Discover Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

Mountain and forest trails, views over Dublin Bay and cultural attractions give Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown a varied character. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding what matters most to you: would you like to explore on foot or by mountain bike, discover a longer route, or make time for museums and parks? These interests can also help you choose a suitable location for your holiday rental.

Ticknock and the Dublin Mountain Way

Ticknock offers up to 10 km of mountain and forest trails. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Dublin City, Dublin Bay, Bray Head and the Wicklow Mountains. There is also a signed, 13 km mountain bike loop network, consisting of purpose-built singletrack trails and forest roads. These options serve different purposes: on foot, you can explore mountain and forest trails; by mountain bike, you can use the purpose-built trails and forest roads. Both distances are useful starting points when planning your days around hiking or mountain biking.

One longer route option is the 42 km scenic Dublin Mountain Way through the Dublin Mountains. A large section runs through Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, from Shankill through Rathmichael, Kilternan and Glencullen to Ticknock. The route is connected via Marlay Park. This means you can consider the longer mountain route and Ticknock’s specific trail options as separate highlights, without combining them into a single route. For a stay focused on nature and outdoor activities, these route options can be important factors when choosing your accommodation and base.

History, literature and maritime collections

The region also offers a range of attractions for culture enthusiasts. Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre is owned by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Since 1995, Dalkey Irish Heritage Town CLG has been responsible for operating the centre as a visitor centre under a licensing and management agreement. Group tours are offered at the James Joyce Tower for groups of up to 15 people. Volunteers guide visitors through the building, explain its connection to the beginning of Ulysses and show them the view over Dublin Bay, as well as a collection of Joyce-related books and memorabilia.

The National Maritime Museum is housed in the former Mariners Church in Dún Laoghaire. Its maritime exhibits include ship models, navigational instruments and a lifeboat from the Lusitania. A visit therefore combines the history of the building as a former church with a collection that brings different aspects of seafaring to life. If you would like to include literary or maritime themes in your trip alongside walking trails, these cultural attractions offer a different focus for your stay.

Marlay Park: house, gardens and activities

Marlay House and Park includes a restored late-18th-century Georgian house on a 300-acre estate at the foot of the Dublin Mountains. The park features a walled garden, peacocks, walking paths, a playground for all ages and a ride on a miniature railway. This gives you a choice of both walks and specific places to visit within the park. If you are travelling with children, you can include the playground and miniature railway as activities in their own right; if you are interested in architecture and history, the restored house offers another highlight.

Choosing a location and getting around

Transport links can also play a part in choosing a location for your holiday rental. The DART runs south from stations in Dublin city centre along the coast to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown. The green Luas line crosses the area from Dundrum via Sandyford and Leopardstown to Brides Glen. When choosing a location, consider which of these lines is relevant to your plans: the DART follows the coastal route, while the Luas connects various places within the region. The Dublin Mountain Way is accessible by DART, Luas or bus. Together with your interests in trails and culture, this gives you a practical basis for tailoring your stay to the activities you have in mind.

Other local pages within the area: Stillorgan, Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey, Sandyford and Blackrock.

For the broader travel overview: Leinster.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

South Dublin, County Kildare, County Offaly.