Dún Laoghaire Pier
Leinster
Dún Laoghaire Pier, located in Leinster, Ireland, is part of the extensive harbour constructed in the nineteenth century to provide shelter for ships and accommodate the mailboat service between Dún Laoghaire and Holyhead. The pier is notable for its considerable length, with the west pier measuring approximately 1.55 kilometres and the east pier about 1.3 kilometres. These piers enclose a large harbour area of around 250 acres, featuring engineered glacis slopes designed to protect against the sea. The harbour itself is divided into four main inner sections, including the Old Harbour, Coal Harbour, Marina Harbour, and the Main Harbour, each serving different maritime functions. Historically, the harbour was developed to address the dangers posed by shifting sandbars and silting in Dublin Bay, which had previously caused frequent shipwrecks. The construction of the piers was overseen by notable engineers like John Rennie, and the harbour played a key role in mailboat and passenger ferry services for nearly two centuries. Although the historic ferry service ended in 2014, the harbour continues to accommodate passenger cruise ships, maintaining its importance as a maritime hub. The pier and harbour are also significant for their cultural heritage, reflecting the evolution of maritime infrastructure in Ireland.
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Tip: The best time to visit Dún Laoghaire Pier is during the warmer months when the weather is pleasant for walking along the extensive pier and enjoying views of Dublin Bay. Visitors are encouraged to check local schedules for any events or cruise ship visits. While no specific ticket is required to access the pier, planning a visit on weekdays may offer a quieter experience. Nearby amenities and transport links make the pier easily accessible. It is advisable to wear suitable footwear due to the length and surface of the pier.
Interesting facts
- •The west pier of Dún Laoghaire is approximately 1.55 kilometres long, making it one of the longest piers in Ireland.
- •The harbour encloses an area of about 250 acres and has a harbour entrance 232 metres wide.
- •Construction of the harbour was motivated by the need to provide shelter from frequent shipwrecks caused by easterly gales in Dublin Bay.
- •The original name of the nearby town was Dun Leary, later renamed Kingstown in 1820 to honor King George IV's visit.
- •The harbour supported a mailboat service for nearly 200 years until 2014.
- •The harbour is divided into four main inner harbours, including the Old Harbour, Coal Harbour, Marina Harbour, and Main Harbour.
History
Originally developed from a natural cove known as the Old Harbour, Dún Laoghaire's harbour evolved significantly during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The initial pier was constructed in 1767 to support a small fishing village but faced issues with silting.
In the early 1800s, following several shipwrecks in Dublin Bay, plans for a refuge harbour were proposed and construction of the East Pier began in 1817 under John Rennie's design.
The Western Pier followed shortly after to prevent silting problems.
In 1820, the harbour and town were renamed Kingstown after King George IV’s visit.
The harbour became a vital mail packet service hub in 1826, replacing Howth.
The arrival of the Dublin and Kingstown Railway in 1834 further enhanced the harbour's connectivity and importance.
Place Guide
West Pier1817-1820
The West Pier is the longer of the two main piers, stretching approximately 1.55 kilometres. It was constructed to protect the harbour from silting and provide shelter for ships. The pier features a wide top allowing for pedestrian access and offers scenic views of Dublin Bay.
East Pier1817
The East Pier measures about 1.3 kilometres and was the first of the two main piers constructed to form the harbour. It includes the historic mailboat wharf and was crucial for the mail packet service between Dún Laoghaire and Holyhead.
Old Harbour1767
The Old Harbour, sometimes called the inner Coal Harbour, is enclosed by the Old Pier built in 1767. It includes a tidal public slipway and was the original harbour area supporting a small fishing community before the construction of the larger piers.
Marina Harbour and Breakwaters2001
Created around 2001, the Marina Harbour along with the Western and Eastern Breakwaters protect smaller boats within the harbour. These modern additions enhance the safety and usability of the harbour for recreational and smaller vessels.
