Things To Do
in Dunleary

Delicate prawns caught locally, often served simply with butter or in seafood platters at harbour-side restaurants.

Must-Try!

A British/Irish seaside staple — flaky battered fish with chips. Look for family-run shops near the pier for a classic experience.

Creamy chowder featuring local fish and shellfish; a comforting choice on blustery days and widely available at cafés and bistros.

Hearty traditional dishes of lamb or pork with potatoes and vegetables, found on many pub menus.

Held most weekends, this market offers local cheeses, baked goods, seasonal produce, street-food stalls and artisanal products — a great place to sample local flavors.

Seasonally you may find food stalls and trucks near the pier serving wood-fired pizzas, gourmet burgers and seafood snacks during events and summer weekends.

People are generally friendly and conversational — a polite hello, please and thank you go a long way. Expect light friendly banter in pubs and queues.

Forming orderly queues and waiting your turn is normal; respect personal space and keep noise moderate in residential areas.

The piers and rocks can be slippery and dangerous in rough weather — obey warning signs and lifebuoy areas, and don't climb on unsafe barriers.

Most locals are open and welcoming; while general political history is a sensitive topic for some, ordinary conversation about sport, weather and local events is customary.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is customary for good table service if a service charge isn't included. In pubs you generally don't tip bar staff unless they provide table service; rounding up taxi fares or leaving small change for drivers is common.

Ireland uses the euro. Contactless cards and chip-and-PIN are widely accepted; mobile payments (Apple/Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small market stalls, but most shops and cafés accept cards.

Mild, often pleasant temperatures with long daylight hours and the busiest tourist season — expect ferry and seafront crowds on weekends, outdoor events and pop-ups.

Crisp air and vibrant foliage on the hills, fewer tourists, good conditions for coastal walks — watch for wind and occasional rainy spells.

Cool, wet and windy at times; the piers can be exposed so dress warmly and check signs; quieter streets and cosy pubs make for atmospheric visits.

Flowers and budding trees appear, temperatures gradually rise, and shoulder-season crowds make it ideal for walking and exploring before summer.

Short drive or train ride away; offers well-marked trails, panoramic views over Dublin Bay, and varied terrain suitable for families and experienced hikers alike.

Coastal paths between Sandycove, Dalkey and Killiney provide scenic cliff and beach views, with options to extend into nearby villages and parks.

A stunning coastal trail a short train ride from Dún Laoghaire (from Bray station) that runs along cliffs with dramatic sea views — moderate difficulty and very popular on clear days.

Within an hour's drive, the Wicklow Mountains offer extensive hiking including Glendalough and Bray Head, with trails ranging from easy to challenging and dramatic upland scenery.

Main international airport serving Dublin region — about 20–35 km north of Dún Laoghaire and reachable by car or public transport (approx. 30–50 minutes depending on traffic).

Regional airport in the south of Ireland; reachable by car or a short domestic flight from Dublin but considerably further (2–3 hours by car or train plus connections). Useful as an alternative for travel to southern Ireland.

Many residents commute into Dublin for work thanks to good rail connections; this group includes professionals and families.

Dún Laoghaire is popular with families for its parks, schools and seaside amenities.

Attractive coastal setting and relatively quiet neighbourhoods draw retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle.

Proximity to Dublin and local institutes attracts international workers, students and expatriates, adding to cultural diversity.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and many restaurants; look for modern bistros and cafés that offer seasonal vegetable dishes, salads and hearty vegetarian mains.

Vegan choices have expanded in recent years — bakeries and cafés often have plant-based milks and some mains. Inform staff about strict requirements, and many places will adapt dishes.

Gluten-free breads and options are common in cafés and many restaurants; always ask about cross-contamination if you have coeliac disease.

Seafood is prominent — if you have shellfish or fish allergies, mention them clearly; English is universal, and staff are used to accommodating dietary needs.