Travelling to Dún Laoghaire
Overview
Dún Laoghaire is a coastal town in County Dublin, just south-east of Dublin city centre. It’s well connected by train, bus, road, and airport links. Below is a guide from various places in Ireland (and internationally) on how to reach Dún Laoghaire.
From Within Dublin / Nearby Suburbs
By DART / Train
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The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) runs along Dublin Bay and stops in Dún Laoghaire.
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From central Dublin stations (Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse) you can transfer onto the DART line.
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Dún Laoghaire is also served by commuter rail / mainline services (for example on the South Eastern line) connecting to places further afield.
Tip: During rush hours, DART trains run as frequently as every 5 minutes; off‑peak the frequency is lower.
By Bus
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There are several Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland routes that serve Dún Laoghaire (e.g. routes 7 / 7A / 8 / 45A / 45B / 46A / 59 / 75 / 111 / E2 / L-series).
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The bus terminus is located by the DART station in town.
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Night services: For late evening/overnight travel, there is a Nightlink bus route (7n) that connects Trinity College to Dún Laoghaire.
By Car / Taxi
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Dún Laoghaire is reachable via the N31 road, which links to the N11 and the M50 motorway.
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From Dublin city centre, common approaches are via the N11 (through Stillorgan) or via the R118 through Blackrock — route signage is usually clear.
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Taxi/cab services operate 24/7; you can also pre-book, especially for airport transfers.
From Dublin Airport / International Arrivals
From Dublin Airport
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You can take one of the Dublin Bus routes from the airport (e.g. 41, 41a, 41b, 41c) into the city, then transfer to DART or a local bus.
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Aircoach runs a coach service linking the airport to areas close to Dún Laoghaire (e.g. Killiney / Dalkey) which can reduce transfers.
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A taxi from the airport to Dún Laoghaire typically costs €40–€50 (subject to traffic).
From Other Cities / Counties in Ireland
From Cork, Limerick, Galway, etc.
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Train to Dublin: Use Irish Rail services to reach Dublin Heuston, Dublin Connolly, or another suitable Dublin station.
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Transfer to DART / local train: From the Dublin station, transfer to the DART line or commuter line heading toward Dún Laoghaire.
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Final leg by bus / short train: Depending on your arrival station, you may need a short bus or train ride.
(You’ll want to check Irish Rail timetables for your specific origin.)
From Wicklow / Bray
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Many commuter trains in the Wicklow / Bray area connect into the DART line which continues through to Dún Laoghaire.
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From Bray, one can board the DART and ride north to Dún Laoghaire.
From Suburban or Commuter Zones (e.g. Maynooth, Drogheda)
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Commuter rail services pass through Dublin and connect with the DART network. From there, continue to Dún Laoghaire.
Travel Time & Cost Examples
| Route | Approx Time | Approx. Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Dún Laoghaire → Dublin city centre (via DART) | ~ 25–30 min | €2–4 |
| Dún Laoghaire → Dublin by bus (e.g. 7 / 46A) | ~ 30–40 min (depending on traffic) | ~ €3 |
| Airport → Dún Laoghaire (coach or combined) | ~ 30–60 min | ~ €8–€50 depending on route / taxi vs public transport |
* Prices and times depend on traffic, time of day, and service schedules. Always check latest timetables before traveling.
Tips & Practical Advice
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Leap Card / Fare Cards: If you're traveling across public transport (bus + train), a rechargeable fare card (Leap Card) may help you save on fares.
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Timetables & Planning: Use the official sites (Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead) to check live times and service updates.
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Allow buffer time: If arriving via long-distance train or plane, allow time for transfers, delays, and ticketing.
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Late-night travel: The Nightlink service helps with overnight connections; taxis may be needed if you arrive outside bus operating hours.
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Service disruptions: Occasionally, rail or DART services may be suspended (maintenance or faults). During these times, alternative bus transfers or replacement services are often arranged.
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Walking distance: Once you arrive in Dún Laoghaire (train or bus), many local sites are walkable, including the harbor, pier, and town centre.