hundreds of years, a ring of castles surrounded and protected people under English rule inside ‘the pale’ from ‘the wild Irish’. This border ran from the coast, inland towards Kildare, and back northwards towards Dundalk. There are a wide variety of buildings and monuments that reflect this. You can still however find structures dating back to the Neolithic times…if you know where to look.
My home is located in a quiet residential estate beside the village of Stillorgan.
Dublin Southside
This beautiful and affluent area stretches from Dublin City southwards along the coast and is flanked by the Dublin Mountains. For hundreds of years, a ring of castles surrounded and protected people under English rule inside ‘the pale’ from ‘the wild Irish’. This border ran from the coast, inland towards Kildare, and back northwards towards Dundalk. There are a wide variety of buildings and monuments that reflect this. You can still however find structures dating back to the Neolithic times…if you know where to look.
My home is located in a quiet residential estate beside the village of Stillorgan.
Stillorgan serves as an entertainment and shopping hub for many residential areas in South County Dublin, such as Foxrock and Rathfarnham. While it has been eclipsed by the neighbouring, flashier Dundrum Village shopping and entertainment complex, Stillorgan remains popular with Southsiders thanks to its strategic location close to the coast and the N11 motorway - The main connection between Dublin and County Wicklow. Stillorgan is also very convenient for Dublin's largest university, University College Dublin (UCD), which makes the area popular with students. Take the N11 towards Dublin city centre and the UCD campus is only a few bus stops away from Stillorgan.
History Of Stillorgan
The history of Stillorgan is in many ways typical for the suburbs on Dublin's Southside. A rural area with a few respectable but not spectacular country houses up to the 18th century, its population grew with the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century. The town boomed and became home to an influential middle class fleeing the city. The successful society portrait painter William Orpen was born here in 1878. The railway closed in the late 1950s and Stillorgan re-invented itself in the 1960s as a commuter town servicing Dublin's increasing need for office workers. Stillorgan can lay claim to have the first purpose-built shopping centre ever to be opened in Ireland. The Stillorgan Shopping Centre opened its doors in 1966.
The face of Stillorgan today is dominated by shops and car parks around the main thoroughfares and quiet residential streets just metres away from the hustle and bustle of the shoppers, cinema-goers and groups of teenagers.
Unusual for South County Dublin, Stillorgan is a bit of a hot spot for Gaelic Football. It's an Irish game that combines elements of football and rugby. You can kick, carry or throw a round leather ball the size of a football and the goal looks like a soccer goal crammed inbetween rugby posts. There are points for scoring a goal or you can, for fewer points, kick the ball over the bar but between the posts. Gaelic Football is typically more popular on Dublin's Northside or in the country. Stillorgan's team, the Kilmacud Crokes, bucks the trend and has won six Dublin Senior Football Championships, three Leinster Senior Football Championships and two All Ireland trophies since 1971. The Crokes' headquarters are located at Glenalbyn, opposite the Stillorgan shopping centre.
Nightlife In Stillorgan
A large part of Stillorgan's attraction for people in the area are its two pubs, Bolands and The Mill. Both are typical suburban Dublin pubs, which means they are big, cavernous places that can hold a couple of hundred punters and there is parking for nearly all of them. They are just big barns, really, but suburbanites don't mind the lack of atmosphere because they arrive in groups and provide their own entertainment. Once the place is full of chat, both pubs can be good fun.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Stillorgan Village Centre
Lower Kilmacud RoadStillorgan serves as an entertainment and shopping hub for many residential areas in South County Dublin, such as Foxrock and Rathfarnham. While it has been eclipsed by the neighbouring, flashier Dundrum Village shopping and entertainment complex, Stillorgan remains popular with Southsiders thanks to its strategic location close to the coast and the N11 motorway - The main connection between Dublin and County Wicklow. Stillorgan is also very convenient for Dublin's largest university, University College Dublin (UCD), which makes the area popular with students. Take the N11 towards Dublin city centre and the UCD campus is only a few bus stops away from Stillorgan.
