Dun Laoghaire Baths Today

Upload to this page

Add your photos, text, videos, etc. to this page.


  • Baths and Bathing



Dun Laoghaire Baths Today (2006)

Dun Laoghaire baths as they are today. Unfortunately, the baths have now fallen into disrepair. They were closed in 1997. At that time, the baths also had a water park and slides, and were known as Rainbow Rapids. Several plans to refurbish and redevelop the site have come and gone, but to date the site remains derelict.

© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library Service.
Dun Laoghaire Baths Today (2006)
© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library Service.

Dun Laoghaire Baths Today (2006)

Dun Laoghaire baths as they are today. Unfortunately, the baths have now fallen into disrepair. They were closed in 1997. At that time, the baths also had a water park and slides, and were known as Rainbow Rapids. Several plans to refurbish and redevelop the site have come and gone, but to date the site remains derelict.

© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library Service.
Enlarge image

Over the years, the moderate charges and high standards of maintenance helped to increase the popularity of Dun Laoghaire Baths. They were open from 6.30am to 8.00pm during the summer months. The service was excellent and included the provision of hot towels. There was a tea room nearby, providing refreshments for the bathers. Buses and trains offered a regular means of transport to and from Dun Laoghaire, making it a popular place for tourists and day-trippers.

During the 1970s, heated indoor pools were added as well as a water fun park, known as Rainbow Rapids.

In 1997, the outdoor baths were closed because there was a proposal made to develop a huge water complex on the site. This proposal did not come to fruition, due in part to the huge public outcry, but the baths remained closed.

Save Our Seafront Rally

Protesters with banners at the Save our Seafront protest rally, Newtownsmith, Dun Laoghaire Baths, Co. Dublin on Sunday September 18 2005.

© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library Service.
Save Our Seafront Rally
© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library Service.

Save Our Seafront Rally

Protesters with banners at the Save our Seafront protest rally, Newtownsmith, Dun Laoghaire Baths, Co. Dublin on Sunday September 18 2005.

© Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Public Library Service.
Enlarge image

In 2005, proposals were made available to members of the public regarding the development of the site of the baths. The plans included the re-development of the whole area from the back of the East Pier to Newtownsmith. This included the private development of some of the area through apartments, offices and shops.

There was a public outcry. The biggest rally and protest march the area had ever seen was held on Sunday September 18th 2005 at Newtownsmith. It included a free concert. Due to the public pressure, the plans were dropped and ideas sought for another way of using the site. It is hoped by many that the baths will be restored to their former glory and maintained to a high standard for use by both residents and visitors alike. The great public amenity that was Dun Laoghaire baths may, once again, be used by all.