Header image

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

  • The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) runs along Dublin Bay and stops in Dún Laoghaire.

  • From central Dublin stations (Connolly, Tara Street, Pearse) you can transfer onto the DART line.

  • 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

  • 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).

  • The bus terminus is located by the DART station in town.

  • Night services: For late evening/overnight travel, there is a Nightlink bus route (7n) that connects Trinity College to Dún Laoghaire.

By Car / Taxi

  • Dún Laoghaire is reachable via the N31 road, which links to the N11 and the M50 motorway.

  • From Dublin city centre, common approaches are via the N11 (through Stillorgan) or via the R118 through Blackrock — route signage is usually clear.

  • Taxi/cab services operate 24/7; you can also pre-book, especially for airport transfers.


From Dublin Airport / International Arrivals

From Dublin Airport

  • 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.

  • Aircoach runs a coach service linking the airport to areas close to Dún Laoghaire (e.g. Killiney / Dalkey) which can reduce transfers.

  • 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.

  1. Train to Dublin: Use Irish Rail services to reach Dublin Heuston, Dublin Connolly, or another suitable Dublin station.

  2. Transfer to DART / local train: From the Dublin station, transfer to the DART line or commuter line heading toward Dún Laoghaire.

  3. 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

  • Many commuter trains in the Wicklow / Bray area connect into the DART line which continues through to Dún Laoghaire.

  • From Bray, one can board the DART and ride north to Dún Laoghaire.

From Suburban or Commuter Zones (e.g. Maynooth, Drogheda)

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Timetables & Planning: Use the official sites (Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead) to check live times and service updates.

  • Allow buffer time: If arriving via long-distance train or plane, allow time for transfers, delays, and ticketing.

  • Late-night travel: The Nightlink service helps with overnight connections; taxis may be needed if you arrive outside bus operating hours.

  • 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.

  • Walking distance: Once you arrive in Dún Laoghaire (train or bus), many local sites are walkable, including the harbor, pier, and town centre.

 

loading