Travelogue: Dún Laoghaire, Ireland

24 November, 2024

November 24th is a bittersweet day for me. In the United States sometimes it’s the Thanksgiving Holiday, but every year, for one of my aunt’s it was her birthday. She passed in 2022, after an on and off battle with cancer. She and I often talked about trying to plan a trip to Italy together, but unfortunately we won’t have that opportunity now. One day, I’ll do that trip on my own and spend time in some of the places she really wanted to visit.

When I was in Ireland last November, I wanted to spend some time in a place, near the coast, that I thought she would enjoy, if she’d been able to be there. One spot I’ve come to love, near Dublin, is called Dún Laoghaire. It’s a short, but beautiful train trip from Dublin to this coastal town. 

When you depart the train you turn left, turn left again and you’re a block or so from the waterfront and marina. On the day I went it was mostly clear skies. bright and sunny, but also chilly. A perfect day really. 

Once there you can walk along the harbour, there are two extended stone piers, one on the east, one on the west, surrounding the harbour. I tend to go to the east pier, as it has old cannons, a gazebo and if you’re in for the walk, you can get down to the lighthouse. I wandered slowly capturing some of those details, and highlighting the old and new.

After spending at least a couple of hours exploring I went into town a bit to find a snack and some coffee. I found a spot called Shoe Lane Coffee, it is a cute shop with indoor and outdoor seating, and pretty tasty coffee. I enjoy my caffeine while waiting for my train back to Dublin and doing a little people watching, of course.

Steps: 17,125

Next up, Galway. 

~ Kate