Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in Dublin

Killiney Hill is a beautiful walking destination that allows you panoramic views over Dublin. It has plenty of walking trails as well as a series of quarry faces to rock climb on. When you reach its summit you'll get a stunning vista over the entirety of Dublin to the North as well as the coast of Bray and Greystones to the South. If you have a pet with you this is a great place to take them for a walk. Meanwhile if you're a keen hiker yourself this is definitely one of Dublin's prime spots for a bracing walk. Treat yourself to a pint afterwards in nearby Dalkey.

If you're feeling up to taking a dip in the Irish sea then there's no better place to do it than the Forty Foot. A local swimming baths that has been operating for generations, the Forty Foot juts out from the edge of Sandycove and will often have bathers of all ages taking to the surf as a daily ritual. During the summer months it will often be packed with swimmers going for a leisurely breaststroke or performing death-defying jumps. The baths are very basic, you won't find private stalls for changing or many other amenities so be sure to bring your own equipment.

Located in the centre of the bustling town of Dalkey, Dalkey Castle dates back to the 14th century castle/townhouse that has beautiful views overlooking the coast. There are also live performances to immerse you in the Medieval/Tudor experience, where performers in period costume act out the daily lives of those who would have worked in Dalkey Castle in the 15 and 1600's. The tours usually run every half an hour and last about 25 minutes. This is a great option for kids and helps to bring to life the rich history of this seaside town. A quick and fun tour for all the family.

The East Pier in Dún Laoghaire is a popular walking spot for locals and tourists alike. Take a stroll and expect to see dinghy races in the harbor or the ferry arriving while the dulcet tones of buskers waft across the sea air. As you approach the harbor mouth you'll most likely spy local fishermen trying to get in a good haul or seals and porpoises rearing their heads above the surf. If you're lucky there might even be a band playing in the old band stand. You'll get a beautiful view of Dublin Bay and there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat nearby to refuel after all that sea air.

If you want to get a real insight into the history of Dublin Bay while taking in the stunning vistas from Dún Laoghaire to Howth then set your sights on a Dublin Bay cruise. These cruises last only 90 minutes and take you from Dún Laoghaire harbour across to the neighbouring peninsula of Howth, another seaside town with a rich sailing tradition. You'll take in Dalkey Island, the famous lighthouses along the way and Ireland's Eye as you draw into Howth Harbour. It's a great way to get an all-encompassing view of the city while learning about its history too.

Every Sunday some of the best produce in the city is on offer in the People's Park in Dún Laoghaire at the weekly farmer's market. If the weather is good make the pilgrimage to this seaside town and enjoy the some of the exceptional produce on offer while taking in the sights around you. From gluten free baking to artisan cheeses, falafel to high quality pork and delicious, freshly squeezed lemonade there will be something to pique your interest. Afterwards you can take a stroll on the pier or walk into Sandycove for a bite to eat. Dubliners head straight to Dún Laoghaire on a good day so you'll mix with the locals.

The harsh Irish sea might not be the ideal place to scuba dive, but the islands that lie nearby to Dún Laoghaire's coast have diving opportunities that rival some of the best diving spots in the country. If you're an experienced diver with plenty of prior practice this is the dive for you - despite Dalkey's seemingly calm surfaces there are strong currents beneath - expect to encounter a range of anenomes, starfish, wrasse, octopus, lobster and many more fascinating creatures. Dives usually take place around Dalkey Island and the nearby Muglins. If you're an avid diver you may want to check the dates for dives to shipwrecks in Dublin Bay.

Dún Laoghaire Cruise port is having a revival with the new influx of large scale cruise liners coming to this seaside town. Currently a small set of shops and cafés, the harbour in general is set to undergo a large regeneration in the years to come with a plan to install an urban beach with floating sea-pool to accompany it. With a Purple Ocean restaurant jutting out beside the port there's also an opportunity to grab a bite to eat nearby. The port itself will likely shape shift significantly over the coming years to accommodate the large numbers passing through it.

The National Maritime Museum in Dún Laoghaire is located within the Old Mariner's Church, fittingly one of the only remaining places dedicated to sailors for worship. The museum itself is dedicated to things like Ireland's coastline and nature, a maritime art gallery, replica ship radio room and a Titanic exhibition amongst others. One of the stand out pieces is the Baily Lighthouse optic from Howth, Co. Dublin. This optic was used in one of Dublin's most prominent lighthouses between 1902 and 1972 but now resides in the National Maritime Museum, casting a lesser light over the exhibition. For anyone with an interest in the sea and maritime heritage this is a wonderful place to step back in time and learn more about Ireland's sea life.

For anyone with an interest in the Antarctic and exploration, the Shackleton Endurance Exhibition in Dún Laoghaire offers a rare insight into Irish-born Sir Ernest Shackleton's epic Trans-Antarctic voyage of 1914 - 1917. Featuring over 150 photographs taken of the expedition by their photographer Frank Hurley alongside a full-size replica of their lifeboat, the James Caird, which was instrumental in their rescue. Shackleton's team included three Irishmen and the images give and unparalleled view into the horrors and triumphs they experienced. Well priced at €5 for adults and €3 for children, this is an exhibition which is frequently hailed as being 'surprisingly excellent' and well worth a visit.