Dun Laoghaire Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Dun Laoghaire is exceptionally well-connected to Dublin, with the DART train service running regularly from the city center in just 25 minutes. From Dublin Airport, the Aircoach provides direct service to Dun Laoghaire in approximately 45 minutes. If driving, the town is easily accessible via the N11 road, with several public car parks available near the ferry terminal. Local Dublin Bus routes also serve the area extensively, with routes 7, 46a, and 75 stopping close to the harbor, making connections to the ferry seamless.

Nestled along Dublin Bay's southern shore, Dun Laoghaire blends Victorian maritime charm with modern Irish vibrancy. Its impressive granite harbor, one of the largest in Ireland, has welcomed travelers for over two centuries. This picturesque coastal town offers visitors a perfect balance of seaside tranquility and urban convenience, making it both a delightful destination and an ideal gateway to explore Ireland's east coast.

Summer months (June through August) offer the most pleasant weather for enjoying Dun Laoghaire's seaside charm, with temperatures typically ranging from 15-20°C and extended daylight hours. The annual Dun Laoghaire Regatta in July brings colorful sailing competitions to the harbor, while the Festival of World Cultures adds international flair in August. Spring and autumn provide milder conditions with fewer tourists, particularly May and September when many local events still take place. Winter visits have their own appeal with dramatic coastal scenery, though some seasonal businesses may operate reduced hours.

Holyhead in Wales is the primary ferry destination from Dun Laoghaire, with crossings taking approximately 2 hours 15 minutes across the Irish Sea. This Welsh port town serves as a gateway to Snowdonia National Park and connects to the broader UK rail network. The Isle of Man is accessible seasonally, offering a unique blend of Celtic and Norse heritage just a 2.5-hour journey away. During summer months, coastal cruises often operate to Howth Head, providing spectacular views of Dublin Bay in just 45 minutes. The harbor's strategic position makes it an excellent starting point for exploring both Ireland's east coast and destinations across the Irish Sea.

Stroll along the East Pier, a kilometer-long Victorian walkway offering panoramic views of Dublin Bay and a perfect spot to watch ferries arrive and depart. The National Maritime Museum, housed in a 180-year-old sailor's church, showcases Ireland's rich seafaring history through fascinating artifacts and exhibitions. Food enthusiasts should explore the Peoples Park Food Market on Sundays, featuring local producers and international cuisine, followed by award-winning ice cream at Teddy's, a local institution since 1950. The town's compact center features boutique shopping on George's Street and numerous cafés where you can sample Irish specialties while watching harbor activity.

The imposing harbor at Dun Laoghaire took 42 years to complete (1817-1859) and required over 5 million tons of Dalkey granite, making it one of the largest engineering projects of its time. The town's name, often challenging for visitors to pronounce (roughly 'Dun Leery'), changed from Kingstown in 1920 when Ireland gained independence. James Joyce featured Dun Laoghaire in his masterpiece 'Ulysses,' with the Martello Tower at nearby Sandycove serving as the setting for the novel's opening scene. The famous mailboat service between Dun Laoghaire and Holyhead operated for 160 years, carrying mail between Ireland and Britain regardless of weather conditions.