sandypaws3

We're thinking about taking a day trip to Dalkey & Dun Laoghaire, though from looking at the posts on Fodor's, Dun Laoghaire seems to be used more for a gateway from London to Dublin than a destination in itself. Is it worth a visit? Any good cafes to just grab a cup of coffee or tea and a pastry? Dalkey looks pretty, but the main draw for me is to see where Maeve Binchy lives We'll be staying in Ballsbridge, so a day trip to both places on the Dart train looks easy enough.

Sandy

amyb

I will admit to, in my younger days, taking the DART to Killiney and walking to the DART in Dalkey in order to see where other famous Irish celebrities of the rock star sort lived. It is a nice walk along the coast, but it's residential (and high end at that, with many gated/secure residences) and there is not much else there of tourist interest. I've ridden by Dun Laoghaire on the DART but never stopped.

Padraig

Dalkey is, as amyb says, residential. But it's pleasant. Nice village centre, pleasing bits of coast (beach, harbour). Worth an hour or two for strolling. Go on to Killiney and climb the hill for a good view.

Dun Laoghaire is best known to visitors for its ferry port. The harbour is large, and many Dubliners like to walk the length of the pier. It is a town in its own right, not a suburb, and has a full range of shops and other urban amenities (including parks and a hospital that I hope you won't need).

Dalkey is renowned for restaurants, and Dun Laoghaire has many pubs and cafes.

If it's a day out using the DART, you might also go on to Bray and visit an Edwardian beach resort.

sandypaws3

Padraig,
Thanks! We were just thinking of taking a ride on the DART for a few hours, to see those "pleasing bits of coast" you mention, and that's a good idea to go to Killiney for the view. Depending on how long we stay, we may just ride on to Bray to visit the Edwardian beach resort. I don't have a good idea of how long things take, and this trip will be our chance to find out.

amyb,
My main reason for wanting to see residential Dalkey is that one of my favorite authors, Maeve Binchy, lives there I like the idea of seeing the area where she lives.

Sandy

Padraig

More people go to Dalkey to see where Bono lives than to see where Maeve Binchy lives.

PalenQ

I went once long ago to dun Laughaire just to see The Strand from James Joyce Portrait of a Hero as a Young Man - which has some events happening here

It was my 21st birthday and i sat on the beach with some wine.

I remember a long strand with the usual beachcombers, dog walkers, etc.

MelJ

We spent a few days in Dalkey about 4 years ago because we were traveling with Scottish friends who had relatives there. We had a great time because we were with "locals," but, really, there isn't much there for tourists, that I can think of. There's a pub in town (can't think of the name) that has been remodeled and is huge (think Bewley's in Dublin) and the remains of a castle (just a tower, really).

Bono and a few other famous people have homes along the coast that are behind VERY high walls and we couldn't see anything.

We stayed in a wonderful B&B that has since been sold and, last time I asked, there were no accomodations in town any longer.

sandypaws3

Padraig,
I'm sure Our oldest son was much more interested to hear that Bono lived there than he was to hear about Maeve Binchy.

Sandy

sandypaws3

PalenQ,
We often search out places we've read about or places we've seen in movies. Our first trip to New York was enhanced by watching the movie, You've Got Mail, as at the end of the DVD, there's mention of all the places in the movie. We searched out several of them.

Sandy

amyb

Sandy, if your son is going to be with you, it's well worth passing by Bono's house. There actually IS something to see....he's engraved his gates with etching of his own, sort of like his own grafitti, with drawings, song lyrics. From experience several years ago, I know security will let you stand and read them, take photos, but just don't touch! Tell him The Edge lives next door too. It is quite close to the Killiney DART stop.

sandypaws3

amyb,
No, our son won't be with us on this trip, but since it's so close to the Dart station, I may try to get some photos. He'd enjoy that

Sandy