History Of Stillorgan
The history of Stillorgan is in many ways typical for the suburbs on Dublin's Southside. A rural area with a few respectable but not spectacular country houses up to the 18th century, its population grew with the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century. The town boomed and became home to an influential middle class fleeing the city. The successful society portrait painter William Orpen was born here in 1878. The railway closed in the late 1950s and Stillorgan re-invented itself in the 1960s as a commuter town servicing Dublin's increasing need for office workers. Stillorgan can lay claim to have the first purpose-built shopping centre ever to be opened in Ireland. The Stillorgan Shopping Centre opened its doors in 1966.
The face of Stillorgan today is dominated by shops and car parks around the main thoroughfares and quiet residential streets just metres away from the hustle and bustle of the shoppers, cinema-goers and groups of teenagers.
Unusual for South County Dublin, Stillorgan is a bit of a hot spot for Gaelic Football. It's an Irish game that combines elements of football and rugby. You can kick, carry or throw a round leather ball the size of a football and the goal looks like a soccer goal crammed inbetween rugby posts. There are points for scoring a goal or you can, for fewer points, kick the ball over the bar but between the posts. Gaelic Football is typically more popular on Dublin's Northside or in the country. Stillorgan's team, the Kilmacud Crokes, bucks the trend and has won six Dublin Senior Football Championships, three Leinster Senior Football Championships and two All Ireland trophies since 1971. The Crokes' headquarters are located at Glenalbyn, opposite the Stillorgan shopping centre.
Nightlife In Stillorgan
A large part of Stillorgan's attraction for people in the area are its two pubs, Bolands and The Mill. Both are typical suburban Dublin pubs, which means they are big, cavernous places that can hold a couple of hundred punters and there is parking for nearly all of them. They are just big barns, really, but suburbanites don't mind the lack of atmosphere because they arrive in groups and provide their own entertainment. Once the place is full of chat, both pubs can be good fun.
Blackrock has a bohemian touch which injects fresh live into the town. Blackrock's bohemian side comes to the fore in its large number of small art galleries and a weekend market which attracts shoppers from all over Dublin.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Blackrock
Blackrock has a bohemian touch which injects fresh live into the town. Blackrock's bohemian side comes to the fore in its large number of small art galleries and a weekend market which attracts shoppers from all over Dublin.
Located 10mn drive away from my home, this lovely costal village has great restaurants, a cool atmosphere and some lovely shops.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monkstown
Located 10mn drive away from my home, this lovely costal village has great restaurants, a cool atmosphere and some lovely shops.
Sightseeing
The coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire is popular for strolls on the East Pier and locally caught fish and chips.
103 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dún Laoghaire
The coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire is popular for strolls on the East Pier and locally caught fish and chips.
The primary purpose of Wicklow Mountains National Park is the conservation of biodiversity and landscape. The Park is also an invaluable recreational space for locals and visitors alike.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wicklow Mountains
The primary purpose of Wicklow Mountains National Park is the conservation of biodiversity and landscape. The Park is also an invaluable recreational space for locals and visitors alike.
For thousands of years people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes‘ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.
303 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Glendalough
For thousands of years people have been drawn to ‘the valley of the two lakes‘ for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul.
Powerscourt is situated on the grounds of the beautiful eponymous estate, with spectacular views across a wooded valley to the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Powerscourt House and Gardens are a five-minute stroll to the west; pretty Enniskerry village is a 10-minute walk north.
201 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Powerscourt Golf Club
Powerscourt is situated on the grounds of the beautiful eponymous estate, with spectacular views across a wooded valley to the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Powerscourt House and Gardens are a five-minute stroll to the west; pretty Enniskerry village is a 10-minute walk north.
Parque Cabinteely
Bray RoadBig park, amazing playground and nice coffee ☕
Stillorgan Obelisk was erected in 1727 and is possibly the first obelisk to be built in Ireland. This location was originally on the grounds of Stillorgan Park House owned by Lord Allen who commissioned the famous architect Edward Lovett Pearce to design it. Edward Lovett Pearce was one of the leading architects of his time (his other works include the original Houses of Parliament on College Green and Castletown House) and took inspiration for it from Bernini’s Obelisk in Rome. It stands at an impressive 100 feet is made of granite and is believed to have been built either to provide local employment during the famine that year or it was a monument to his wife, Lady Allen. Legend has it that the second Viscount of Stillorgan, Joshua Allen, had his favorite horse buried beneath the obelisk. It is now located on a housing estate on Carrysfort Avenue.
