East Pier

This stunning Victorian-era pier stretches 1.3km into Dublin Bay, offering families a safe, car-free promenade perfect for walks, scooters, and bikes. Kids love watching ferries and sailboats glide past while exploring the historic lighthouse at the pier's end, and on clear days you'll enjoy spectacular views across to Howth Head.

• ✓Walking or cycling the entire 1.3km length to the red lighthouse at the end
• ✓Watching ferries, sailboats, and kayakers from the pier edges
• ✓Exploring the Victorian bandstand and learning about the pier's 200-year history
• ✓Spotting seals and seabirds in the harbor waters
• ✓Taking family photos with Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains as backdrop

1. 1.Bring bikes or scooters as the pier is completely car-free and perfect for kids learning to ride. Rental bikes are available in Dun Laoghaire town if traveling without your own.
2. 2.Visit the bandstand halfway along the pier, a beautiful Victorian structure where kids love to run around and families often picnic with shelter from the wind.
3. 3.The West Pier runs parallel and is slightly shorter. Walking out on one pier and back on the other makes a nice 45-minute loop for families.
4. 4.Pack layers and windbreakers even on sunny days, as it can get breezy out on the water. The Irish weather changes quickly!
5. 5.Free parking is available along the seafront road, but arrive before 11am on weekends to secure a spot near the pier entrance.

Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons for a peaceful experience, or join locals on sunny weekend afternoons when the pier buzzes with family activity. Summer months (June to August) offer the warmest weather, but the pier is beautiful year-round, especially on crisp winter days.

The pier is completely free to access and open 24/7. Limited cafes are located in Dun Laoghaire town (5-minute walk from pier entrance), so consider packing snacks and drinks for your walk.

The pier is open year-round and beautiful in all seasons. Summer brings the warmest weather and most activity, while winter walks can be dramatic with waves crashing against the pier walls (stay safe in stormy conditions). The annual Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures in August brings extra entertainment to the waterfront.

Teddy's Ice Cream kiosk at the pier entrance is a family favorite serving 99 cones since 1950. For sit-down meals, head to the nearby People's Park where several cafes offer fish and chips, pizza, and kid-friendly menus within a 5-minute walk.