Perched on the picturesque coast of south Dublin is the quaint yet bustling town of Dun Laoghaire, featuring fantastic restaurants, some great walks and the best ice cream around.
It's easily accessible from the city centre through a number of bus routes (7, 7n, 46a, 46n,59, 63, 75 and 111) as well as the DART. Once you reach the town, there is a heap of bits waiting for you. So let's get into it!
Scenery
Perhaps the most notable scenic walk in Dún Laoghaire is that of the East Pier (which actually stretches for a whole mile), where you can sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the town behind. When walking along, you'll pass the stunning Victorian bandstand and yachts bopping in the water.
There is also The People's Park, featuring lovely lawns and colourful flowers. If you head along on a Sunday, there is the market where you will get some delicious grub as well as interesting crafts.
Fix of culture
The fresh sea air and lovely scenery aren't the only things to draw you here.
First of all, there is the James Joyce Tower Museum. Built as one in a series of Martello Towers designed to withstand an invasion by Napoleon, it now houses a museum devoted to the life and legacy of James Joyce.
In Dún Laoghaire, you'll also find the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, a beautiful building where you can learn all there is to know about Irish sailing and the explorers who bravely navigated the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
For the literature lovers among us, there is also Naughton's Booksellers, where you can discover literary treasures as you browse the 20,000 second-hand and rare books.
Food, glorious food
Dún Laoghaire has no shortage of great food options to suit all tastes. Modern Irish Brasserie Casper & Giumbini's is a lovely spot for you and bae, as is Toscana Italian Restaurant on the seafront.
Meanwhile, Michie is a great shout for any sushi lovers. There is also a Milano restaurant in Dún Laoghaire for fans of the beloved pizza joint, as well as a Gourmet Food Parlour for all the breakfast and brunch goodness you could want. Fancy a cheeky Nando's? There's one of those in Dún Laoghaire as well.
And for delicious seafood, make sure to head to Fish Shack.
Most importantly, ice cream
Dún Laoghaire is home to an ice cream shop that is super popular for good reason. The decades-old spot Teddy's has been helping locals and visitors make summer memories for generations, having sold the same beloved ice cream for over 65 years. If it ain't broken, don't fix it!
Pints? Pints.
Want to finish off the day with a cheeky tipple? Dún Laoghaire is home to a few pubs and bars that make that possible, including the classy Pavilion Bar in the Royal Marine Hotel.
You also have Dunphy's, The Lighthouse, O'Loughlin's, McKenna's and many more. Simply take a stroll around the town and you're bound to find a watering hole serving up lovely pints.
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