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Discover charms around every corner Guests who stay at Haddington House Hotel always tell us they’ve been surprised by all there is to see and do in our locality. So prepare to be uplifted and enriched!

Just imagine…

  • Exploring breathtaking coastal walks; and enlivening hikes up Killiney Hill or Sugar Loaf
  • Diving into the legendary Forty Foot sea-swimming spot followed by a local sauna (we’ll provide the beach towels!)
  • Taking a complimentary guest bicycle past Coliemore Harbour, up the spectacular Vico Road (Ireland’s answer to the Amalfi Coast) and taking a dip at White Rock beach
  • Trying your hand at paddleboarding… or padel… or tennis…
  • Jumping into a boat to go meet some goats and have a picnic on Dalkey Island
  • Catching a DART train along the coast to Dublin City – just 20 minutes away – for a wealth of history and culture
  • Savouring superb food in our award-winning Oliveto bistro

And the charm continues Wander a little further and you’ll find even more character, beauty, and charm.

  • Unwinding with tea in our lobby or a cocktail in our splendid Parlour
  • Standing in the very spot where James Joyce’s Ulysses began
    Idling in our sea-facing garden on a sunny evening with a glass of wine
  • Ambling around the Sunday artisanal food market at The People’s Park
  • Discovering our quaint sister villages of Dalkey, Monkstown and Blackrock with their endless choice of restaurants
  • Taking a trip with Dublin Bay Cruises up the River Liffey to the city or across the bay to Howth

Killiney Hill Panoramic coastal walks

One of the most breathtaking viewpoints in South County Dublin, Killiney Hill offers sweeping views across Dublin Bay, often compared to the Bay of Naples. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Welsh mountains across the Irish Sea.

Walk through Killiney Hill Park, continue on to Dalkey Hill and Castle, or descend to Killiney Beach, which curves south towards Bray. Just a short drive or cycle from Dún Laoghaire, it’s one of the finest coastal walks near Dublin — and a favourite with locals.

Dalkey Island A historic island escape in Dublin Bay

Just off the coast of Dalkey lies this small but storied island — home to the ruins of an early Christian church, a cairn burial site, a Martello tower and a 19th-century gun battery. Accessible via a short five-minute boat trip from Coliemore Harbour during summer months (with local operators including Dublin Bay Cruises), Dalkey Island makes for a memorable half-day adventure from Dún Laoghaire.

Bring a picnic. Bring sunscreen. And expect to share the island with its famously curious resident goats.

Dalkey A historic coastal village

Just minutes from Haddington House Hotel by DART, bike or car, Dalkey is one of Dublin’s most charming seaside villages. Centred around Dalkey Castle, the village is known for its literary heritage, independent restaurants and lively pubs. Each June, the internationally renowned Dalkey Book Festival draws writers and readers from around the world.

It’s the perfect spot for lunch, browsing bookshops, or an early evening drink by the sea.

Dublin Bay Cruises See the coast from the water

Operating from spring through summer, Dublin Bay Cruises connects Dún Laoghaire Harbour with Dublin city centre and the fishing village of Howth.

Routes also include coastal sailings to Dalkey Island, offering a unique perspective on the Dublin coastline. Arriving into Dublin via the River Liffey is a particularly memorable way to experience the capital.

People’s Park Market Sunday food and craft market

Every Sunday from 11am, People’s Park transforms into one of the best artisan food markets in Dublin.

Browse stalls selling organic produce, fresh bread, olives, pastries, falafel, local crafts and small-batch delicacies — including the much-loved Truffle Fairy. It’s a relaxed, flavour-filled way to experience Dún Laoghaire’s thriving food scene. Just a short walk from the hotel.

Paddleboarding In Dún Laoghaire Harbour

For something more active, stand-up paddleboarding on Dublin Bay is only minutes away. BigStyle SUP operates from Coal Harbour, one of the most sheltered spots in Dún Laoghaire Harbour — ideal for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience the sea up close during your stay.

James Joyce Tower Literary history on the Dublin coast

Located in nearby Sandycove, this Martello tower is famously the opening setting of Ulysses. Today it houses a museum dedicated to James Joyce, one of Ireland’s most influential writers.

A must-visit for literature lovers exploring South County Dublin.

Saunos Hot & cold therapy rituals

Championing holistic wellness, Saunos is on our doorstep. The centre is devoted to enhancing vitality with invigorating hot and cold therapy rituals, harnessing benefits linked to cardiovascular and cellular health, stress and anxiety reduction, improved sleep, and overall rejuvenation.

Dublin City Centre 20 minutes away

When you’re ready for galleries, shopping or nightlife, Dublin City Centre is just 20 minutes away via the DART from Dún Laoghaire. Highlights include National Gallery of Ireland, Chester Beatty Library, The Book of Kells in Trinity College Dublin, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Teeling Distillery and Grafton Street.

Staying in Dún Laoghaire gives you the best of both worlds: coastal calm and capital culture.

If you’d like personalised recommendations or help planning your itinerary, just ask our Front Desk team — we’re always happy to share our favourites.

Swim Club We’re here to help you find your way to each swim spot.

When you stay with us we will offer you a Swim Club Passport to encourage you to discover our beautiful swim spots close to the hotel. Complete two sea swims at Forty Foot, Coliemore Harbour, Vico Baths or Whiterock Beach. Take a post-swim photo in each swimming spot to show us that you took a dip there and share on Instagram #HHswimclub, tagging @haddingtonhousehotel.

Back at our Front Desk, we’ll then stamp your Swim Club Passport. Complete two swims and we’ll reward you with a Vico Crest signature cocktail in our Parlour. Complete all four swims and we’ll reward you with an additional surprise.

We look forward to supporting you to rise to the challenge!

Book direct offer

We love taking care of you from the moment you get in touch Whether you’re seeking seamless planning, special touches or expert local insights, we’re here to make your time beautifully spent even more rewarding.

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