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Dun Laoghaire Harbour

Dublin  >  Ireland

A busy picturesque harbour with some excellent bird photography opportunities for Irish coastal species.

Added* by Luke Lambert
Most recent update 22 mart 2026

Description

Dun Laoghaire Harbour is a leisure marina and commerical harbour in south Dublin with two long piers. Along with nearby Scotsmans Bay, it offers long walks and chances to see a variety of gulls, terns and waders all year round. It is one of the best places to see Crnoglavi galeb and Morska sprutka in Dublin. The two piers offer multiple viewing points for coastal species within the harbour and beyond in South Dublin Bay.

Veliki morski gnjurac and Riđogrli morski gnjurac are frequently seen in winter and it is possible to photograph them at close range when they venture into the harbour itself. Crnogrli morski gnjurac can also be seen here occasionally. Ćubasti gnjurac, Crni turpan and Srednji ronac can be ecountered beyond the harbour, particularly from the west pier. The east pier is better known for its waders including Morska sprutka, Šljuka kamenjarka and Žalar blatarić.

Terns can be seen here in the summer and there are also breeding Crna njorka within the harbour. Riđovrati gnjurac and flocks of Mali galeb have been observed here in recent years and is also a reliable spot for Crna crvenrepka in winter. Scotsmans Bay is also worth walking along towards Forty Foot for gulls and terns, particulalry for occasional large numbers of Crnoglavi galeb.

Details

Access

Dun Laoghaire Harbour is located in south Dublin. Dun Laoghaire train station (1) is very close to the harbour and can be accessed from the DART services from Dublin City or the commuter trains on the Dublin - Rosslare line. There are also multiple car parking options. Press a P on the map for directions to a carpark.

Terrain and Habitat

City/village , Sea

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring , Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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Map

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