Built between 1817 and 1859 to shelter Dún Laoghaire's harbour, the East Pier (1.3km) and West Pier (1.55km) are wide, level granite promenades that locals walk year-round. The East Pier is the livelier of the two, ending at a lighthouse and bandstand and busy with walkers, while the West Pier is quieter and runs past the National Yacht Club and Irish Lights depot.
| Distance | 5 km round trip (both piers) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1–1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trailhead | DART to Dún Laoghaire (22 min from Pearse; ~€2.50 / ~$2.75) |
| Best season | Year-round; storm seas in winter create dramatic spray from the pier heads |
| Address | East Pier, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, A96 Ireland |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin
- Terrain
- Flat paved granite promenade, fully accessible for wheelchairs, buggies, and casual footwear
What to bring
- Windproof jacket
- Good shoes
Weather through the year in Ireland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Location
East Pier, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, A96 Ireland
53.2947, -6.1309 View on map
Highlights
- East Pier lighthouse and bandstand at the pier head
- Views across Dublin Bay to Howth on clear days
- Dún Laoghaire Baths and the harbour's sailing clubs
- Forty Foot bathing spot a short walk south of the piers for a post-walk swim
Tips for visiting
- Walk the East Pier for people-watching and the West Pier for quiet — most visitors only do the East Pier
- In winter storms, waves break clean over the pier wall; keep well back from the edge on the seaward side
- The DART station is a 5-minute walk from the pier entrance, making this an easy add-on to a half-day trip