Day 4, August 18, 2016: My day in Dun Laoghaire (pronounced dun leery). On my 2014 trip, we stayed at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, and I would have stayed here again had the universe not had other plans. I was very excited about seeing Dun Laoghaire again. I loved it in 2014, and looked forward to returning, walking the pier, and just “be”ing. I have to say that it is one of my favorite places on Earth. No idea why, it just is.
Dun Laoghaire had a role in WWI history. Known then as Kingston, the RMS Leinster, which was its mailboat, was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine in October 1918 four nautical miles into the Dublin Bay. Over 500 people died in the attack.
Dun Laoghaire was only four DART stops away from our hotel, which was a ten-minute ride at most. Our first stop was the east pier. There were a lot of single people who seemed to be enjoying their lunch break outside at the pier area, as well as a lot of families spending the beautiful day outside. I was able to see the James Joyce Tower in the distance (which I visited later in the week; stay tuned for the post from Day 6).
After enjoying an ice cream cone from Teddy’s on the pier, we visited the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, went to my favorite store, Eason, and had dinner at O’Neill’s Dun Laoghaire. If you click on one of the pictures below, it will turn into a gallery which you might find easier to view.
Dun Laoghaire Municipal Building. The clock chimed a song on the hour.
The Forty Foot Pub
Welcome Boat near the harbor
Beautiful memorial to all who helped build the harbor.
Failte!
Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat
Canon on the East Pier
Looking south to Sandycove and the James Joyce tower
Along the path to People’s Pak
Local teens were having a blast jumping into Dublin Bay. To me, it seemed a little chilly to do so, but they didn’t mind.
Interesting Sundial along the east pier. It also tells you what you are looking at in any direction, as well as how far away the landmarks are.
The James Joyce Tower is straight ahead from this point.
The whole sundial/landmark circ.e
East Pier gazebo and bandshell
A Marker to the Forgotten Irish
Sailboats and the East Pier lighthouse
Looking straight down, this was seriously the color of the water. I did not photoshop this!
I know this is gross, but it’s also interesting. This was near a ladder that went down to the water. We looked it up, and it is a lion’s mane jellyfish. Apparently there was a terrible outbreak of them in the Dublin Sea this summer. They are HUGE!
He jumps!
Front of the National Maritime Museum, which is housed in a former maritime church. The National Maritime Museum has all kinds of artifacts and displays about Ireland’s maritime past and present. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
A Mine Outside the Maritime Museum
The door to the Maritime Museum.
Bell from the RMS Leinster.
Display explaining Dun Laoghaire’s role in Irish maritime history.
Old deep sea diving suit on display.
I took this picture of a mirror from a vessel because it reads ACHERON. We read Macbeth each year, and one of the lines said by Hecate: “and in the pit of Acheron…”
A working Optic from the light from Baily lighthouse in Howth, North Dublin. It was installed in 1902 and removed in 1972 when the lighthouse was renovated.
Painting of Countess Markievicz, part of “A Nation Rising” painting exhibit by Carol Wallace. See the next image for information about Countess Markievicz.
I’d like to meet her!
Other paintings in Carol Wallace’s “A Nation Rises” exhibit
Exterior of the National Maritime Museum.
Royal Marine Hotel: If the universe hadn’t dictated otherwise, I would have stayed here.
This was under construction in 2014. It is the brand new Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Library.
O’Neills Dun Laoghaire. We ate dinner here and were very satisfied with our meals.
On the side of St. Michael’s Church.
Random skateboarder on Marine Road: Take my picture!
Too bad we weren’t able to go to the Ukulele Hooley!
Eason, Dun Laoghaire. One of my favorite stores in the world! Combine Staples with Barnes and Noble with a little bit of Quick Check and you get the idea.
Dun Laoghaire’s shield, above the door into municipal hall.
After we returned to the hotel, a band of fog appeared which was quite interesting. Lots of lines here. Taken from the hotel window.
If you ever visit Dublin, be sure to check out this wonderful area, as well as the other towns up and down the Dublin Bay. You won’t be sorry. If you are interested in learning more about any of the places I included, here are links for you:
Coming tomorrow: Day 5, Part 1: Hill of Tara (Celtic Boyne Valley Tour)
*** All photographs that are a part of this gallery were taken by me, Jill Ocone, on August 18, 2016 and are copyrighted. It is illegal to reproduce or to take credit for my intellectual property contained on this post. Thank you for your compliance.
