I was lucky enough to be invited out to a press trip last week to Dún Laoghaire by DLR Tourism. I thought for this week’s destination report it would be a perfect opportunity to shine a bit of light on the often forgotten area.
The coastal suburb of Dún Laoghaire is most popular for strolls on the East Pier, but it’s so much more. The National Maritime Museum of Ireland has nautical art and artefacts inside a 19th-century sailors’ church, while the harbour is a busy hub for fishing, water sports and cruises. Nearby Sandycove is home to the James Joyce Tower and Museum, as well as the sheltered beach and bathing spot at Forty Foot.
Royal Marine Hotel
I was lucky enough to be perched up in the Royal Marine hotel. The four-star Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire features 228 luxury bedrooms that have been updated with both contemporary and traditional furnishings.
With its magnificent views across Dublin Bay, you enjoy the relaxed facilities and service that the hotel has to offer. These include formal and more relaxed dining options and health and wellness experiences that will ensure that you will enjoy your stay. For the business traveller or event organiser, the Royal Marine also have a large range of conference, meeting and event rooms that are suitable for all needs.
Dublin Under Sail
Experience life on board a traditional sailing vessel. You are part of the crew, set the sails, heave the ropes, climb the rigging, and man the wheel. Enjoy the stunning beauty of Dublin’s iconic bay under the red-cloth sails of the “BRIAN BORÚ”. I was able to get the hang of it so it is perfect for beginners or seasoned sailors alike.
The Brian Ború is a 65 foot (20 Metre), wooden-hulled and traditionally rigged Gaff Ketch.
There is no other similar vessel in Ireland that is available to book and sail.
Some of the views were absolutely stunning during our boat trip, I strongly recommend heading out for a family day out.
Hartley’s Restaurant
When dining at Hartley’s (formally known as nMara) you have a choice between an elegant townhouse interior or a popular seafront terrace for a varied menu of European favourites. Obviously, due to Covid restrictions, we were obligated to sit outdoors. Hartley’s have managed to set up a fabulous outdoor area in these hard times for their industry.
Hartley’s diverse menu allows for a group of people with different pallets to enjoy a meal
together. From their surf and turf to their beetroot and feta burger, Hartley’s will have something that will please you.
Due to Covid their opening times differ. Hartley’s will be open Tuesday-Thursday from 5pm and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12.30pm.
Glencullen Adventure Park
Glencullen Adventure Park (GAP) is a new bike park situated in the Dublin/Wicklow mountain border and just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre. I was very excited to give this a go as I’ve noticed a sudden increase in its popularity. It has a diverse set of freshly cut trails. Some are winding and bending whilst others dynamic and fluid. The guys at GAP have smoothed paths with dramatic ledges. Where others appear more as obstacle courses scattered with roots and rocks.
I decided to try out a blue trail, as they were the easiest being my first time. I somehow
managed to make it down the slope without breaking a bone. I do now understand the increasing popularity of downhill biking. The buzz and adrenaline you get as you twist and turn around the trail are unmatched. This is definitely something I would recommend to people of all ages and I will for sure be heading back up to GAP very soon.