Dún Laoghaire - Surroundings

Just off the coast of Dalkey lies a small islet, Dalkey Island, with an old church (National Monument) and a Martello tower. From Sorrento Terrace and Sorrento Park, on the town's south beach, there are magnificent views. The old granite quarries are a good practice ground for rock climbers.

Along the coast to the north of Dún Laoghaire, extending into the suburbs of Dublin, are the residential districts of Monkstown and Blackrock. Blackrock has very popular seawater swimming baths.

On the R117 a short distance north of Kilternan are the Fernhill Gardens with old trees, a rock garden and a water garden. The park is privately owned.

To the south of Sorrento Point stretches Killiney Bay, with the seaside resort of Killiney. The slopes of the hills are studded with villas of different periods set in gardens, while beyond the railroad line, which here follows the coast, the beach is rocky. From Killiney Hill, topped by an obelisk of 1741, there are superb views of the hills and the sea.

To the west of Killiney, just off the R117, is the village of Kilternan. On a nearby hill can be seen the impressive Kilternan Dolmen (ca. 2000 B.C.: National Monument), with a capstone 22ft/7m long, 13.5ft/4m across and 6ft/2m thick, borne on 10 orthostats.

Along the coast to the north of Dún Laoghaire, extending into the suburbs of Dublin, are the residential districts of Monkstown and Blackrock. Monkstown has a 19th C. church with towers like chess pawns.