Walk from Dun Laoghaire to the Forty Foot Baths Along The Sea
This is a gentle stroll through one of the most beautiful parts of Dublin that will make you feel like a Dubliner, not a tourist.
It's just 20 minutes from the city by train but a different world here.
The walk goes through four coastal villages that are Dublin's seaside playground. You'll see locals swim, sail, paddle board, sauna or just walk the dog along the seafront. This is a very relaxing walk with coffee & ice cream stops along the way.
I do a private guided tour of this walk called the Sea Tour. More details at bottom of the page.
The Details
Distance: 3km. All flat and paved
Time: You can walk the route in 90 minutes, but make a half day of it with the GOAT boat and lunch by the sea.
Getting there: Southbound DART train to Dun Laoghaire Station, 20 minutes from Dublin city centre. Trains run frequently, no need to book ahead.
Getting back: DART from Sandycove & Glasthule Station at the end of the walk.
The Route
Dún Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire is where Dubliners used to holiday in Victorian times. Today it's a vibrant seaside town full of restaurants & cafes.
It's a lovely stroll along Dún Laoghaire's promenade as we pass the 600 yachts moored here and watch the ships sail past to the Port of Dublin.
Get coffee at Happy Out, a wonderful coffee shop who employ young adults with Down Syndrome. The view from the cafe is spectacular.
Get ice cream at Teddy's, a Dublin institution. Ask for a 99, a soft serve cone with a flaky piece of chocolate. Delish!
Come on a Sunday for the market in the People's Park.
The Goat Boat
I have to give a special mention for the Goat Boat. I've done nearly everything there is to do in Dublin and this boat tour from Dún Laoghaire is the most fun experience I have done in all of Dublin. Captain Ed will show you a Dublin that you did not expect.
🎫 Check the GOAT boat schedule
Sandycove
Sandycove's houses are old, beautiful and on the seafront. Play 'Guess The House Price' as you walk towards the cove that gives the village its name.
Sandycove is another popular swimming spot for Dubliners.
3.The Forty Foot
The Forty Foot is Dublin's most famous swimming area. Dubliners have been swimming here for 250 years. Watch as they inch into the water and shiver as they come out. Bring your costume and swim. Warm up in the Sandycove Sauna after.
Read The Irish Times article about a summer's day at the Forty Foot
4.James Joyce Museum
Joyce is Ireland's most famous writer and his museum is in a Napoleanic era defensive Martello tower. You can go up its spiral staircase to the roof and have views out over all of Dublin Bay.
5.Glasthule
This is not a tourist spot, it's just a local Dublin village. An upper class one, but that just means good food. I suggest you stay get lunch in Cavistons.
Take the train home from Sandcove & Glasthule Dart station.
Make it a Dublin Day Trip
Here is an itinerary to turn this into a half or full day trip from Dublin.
9:30am: Take train to Dun Laoghaire
10am: Walk the Sea Tour with me
12pm: Have lunch in Glasthule village at Cavistons
1pm: Do the Goat Boat tour.
3pm: You're already back in town
The Sea Tour Details
This walk is much better when you have a local showing you the way while telling you the stories and history of Dublin. It is the easiest of all my private guided walks in Dublin.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Walking Tour Distance: 3km
- Cost: €175 for up to 6 people €25/additional person.
- Private tours only.
- Have Questions? Email
Dublin Cruise Ship Shore Excursion
This tour is the perfect Dublin cruise shore excursion because your ship docks right in Dún Laoghaire. I will meet you where you get off the ship.
You can combine it with my Dublin City Tour to see a lot more of real, local Dublin than your fellow cruise passengers will as they crowd onto tour buses.
Other Half Day Trips in Dublin