Stillorgan Obelisk
Carysfort AvenueStillorgan Obelisk was erected in 1727 and is possibly the first obelisk to be built in Ireland. This location was originally on the grounds of Stillorgan Park House owned by Lord Allen who commissioned the famous architect Edward Lovett Pearce to design it. Edward Lovett Pearce was one of the leading architects of his time (his other works include the original Houses of Parliament on College Green and Castletown House) and took inspiration for it from Bernini’s Obelisk in Rome. It stands at an impressive 100 feet is made of granite and is believed to have been built either to provide local employment during the famine that year or it was a monument to his wife, Lady Allen. Legend has it that the second Viscount of Stillorgan, Joshua Allen, had his favorite horse buried beneath the obelisk. It is now located on a housing estate on Carrysfort Avenue.
The picturesque village of Dalkey was once Dublin’s most important medieval port. This area was also at the outer edge of The Pale and so was constantly under threat of attack from displaced Gaelic clans such as the O’Byrnes and the O’Tooles. There were originally 7 castles in this village but only Dalkey Castle and Archibald’s Castle remain. The castles were built both to defend and to store valuable goods such as wine and tobacco. In the 16th century, Dalkey Castle was owned by The Cheevers family who were of Norman origin and whose name means goat in French. They featured the goat on their family crest and even called the castle ‘Goat Castle’ – no kidding. During the Victorian era, 5 of the castles were demolished to provide handy building materials for the new houses. Dalkey Castle is now an excellent heritage center and tourist attraction.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
11 Castle StThe picturesque village of Dalkey was once Dublin’s most important medieval port. This area was also at the outer edge of The Pale and so was constantly under threat of attack from displaced Gaelic clans such as the O’Byrnes and the O’Tooles. There were originally 7 castles in this village but only Dalkey Castle and Archibald’s Castle remain. The castles were built both to defend and to store valuable goods such as wine and tobacco. In the 16th century, Dalkey Castle was owned by The Cheevers family who were of Norman origin and whose name means goat in French. They featured the goat on their family crest and even called the castle ‘Goat Castle’ – no kidding. During the Victorian era, 5 of the castles were demolished to provide handy building materials for the new houses. Dalkey Castle is now an excellent heritage center and tourist attraction.
The Pyramid of Dublin was constructed in 1852 and is classified as an ‘odd stepped pyramidal folly’.
It was commissioned by Robert Warren who bought these lands in 1840 and enlarged the house on the lands and renamed it, Killiney Castle. He added to the monuments on the hill, repairing the 1741 commemoration obelisk, and donated land and most of the money for the building of Killiney parish church. His son, Robert Warren Jnr, purchased more land on this hill during the period of Queen Victoria’s jubilee and subsequently re-named it Victoria Hill.
This is a magical spot where you can enjoy some of the finest views of Dublin Bay.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Killiney Hill Park
Killiney Hill RoadThe Pyramid of Dublin was constructed in 1852 and is classified as an ‘odd stepped pyramidal folly’.
It was commissioned by Robert Warren who bought these lands in 1840 and enlarged the house on the lands and renamed it, Killiney Castle. He added to the monuments on the hill, repairing the 1741 commemoration obelisk, and donated land and most of the money for the building of Killiney parish church. His son, Robert Warren Jnr, purchased more land on this hill during the period of Queen Victoria’s jubilee and subsequently re-named it Victoria Hill.
This is a magical spot where you can enjoy some of the finest views of Dublin Bay.
This is Martello Tower No. 7 located on Killiney Hill in South County Dublin.
It is one of about fifty Martellos built by the British. Many were built along our eastern coastline from Drogheda all the way down to Bray.
Dublin Bay had a high concentration of them as twenty-six towers were built in sight of each other providing the ability to communicate and warn of any incoming attacks by the French Navy.
‘Martello No.7’ is unique for its unusual location of half a kilometer up on a hill away from the sea but was useful as a lookout post. It has been beautifully restored over a 10 year period and includes a proofed 18-pounder cannon.
There is also a coach house, an artillery store, a tool shed, a gunner’s cottage (with a resident gunner), and a gunpowder store.
The tower is now privately owned but is sometimes open to the public.
