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History - Memorials & Monuments

In Honour & Memory

Aerial View of Dún Laoghaire Harbour

Logo: Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
King George IV Painting
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Aerial View of Dún Laoghaire Harbour

The construction of the 'Asylum harbour' at Dun Laoghaire began in 1817. Before that Dun Laoghaire was just a small fishing village near today's west pier. The village was near the fort of King Laoghaire, High King of Ireland in the fifth century. It was during Laoghaire's reign that Saint Patrick began his conversion of Ireland to Christianity.

Dun Laoghaire Plaque

In the early nineteenth century tragic events would change the landscape of this quiet rural area forever. On the night November 18, 1807 in gale force winds and heavy snow two ships, the Prince of Wales and the Rochdale, were wrecked just north-west of here.

As a result of the deaths on that fateful night a decision was taken to construct an 'asylum harbour'. Given the prevailing winds of the bay Dun Laoghaire was chosen.

The harbour was designed by Scotsman John Rennie, one of the greatest engineers of the greatest engineering eras, also responsible for many important works including London Bridge and London Docks. In 2003 a memorial was erected to the workers who had built the harbour.

All images and descriptive text used with permission Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council

Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council Logo

Now published and available to purchase for €10 in all good book shops, or order via email tcarey@dlrcoco.ie, and to order via telephone ring +353 1 205 4868. Please visit the Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council web site http://www.dlrcoco.ie

 

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