For those who have been awaiting the completion of restoration work at the Dun Laoghaire Baths in South Dublin, there’s some good news. They are set to reopen this month, in just over a week’s time. Mark your calendars for December 13 – for this is when the historic baths will be open to welcome the public after a multi-million refurbishment and restoration project.
The baths have undergone years of restoration work. The refurbishment included a walk linking Sandycove to the East Pier, a 35-metre jetty into the sea as well as work on the Pavilion building which will house a café and a gallery space. In the future, there’s also potential for a seawater pool to be added.
The historic baths date back to 1843. They were closed in 1997, and unfortunately had been derelict for over 20 years.
But now, it’s all set to change. Thanks to the refurbishment work that was ongoing since 2018. The project was funded directly by Dun Laoghaire County Council and additional grant funding of €1.1m was made available from the European Regional Development Fund under the Designated Urban Centre Grant Scheme (DUCGS).
Perhaps the baths reopen in time for the very popular dips at dawn that are a favourite with many during the wintertime.
If you’re in the area, you may also want to take in the festive lights. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown twinkles and glows this year with exciting 3D light installations, fairylike forest walks at Marlay Park and Cabinteely Park and several buildings will be bathed with a magical glow.
Lots of activities are outdoors, inviting people to wrap up warm, get out in the crisp clean air, soak up the festive spirit and go ‘walking in a winter wonderland’. This year, pedal power will also take centre stage with a twinkling Christmas tree on the iconic bandstand on the pier from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday, Dec 10, Sunday Dec 11, Saturday Dec 17 and Sunday Dec 18 which lights up as people cycle a bike to ‘keep her lit’ for the festive season.
You can also avail of the very popular illuminated Christmas walking trails in Marlay Park and Cabinteely Park. These are free to attend and open from 4pm to 8pm Monday to Friday. They are fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and are an oasis of calm beneath the twinkling lights, away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas.
Plus there’s Christmas movies and Santa Post Boxes. Residents and visitors to the area will also be able to buckle up, pop some popcorn and tick another bucket list family adventure with a trip to the outdoor movies at Ferry Terminal on Saturday Dec 10, Sunday Dec 11, Saturday Dec 17 and Sunday Dec 18. With a bumper selection of films to choose from including Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone, Gremlins, The Grinch, Scrooged, Harry Potter and all time classic It’s a Wonderful Life this is always a festive family favourite. Tickets are available from dlrevents.eventbrite.ie at €15 per vehicle.
Santa Post Boxes are in place at dlr LexIcon in Dun Laoghaire, Marlay Park in Rathfarnham, Deerpark in Mount Merrion and Cabinteely Park by special commission of Santa Claus. The postal address is Santa Claus, North Pole, The Arctic, The World, The Universe. The letters are whizzed off to the North Pole via Elf Airlines direct to Santa who replies to every single one.