Explore our neighbourhood
Teddy’s Ice-Cream
A local institution, just a minute from our door is Teddy’s Ice-Cream, the home of the famous 99 ice-cream cone. Established by Edward Jacob in 1950, it has been selling the same creamy vanilla recipe for over 65 years. Sometimes there are queues; sometimes these queues turn into great chats. Either way, it’s worth the wait and there are dozens of other ice-cream options if the 99 isn’t to your liking.
Killiney Hill
Drink in the panoramic views of this local bay, which regularly draws comparisons with the beauty of the Naples coastline. Here the Irish Sea stretches out before you, reaching all the way to the Welsh mountains, visible from the Hill on a clear day. Take a ramble from Killiney Hill Park to Dalkey Hill and Castle, or walk the beach below, which curves its way south to the village of Bray.
Dalkey Island
An important site of pilgrimage for centuries, Dalkey Island contains the remains of a church, a cairn burial site, a gun battery and a Martello tower. Now uninhabited except for some resident goats, you can access it via a five-minute boat journey from Coliemore Harbour, which operates in the summer months (Ken the Ferryman or Dublin Bay Cruises both sail over to the island). We recommend you take a picnic and some sunscreen.
Dalkey Village
Just a few kilometres down the road is the historic village of Dalkey, beloved of writers and artists for centuries. With a medieval castle that now holds a writers’ museum, the main street is dotted with thriving bars and bustling eateries. It is also the proud location of the Dalkey Book Festival, which draws the cream of international writing talent every June. Grab a dart or one of our House bikes and you’ll be in Dalkey in minutes.
Dublin Bay Cruises
Running from March throughout the summer, Dublin Bay Cruises operate a service from Dún Laoghaire harbour to Dublin city, as well as to the stunning fishing village of Howth on the north side of the bay. They also do a Dún Laoghaire to Dalkey Island option taking in much of the local coastline’s best-loved spots. All of the trips provide a view of Dublin from a totally different perspective.
People’s Park Market
Every Sunday from 11am, our local park transforms into a gastronomic wonderland, with stalls selling everything from artisan bread, olives, organic fruit and vegetables to piping hot falafel and baked goods as well as local crafts. Don’t miss the New York Times-tipped Truffle Fairy! This is a lovely way to while away a few hours on a Sunday and get a real sense of the artisan food offering for which Ireland is fast becoming famous.
Paddleboarding
Fancy something a little more taxing? Then some stand up paddleboarding in our local harbour is an easy hop, skip and jump away. BigStyle SUP School offer sessions to everyone from seasoned sailors to shy landlubbers. Located at the slipway to the Coal Harbour, just five minutes from the hotel, it is the most sheltered part of the entire harbour and thus the perfect place to take your first spin.
Harbour Splash
Dublin’s first inflatable aqua park is now open on our west pier, only minutes walk from the hotel. An obstacle course over water, including trampolines, climbing frames, slides and monkey bars, offers guaranteed fun, whether you are with a few friends or in a big group. Anyone from age eight upwards can book in for a standard session or they operate specific ‘slow fun’ sessions for children from age six (accompanied by parents).