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Offered languages
- English
The Dublin Riviera is a guided coastal walk back in time to a golden era where local residents and visitors wined and dined in the yacht clubs, restaurants and hotels along the waterfront, and danced in the Pavilion, the ballrooms and the nightclubs. The walk will provide an insight into the symbiotic relationship between the harbour and the town and how this helped Dún Laoghaire to evolve into an elegant and glamorous centre of hospitality, entertainment and luxurious bathing, a “Dublin Riviera”.
The walk is led by Eileen O'Duffy, a local historian and the author of two books, ‘From Dirt and Dips to Dryrobes, bathing in Dun Laoghaire through the ages’ and ‘Champagne, Cocktails and Crêpes Suzette, wining, dining and dancing in Dún Laoghaire through the ages’
11.30 am Pick and meet up is just a 3-minute walk from the Dún Laoghaire cruise passenger drop-off point at the entrance to Quarterdeck, Harbour Plaza (entrance to Old Ferry Terminal).
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Pick and meet up is just a 3-minute walk from the Dún Laoghaire cruise passenger drop-off point at the entrance to Quarterdeck, Harbour Plaza (entrance to Old Ferry Terminal).
Eileen O'Duffy, your tour guide will be waiting for you at the entrance to the Quarterdeck.
This is a short 5-7 minute walk along the coast and back to the harbour
Itinerary
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1
Discover how the tiny creek of Dunleary was transformed into a playground for 19th-century high society and royal pageantry when the new harbour was built in 1817. Find out how Dunleary became Kingstown and hear the stories behind Queen Victoria’s four glamorous visits to this booming Victorian town.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Pavilion Theatre
Step back in time to a golden era when this grand concert hall hosted lavish Viennese balls, fireworks, and legendary Irish tenor John McCormack. Learn how it served as the ultimate social hub for high society, complete with a rooftop garden, tearooms, a smoking room, ladies’ and gentlemen’s reading rooms and a skating rink.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Explore the iconic hotel where Queen Victoria once enjoyed a legendary 16-course breakfast. Its star-studded guest list has included Frank Sinatra, Laurel & Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Irish freedom fighter Michael Collins hid out in Room 210 with his lover Kitty Kiernan.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The heart of “The Dublin Riviera”, the former seafront hotels on Marine Terrace and Victoria Terrace
Admission ticket free -
4
Admire the beautifully restored Victorian townhouses and see how these former historic seafront hotels have evolved into the elegant coastal landmarks of today.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Dive into the fascinating history of Ireland’s finest "luxurious sea bathing" destination. Learn about seaweed treatments, needle baths, slipper baths, and the evolution of Dublin's famous coastal swimming culture.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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