A Town of Kings and Rebels: A Stroll Along Dún Laoghaire's East Pier

Dún Laoghaire district is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, yet very few know its rich history. On this walking tour, you’ll trace its transformation from humble beginnings as a fishing village in Dublin Bay, into the town of Kingstown, and then back into Dún Laoghaire, one of the most important ports in Ireland. You’ll hear its story whispered in the sea breeze and see it carved into the bricks that built the area.

The tour starts outside St Michael’s Church, which has been at the heart of the community since the 1820s. From there you’ll make your way to the Irish Sea and past modern amenities like the Pavilion Theatre. Wandering along ‘the Metals’, remains of the old railway track and now a promenade, you’ll stroll along the Dún Laoghaire Pier to the East Pier Lighthouse where you’ll be able to see almost all of Dublin Bay and huge parts of the city itself. You’ll hear how the harbour was built, and learn about the impact this area has had on Ireland’s fortune for the last couple of centuries. The tour ends near the Roger Casement Statue, honoring the legacy of the Irish revolutionary, where you’ll find some of the best food, coffee and ice-cream shops around!

On this hour-long tour, you’ll:

• Listen to stories of Irish rebellion throughout the centuries
• Find out about the origins of the name Dunleary
• See the King George IV Monument and the RMS Leinster Memorial
• Hear about the area’s multiple name changes, including Kingstown, Dunleary, and Dunleary
• Spot the eagle motif of the Romanov family on the Crimean War cannon and find out what a Russian cannon is doing in Dublin
• Take in one of Ireland’s first weather stations which, despite being constructed almost 200 years ago, is still in daily use

Join me on this walking tour, where each step reveals a new chapter in the story of Dún Laoghaire – a town that gracefully balances a regal heritage with the resilient spirit of rebellion.