When the restoration was completed on the 12th of July 2008 it was inaugurated by the firing of its cannon.
Killiney Martello Tower
Killiney Hill RoadThis is Martello Tower No. 7 located on Killiney Hill in South County Dublin.
It is one of about fifty Martellos built by the British. Many were built along our eastern coastline from Drogheda all the way down to Bray.
Dublin Bay had a high concentration of them as twenty-six towers were built in sight of each other providing the ability to communicate and warn of any incoming attacks by the French Navy.
‘Martello No.7’ is unique for its unusual location of half a kilometer up on a hill away from the sea but was useful as a lookout post. It has been beautifully restored over a 10 year period and includes a proofed 18-pounder cannon.
There is also a coach house, an artillery store, a tool shed, a gunner’s cottage (with a resident gunner), and a gunpowder store.
The tower is now privately owned but is sometimes open to the public.
When the restoration was completed on the 12th of July 2008 it was inaugurated by the firing of its cannon.
The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) is located in Clonskea next to University College Dublin. It was designed by the Irish architect firm, Michael Collins & Associates and the layout is based on a square divided into nine smaller squares, with the mosque placed in the center. It was funded by the al-Maktoum Foundation of Dubai and has a Sunni orientation. It was officially opened in 1996 by President Mary Robinson and Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. The mosque and cultural center include the main prayer hall, a restaurant, a library, meeting rooms, laundry facilities, ten apartments, administrative offices, and recently a shop. A primary school is also located on the premises. The center housed the headquarters of the International Association of Muslim Scholars (later International Union of Muslim Scholars) before it moved to Qatar.
Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland
19 Roebuck RdThe Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) is located in Clonskea next to University College Dublin. It was designed by the Irish architect firm, Michael Collins & Associates and the layout is based on a square divided into nine smaller squares, with the mosque placed in the center. It was funded by the al-Maktoum Foundation of Dubai and has a Sunni orientation. It was officially opened in 1996 by President Mary Robinson and Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. The mosque and cultural center include the main prayer hall, a restaurant, a library, meeting rooms, laundry facilities, ten apartments, administrative offices, and recently a shop. A primary school is also located on the premises. The center housed the headquarters of the International Association of Muslim Scholars (later International Union of Muslim Scholars) before it moved to Qatar.
Monkstown Parish Church was originally built in 1789 but was re-modeled in 1825 by the famous architect John Semple.
Its style is described as ‘castellated Gothic with Moorish influences’ and has similarities to some of Gaudi’s buildings in Barcelona except this was built 50 years earlier.
Its styling was described as ‘incorrect’ by the conservative church worshipers but over time it has become to be described as ‘bold, modern and original’ as is regarded as John Semple’s masterpiece.
The interior of the church is equally impressive with its enormous curved vaulting and three beautiful balconies. Semple designed some of the most prominent churches in Dublin and also designed the inside of the Round Room in the Mansion House which is used by the Irish Parliament.
His father (also called John) was also an architect who worked on Gandon’s Custom House.
Church of Ireland Monkstown, Dublin
Monkstown RoadMonkstown Parish Church was originally built in 1789 but was re-modeled in 1825 by the famous architect John Semple.
Its style is described as ‘castellated Gothic with Moorish influences’ and has similarities to some of Gaudi’s buildings in Barcelona except this was built 50 years earlier.
Its styling was described as ‘incorrect’ by the conservative church worshipers but over time it has become to be described as ‘bold, modern and original’ as is regarded as John Semple’s masterpiece.
The interior of the church is equally impressive with its enormous curved vaulting and three beautiful balconies. Semple designed some of the most prominent churches in Dublin and also designed the inside of the Round Room in the Mansion House which is used by the Irish Parliament.
His father (also called John) was also an architect who worked on Gandon’s Custom House.
Killiney Obelisk was built in 1742 to commemorate what is described as ‘the Year of the Slaughter’ or Ireland’s forgotten famine.
In 1740 there was an incredibly cold winter which was followed by a severe summer of rain and floods. This wiped out the crops and killed off livestock. The following winter was again BALTIC with temperatures not getting above minus 10 for a month. It was so cold that small vessels were destroyed by icebergs on the River Liffey, street lamps could not be lit plunging towns and villages into darkness and food riots were common throughout the land.
