Dublin Coast South

The beach at Killiney is easily accessible by Dart from Dublin. There is a rail stop right next to the beach. The general area of Killiney is wealthy and a number of actors, musicians, writers have set up home in the many exclusive walled properties up from the beach.

Kiliney Hill rises about 150 metres above the nearby sea, and offers great views of Dublin City on the north and views over Wicklow and the coast on the south. The surrounding park has been in public use as a park since the mid 1880s. The obelisk at the top of the hill was erected in the 1742.

Dalkey Island is about 300 metres from the mainland across the deep waters of Dalkey Sound. In summer local boat men can offer day trips across to the island from the tiny harbour of Colliemore. The island is uninhabited but has the remains of a church, houses and a standing Martello Tower.

The small town with a village atmosphere of Dalkey can easily be reached from Dublin City by a Dart train. The town has a good range of cafes, restaurants and bars. On the main street there is a 14th century Norman castle which can be visited and a church dating to the 10th century On the sea side there are a number of small quaint harbours.

Dún Laoghaire town also on the Dart train line and easily accessible from Dublin is a seaside town with one of the largest harbours in the country. There are numerous of walks with views out over Dublin Bay, along the granite pier walls. A Ferry to the UK is operated from the harbour.

Along the waterfront on fine days a number of cafes open out onto the street creating a holiday atmosphere. Yacht and boat watching during the busy sailing season is a common activity with tourists and locals alike.

Sandycove with it's small harbour and sandy beach is a popular seaside place and on fine sunny days can be packed with sun worshippers. From the tiny harbour there are good views back over Dun Laoighaire and across the Bay to Howth Head.

The James Joyce Tower and Museum is just above Sandycove harbour. Joyce spent about 6 nights in the tower in 1904 with some college friends including John Gogarty. Joyce left the party after events began to get a bit out of hand. The opening scenes of Ulysses were written the morning after the night before. The tower is now a museum.