First Port of Call - Dun Laoghaire
It is summer time, so many tourists arrive to Dublin on the car ferry from the United Kingdom. Traditionally, many arrived at the historic harbour of Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dun Leary), 8km south of the city centre. Home to numerous yacht clubs and once the world’s largest harbour, ferry numbers have been dwindling in recent times and the Harbour Company are looking to attract larger cruise ships.
The car ferry slows down as it enters the grand harbour, buffed by large granite piers built in the 19th century using rock from nearly Dalkey quarry. The harbour is extremely popular for sailing so caution must be taken by the captain as they prepare to turn and land at the car ferry terminal.
As the cars and trucks disembark onto the run down and derelict Carlisle Pier, locals gather to view a French tall ship that has docked at the East Pier. On the opposite side, construction of a new cruise terminal is just about visible. 
The harbour area is undergoing rapid transformation, from a busy ferry port to one focused more on recreation and tourism. Dun Laoghaire train station, was the terminus of the first railway in Ireland in 1894. The railway previously linked up to the ferry pier, however the old station, seen rusting on the pier, has long been abandoned. The Dublin Area Rapid Transport now provides a link to the city centre in 20 minutes.
Two sailing clubs are visible, on the left is the Royal St. George and on the right the Royal Irish Yacht Club. Both are very exclusive, and cost thousands per year for membership.
Dun Laoghaire County Council Offices, with a modern early 2000’s extension can be seen opposite the train station.
The hideous Dun Laoghaire shopping centre was build atop of a delightful Georgian terrace in the 1970’s. It sits alongside the famous Royal Marine hotel, which offers stunning views over Dublin Bay.
The town centre has suffered due to out of town shopping malls, the recession and draconian parking laws. Many shops are boarded up, however the main street retains its charm and there’s many bargains to be found. St Michael’s church is the focal point of the town centre.
Thanks for reading so far, any help and tips are greatly appreciated! I don't have the best laptop, and I have to play on software mode due Intel Iris graphics so I miss out on some plugins due to graphic issues.
Hope you enjoyed and I'll be back soon with a drive through the town of Dun Laoghaire and its leafy well-to-do suburbs 
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