My Ireland
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A trip around Dublin Bay
Explored Dublin city centre to your heart’s content? Then make sure you take a trip between mountains and sea on what’s been called one of the most scenic commuter rail journeys in the world
The Dart – the train route that connects the north and south of the city – has plenty of places to stop off and explore for an hour or two, a day or even overnight.
Day 1
From any of the city centre train stations, just hop on board the Dart sending you in the direction of Bray or Greystones in County Wicklow, and you’ll find some real gems at many of the stops in between!
Sandymount
Sandymount, Dublin
Just seven minutes on the train from Pearse Station in Dublin city is the village of Sandymount, a hip, yet well-heeled hub. It was a popular seaside spot in the late 19th century and the pretty green you’ll find at its heart dates back to this time.
Today, the green is surrounded by cafés, pubs and little boutiques, but the village still retains its Victorian charm and is famed for its smart, red-brick houses and upscale feel. Pop into Mulligan’s for fine gastropub food, feast your eyes on the deli delights at Brownes of Sandymount, or simply stroll around the quirky shops before heading towards the sea.
Immortalised by James Joyce in his novel Ulysses, the promenade is a few minutes' walk from the village centre. Go at high tide to enjoy it at its most scenic, when the gorgeous green waters lap against the wall. For the sports fans in your group, Sandymount village is near to the Aviva Stadium, home to Ireland’s national rugby and soccer team. During matchday, the atmosphere is electric!
Dún Laoghaire
People's Park Farmers Market in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin
A 23-minute train journey from the city centre and you’re in the vibrant coastal town of Dún Laoghaire (pronounced Dun Leary). Interestingly, the train line you’ve just travelled on was Ireland’s first-ever railway which ran between Dublin and Kingstown, as Dún Laoghaire was known at the time.
The vibrant town centre is a good place to seek out everything from bookshops to interior stores and little delis, but the star of this coastal gem is the 19th century harbour – home to the much-loved East Pier. Take the 2.6km walk here and you’ll have the Irish Sea at your side, with boats bobbing in the harbour and the occasional grey seal popping up to say hello.
Afterwards, treat yourself to a famed Teddy’s Ice Cream near the People’s Park, or warm up with a coffee from Fallon & Byrne. Hungry? You’re in for a few treats in this part of the world. Try some fresh fish dishes at The Fish Shack, go Japanese at Michie Sushi, check out the local favourite of Olivetto’s or head to the beautifully situated Hartley’s, with its elegant interior in what was once the ticket hall for Kingstown Station.
Here on a Sunday? Arts, crafts and plenty of artisan food are on offer at the People’s Park Sunday market where you can picnic, relax and enjoy the sea air. If you have more time to spare, take the scenic route back to the city or over to Howth with Dublin Bay Cruises from the East Pier.