Many of the oldest trees were also felled for fuel and sickness was common all over. Reports suggest that up to 480,000 may have people died during this forgotten famine.
A small number of rich landlords like John Malpas of Killiney Hill and Kathryn Connolly of Castletown House commissioned famine relief projects like this one to provide employment to destitute families.
Ironically this monument is now located in the wealthiest part of Ireland.
The Obelisk
3 Claremont GroveKilliney Obelisk was built in 1742 to commemorate what is described as ‘the Year of the Slaughter’ or Ireland’s forgotten famine.
In 1740 there was an incredibly cold winter which was followed by a severe summer of rain and floods. This wiped out the crops and killed off livestock. The following winter was again BALTIC with temperatures not getting above minus 10 for a month. It was so cold that small vessels were destroyed by icebergs on the River Liffey, street lamps could not be lit plunging towns and villages into darkness and food riots were common throughout the land.
Many of the oldest trees were also felled for fuel and sickness was common all over. Reports suggest that up to 480,000 may have people died during this forgotten famine.
A small number of rich landlords like John Malpas of Killiney Hill and Kathryn Connolly of Castletown House commissioned famine relief projects like this one to provide employment to destitute families.
Ironically this monument is now located in the wealthiest part of Ireland.
Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel was once one of Ireland’s most magnificent private houses.
It was built in 1750 as a home for the Dublin barrister and MP Thomas Cooley. It was originally called ‘Seamount House’ and is set in extensive stunning formal gardens believed to have been designed by the famous gardener Nivian Nivien.
It was renamed ‘St Helens’ by Lord Gough when he bought it in 1851. In 1925 the Christian Brothers bought the house and used it as their headquarters and its large ballroom was converted for use as a chapel.
The lands and the house came under so much pressure in the 1980s that it was proposed to be knocked down for re-zoned for housing. It was however listed as a building of national importance and has since been stylishly incorporated into the designs of this 5-star hotel.
Radisson Blu St. Helen's Hotel, Dublin
Stillorgan RoadRadisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel was once one of Ireland’s most magnificent private houses.
It was built in 1750 as a home for the Dublin barrister and MP Thomas Cooley. It was originally called ‘Seamount House’ and is set in extensive stunning formal gardens believed to have been designed by the famous gardener Nivian Nivien.
It was renamed ‘St Helens’ by Lord Gough when he bought it in 1851. In 1925 the Christian Brothers bought the house and used it as their headquarters and its large ballroom was converted for use as a chapel.
The lands and the house came under so much pressure in the 1980s that it was proposed to be knocked down for re-zoned for housing. It was however listed as a building of national importance and has since been stylishly incorporated into the designs of this 5-star hotel.
Dalkey Island lies less than 300 meters off the south Dublin coastline and its name translates to ‘Thorny Island’ in Irish.
This 22-acre island has been occupied for 6000 years and has stunning views in all directions. There are remains of an Iron Age promontory fort, a 7th-century church named after St.Begnet, and a Martello tower and gun battery built in the early 1800s.
The Vikings used this island as a base around 800 AD and it may have been one of the busiest ports in the country at that time.
The channel between the island and the mainland is very deep, has strong tidal currents, and is treacherous for swimming.
It has recently been discovered that this area may not only be rich in pop stars and entrepreneurs but may also have rich oil deposits off the coastline.
There are also many sea birds, pods of bottlenose dolphins, and a colony of seals. A perfect getaway...
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dalkey Island
Dalkey Island lies less than 300 meters off the south Dublin coastline and its name translates to ‘Thorny Island’ in Irish.
This 22-acre island has been occupied for 6000 years and has stunning views in all directions. There are remains of an Iron Age promontory fort, a 7th-century church named after St.Begnet, and a Martello tower and gun battery built in the early 1800s.
The Vikings used this island as a base around 800 AD and it may have been one of the busiest ports in the country at that time.
The channel between the island and the mainland is very deep, has strong tidal currents, and is treacherous for swimming.
It has recently been discovered that this area may not only be rich in pop stars and entrepreneurs but may also have rich oil deposits off the coastline.
There are also many sea birds, pods of bottlenose dolphins, and a colony of seals. A perfect getaway...
