Dun Laoghaire, pronounced ‘Dun Leary’, only 13km south of Dublin and a main port to the United Kingdom.

Dun Laoghaire was formed around a thousand years ago when it was little more than a small fishing village until 1767 when the first pier was built. Rapid expansion of the town was experienced thereafter due to increased shipping via Liverpool and Holyhead. Today it is one of the biggest ports in Europe and also has a large marina.

Around the town, little remains of its fortified past which gave its name as the “dun” or castle was totally destroyed during the construction of the railway line to Dalkey which was used to bring stone for the harbour construction. The James Joyce museum is located in nearby Sandycove. James Joyce is widely regarded as Ireland’s greatest poet and writer and one of his greatest works is the epic novel, Ulysses.

Activities to do around Dun Laoghaire include scuba diving off Dalkey Island or experience the classic Irish pub culture in the town. Getting to Dun Laoghaire is mainly via its busy ferry port and car hire desks are located in and around for easy pick up