Dun Laoghaire Baths

Dun Laoghaire Baths is classified as having Poor Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2025 and consequently, an Advice Not To Swim restriction will apply at the bathing water for the 2026 bathing season. Dun Laoghaire Baths was newly identified in 2025 as a beach for monitoring, management and assessment under the requirements of the 2008 Bathing Water Quality Regulations. Annual water quality ratings are generally calculated using monitoring results over a four-year period and are assessed against stringent bacterial limits to protect bather health. The resulting poor classification is based on 2 poor and 14 excellent samples from the monitoring calendar for 2025 only. The 1st poor sample (7/7/25), Dlr have not been able to source the cause of this event to date, but it was not as a result of an overflow. Dlr have had a PCR test conducted to try to identify the microbial source of the poor sample. The test results were inconclusive as all sources were below level of quantification. The 2nd poor sample (21/7/25), was as a result of significant unexpected rainfall, 48mm in a single day which was a Sunday evening, causing an overflow from a combined sewer line. Dlr are working with UÉ to try to find a short term solution to reduce the frequency and volume from this overflow, provide more accurate and real time data on overflows. As well as looking at a long-term solution to remove the overflow from the current location. Dlr are committed to maintaining the classification of the DLB at a complainant level, and will form a plan to rectify the situation caused by the strict interpretation and exclusion of valid testing, that has resulted in the poor classification.

The Dún Laoghaire Baths re-opened in December 2022 after significant redevelopment of the facility. The works included the refurbishment of the baths pavilion, the construction of a new 35m jetty with built in seating, the installation of the Roger Casement statue, a simple changing shelter, the refurbished Edwardian gazebo and a new walkway from Newtownsmith. Access to the water is via two sets of steps. One from the main lower platform and one from the jetty. Both sets of steps lead swimmers into the Bathing Area. The Bathing Area has two yellow marker buoys installed for swimmer safety. These buoys alert watercraft users that swimmers will be present between these buoys and the shore. (Dun Laoghaire Bath Photographs used are credited to Ste Murray).