Food scene
The Stillorgan Orchard is a gastro pub that has been running for more than 100 years, it is famous for it’s thatched roof and for providing an amazing atmosphere for it’s patrons, as well as delicious traditional Irish food.
With live music every Saturday night and the odd Friday, The Stillorgan Orchard is a great place for a night out.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Stillorgan Orchard
1 The HillThe Stillorgan Orchard is a gastro pub that has been running for more than 100 years, it is famous for it’s thatched roof and for providing an amazing atmosphere for it’s patrons, as well as delicious traditional Irish food.
With live music every Saturday night and the odd Friday, The Stillorgan Orchard is a great place for a night out.
Casanova's Italian Restaurant
8 Lower Kilmacud RoadGorgeous wood fired pizza, fresh pasta and friendly staff.
Whether you are looking for your favourite takeaway dish or wanting to try something new, when you order from Monsoon Indian Restaurant, you won’t be disappointed.
Monsoon Stillorgan
5/4 The HillWhether you are looking for your favourite takeaway dish or wanting to try something new, when you order from Monsoon Indian Restaurant, you won’t be disappointed.
Bear Market Coffee Roasters
Lower Kilmacud RoadOne of the best coffee in Dublin located 7mn walk from my house, enjoy ☕
Authentic traditional tapas, such as Yakitori, Teppanyaki, and fresh Sashimi, with a wide selection of Sake and Japanese drinks to accompany.
Aoshima Sushi & Grill
3 Lower Kilmacud RoadAuthentic traditional tapas, such as Yakitori, Teppanyaki, and fresh Sashimi, with a wide selection of Sake and Japanese drinks to accompany.
Narra Thai & Asian Restaurant
2 Lower Kilmacud RdNice Thai food, great with families.
Beaches
The Vico Baths are around a 15-minute walk south of central Dalkey and are only accessible through a small gap in a wall on Vico Road, after which you’ll need to follow the signs and handrails down to the famous spot (you’ll probably hear the crashing of the waves before you make it all the way down!).
Vico Bathing Place
Vico RoadThe Vico Baths are around a 15-minute walk south of central Dalkey and are only accessible through a small gap in a wall on Vico Road, after which you’ll need to follow the signs and handrails down to the famous spot (you’ll probably hear the crashing of the waves before you make it all the way down!).
The Forty Foot, Sandycove
If jumping into the open sea is your thing, the Forty Foot is the place to visit. A quick 30 minute DART journey south of the city, this spot on the southernmost tip of Dublin Bay is perfect for a leap into the waves. Dubliners have been enjoying bracing swims here for hundreds of years.
For some local literary history, head to the iconic Martello Tower nearby. As featured in James Joyce’s Ulysses, the sturdy round tower was built in 1804 as a defence against an invasion by Napoleon. Today, it’s the James Joyce Museum and you’ll find a collection of letters, photographs and memorabilia belonging to the writer. Picturesque Bullock Harbour with its castle ruins is also a stone’s throw away, while it’s just a short stroll to Dun Laoghaire if you’re in the mood for some post dip refreshment.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sandycove Beach
The Forty Foot, Sandycove
If jumping into the open sea is your thing, the Forty Foot is the place to visit. A quick 30 minute DART journey south of the city, this spot on the southernmost tip of Dublin Bay is perfect for a leap into the waves. Dubliners have been enjoying bracing swims here for hundreds of years.
For some local literary history, head to the iconic Martello Tower nearby. As featured in James Joyce’s Ulysses, the sturdy round tower was built in 1804 as a defence against an invasion by Napoleon. Today, it’s the James Joyce Museum and you’ll find a collection of letters, photographs and memorabilia belonging to the writer. Picturesque Bullock Harbour with its castle ruins is also a stone’s throw away, while it’s just a short stroll to Dun Laoghaire if you’re in the mood for some post dip refreshment.
Seapoint Beach consists mainly of large rocks and sand and is most suitable for swimming at high tide. At the north end of the beach there are a few slipways and steps with hand rails which lead into the water, making it accessible for all.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seapoint Beach
Seapoint CourtSeapoint Beach consists mainly of large rocks and sand and is most suitable for swimming at high tide. At the north end of the beach there are a few slipways and steps with hand rails which lead into the water, making it accessible for all.