History
Seapoint
Old postcard image of the Seafront and pathway alongside the railway, Blackrock, County Dublin. A steam rain can be seen making its journey southwards, and the tide is low.
© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library ServiceSeapoint
© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library Service
© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library Service
Seapoint
Old postcard image of the Seafront and pathway alongside the railway, Blackrock, County Dublin. A steam rain can be seen making its journey southwards, and the tide is low.
© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library ServiceThe town of Dun Laoghaire got its name from a 5th century king called Laoire who built a "dún", or stone fort, in the town. The ruins of this site were finally replaced by a Martello Tower built in the 1800s to defend the town from a possible invasion by Napoleon.
As you would imagine from its location, the sea played a huge role in the development of Dun Laoghaire. After the death of 400 people at sea in 1807, a decision was made to build a harbour. This along with the first commuter railway line between Dublin City and Dun Laoghaire (then called Kingstown) in 1834 helped make it the fourth largest urban area in Ireland.
As Dun Laoghaire developed into a popular seaside town, many parks were built in the surrounding areas.
Parks and play areas are a very important part of any community. They provide space to run around, play sports or just sit and soak up the sun. Can you think of any more reasons that parks and play areas are important? Is there a park near your home or your school? What do you like to do at the park?
This section takes a closer look at some of these parks.
Geography
Three Rock Mountain
Three Rock Mountain is roughly 450 metres high and located in the Dublin Mountains.
Three Rock Mountain
Three Rock Mountain
Three Rock Mountain is roughly 450 metres high and located in the Dublin Mountains.
The geography of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is dominated by the Irish Sea and the Dublin Mountains. The coastline of the county stretches from Shankill in the south to Blackrock in the north. The total size of the county is just over 127 kilometres squared.
The Dublin Mountains are located on the west and southwest of the county. They are home to the Three Rock Mountain and the villages of Stepaside, Kilternan and Glencullen.
The county does not boast a major river of its own although the River Dodder briefly passes through the county by Rathfarnham. What it does have is a network of over 30 small rivers and streams. However, many of these streams have been forced underground by the rapid rate of housing and industrial development in the county.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Cabinteely Park
© Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Public Library Service
© Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Public Library Service
Parks and play areas are a very important part of any community. They provide space to run around, play sports or just sit and soak up the sun.
Can you think of any more reasons that parks and play areas are important?
Is there a park near your home or your school?
What do you like to do at the park?