Eileen O'Duffy, your tour guide will be waiting for you at the entrance to the Quarterdeck.
Description
The Dublin Riviera is a guided coastal walk back in time to a golden era where local residents and visitors wined and dined in the yacht clubs, restaurants and hotels along the waterfront, and danced in the Pavilion, the ballrooms and the nightclubs. The walk will provide an insight into the symbiotic relationship between the harbour and the town and how this helped Dún Laoghaire to evolve into an elegant and glamorous centre of hospitality, entertainment and luxurious bathing, a “Dublin Riviera”.
The walk is led by Eileen O'Duffy, a local historian and the author of two books, ‘From Dirt and Dips to Dryrobes, bathing in Dun Laoghaire through the ages’ and ‘Champagne, Cocktails and Crêpes Suzette, wining, dining and dancing in Dún Laoghaire through the ages’
11.30 am Pick and meet up is just a 3-minute walk from the Dún Laoghaire cruise passenger drop-off point at the entrance to Quarterdeck, Harbour Plaza (entrance to Old Ferry Terminal).
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
11:00 AM
Season
Starts Apr 3, 2027
Adult (ages 17–64)
$40
Senior (ages 65+)
$40
Youth (ages 6–16)
$23
Child (ages 2–5)
$11
Infant (ages 0–1)
Free
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 16.
Tour Options
Dublin Riviera Dún Laoghaire Shore Excursion
Itinerary
10 min
Discover how the tiny creek of Dunleary was transformed into a playground for 19th-century high society and royal pageantry when the new harbour was built in 1817. Find out how Dunleary became Kingstown and hear the stories behind Queen Victoria’s four glamorous visits to this booming Victorian town.
Pavilion Theatre
10 min
Step back in time to a golden era when this grand concert hall hosted lavish Viennese balls, fireworks, and legendary Irish tenor John McCormack. Learn how it served as the ultimate social hub for high society, complete with a rooftop garden, tearooms, a smoking room, ladies’ and gentlemen’s reading rooms and a skating rink.
10 min
Explore the iconic hotel where Queen Victoria once enjoyed a legendary 16-course breakfast. Its star-studded guest list has included Frank Sinatra, Laurel & Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Irish freedom fighter Michael Collins hid out in Room 210 with his lover Kitty Kiernan.
Pass by
The heart of “The Dublin Riviera”, the former seafront hotels on Marine Terrace and Victoria Terrace
10 min
Admire the beautifully restored Victorian townhouses and see how these former historic seafront hotels have evolved into the elegant coastal landmarks of today.
10 min
Dive into the fascinating history of Ireland’s finest "luxurious sea bathing" destination. Learn about seaweed treatments, needle baths, slipper baths, and the evolution of Dublin's famous coastal swimming culture.
What's included
Included
Local Historian, Author and Tour Guide.
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick and meet up is just a 3-minute walk from the Dún Laoghaire cruise passenger drop-off point at the entrance to Quarterdeck, Harbour Plaza (entrance to Old Ferry Terminal).
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5
2
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Dublin
Starting price $40 is 30% below the typical $57 for tours of similar length in Dublin
Excurgo comparison of 1,269 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dublin Riviera Dún Laoghaire Shore Excursion take?
Dublin Riviera Dún Laoghaire Shore Excursion lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does Dublin Riviera Dún Laoghaire Shore Excursion cost?
Prices start at $40 per person for this Dublin experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Dublin Riviera Dún Laoghaire Shore Excursion run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 11:00 AM.
How much does Dublin Riviera Dún Laoghaire Shore Excursion cost for children?
Children aged 2–5 pay from $11, adults from $40. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Dublin Riviera Dún Laoghaire Shore Excursion for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pick and meet up is just a 3-minute walk from the Dún Laoghaire cruise passenger drop-off point at the entrance to Quarterdeck, Harbour Plaza (entrance to Old Ferry Terminal).
What languages is Dublin Riviera Dún Laoghaire Shore Excursion offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Dublin Riviera Dún Laoghaire Shore Excursion worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 2 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Dún Laoghaire Walking Tours.
Reviews(2)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
C
Climber06027776112
August 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Interesting and educational
Eileen was very informative about Dun Laoghaire sea front. Plenty of information on the Pavillon, the town hall and the 30 plus hotels that used to be in Dun laoghaire. Eileen answered all our questions. The length of the tour was perfect and we got value for our money
E
eveb906
May 20, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Two Thumbs Up!
My husband and I recently joined Eileen for a wonderful walking tour of Dun Laoghaire -- a place near and dear to our hearts. Though we are very familiar with the area, we learned so much by taking the tour. Eileen, an historian and author, is a wonderful storyteller and guide whose passion for Dun Laoghaire's storied history is palpable. She is also an active community member who is knowledgable about current events, local development and restaurants! We highly recommend the experience.
Operator response
Thanks so much for your positive review Eve. I really enjoyed meeting you and your husband and showing you the beauty of The Dublin Riviera. My walks are new so really appreciate the feedback.
Compare similar tours in Dublin
Lowest price: Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) Top Rated Self-Guided Coastal Audio Tour — $10
Best rated: Private Dublin (Dun Laoghaire) Top-Rated Coastal Walking Tour — 5.0 (85 reviews)
Shortest: Boat Trip from Dublin City to Dun Laoghaire — 1h–1h 10min