Dun Laoghaire Beach and Baths
Old postcard view of Dun Laoghaire's pebble beach and Dun Laoghaire Baths. We can see from this image how popular both amenities were. Unfortunately, both amenities have now fallen into disrepair through neglect.
Dun Laoghaire Beach and Baths
Dun Laoghaire Beach and Baths
Old postcard view of Dun Laoghaire's pebble beach and Dun Laoghaire Baths. We can see from this image how popular both amenities were. Unfortunately, both amenities have now fallen into disrepair through neglect.
Dun Laoghaire Postcard
A postcard image of Dun Laoghaire Baths taken in about 1900. Many people can be seen enjoying the bath facilities.
Dun Laoghaire Postcard
Dun Laoghaire Postcard
A postcard image of Dun Laoghaire Baths taken in about 1900. Many people can be seen enjoying the bath facilities.
Bathing was very popular from the eighteenth century onwards. For example, Blackrock is mentioned in a number of books of the time as being an attractive bathing area for many Dublin inhabitants.
Two separate bathing areas in old Dun Laoghaire have been noted in maps dating from the 1790s. Sources mention baths in Kingstown being built by the Royal Hotel in 1828. They were probably removed to make way for the construction of the railway in 1836.
In 1843, John Croswaithe built baths on the corner of Scotsman's Bay. Originally known as the Royal Victorian Baths, they were only used by those who had the means to afford them. This is the site of today's Dun Laoghaire baths.
Dun Laoghaire Baths Advertisement
Advertisement for Dun Laoghaire baths facility, c. 1930s. This was part of a local guide to the area. The advertisement mentions the variety of medicinal baths on offer. There were moderate charges, and tearooms attached to the establishment. It also refers to the growing ‘all-year-round-patronage’ that evidences its popularity.
Dun Laoghaire Baths Advertisement
Dun Laoghaire Baths Advertisement
Advertisement for Dun Laoghaire baths facility, c. 1930s. This was part of a local guide to the area. The advertisement mentions the variety of medicinal baths on offer. There were moderate charges, and tearooms attached to the establishment. It also refers to the growing ‘all-year-round-patronage’ that evidences its popularity.
Crosthwaite lived in Victoria Cottage, which is now long demolished. It stood where the road now runs, in front of the present-day Dun Laoghaire Baths. Croswaithe Park in Dun Laoghaire immortalises his name.
Kingstown Urban District Council bought the baths in the late 1890s and renovated them between 1905 and 1911 at a cost of £12,000. This is when they became known as Kingstown Baths, and later Dun Laoghaire Baths. The current derelict Edwardian entrance dates from this time. Crosthwaite also built baths at Seapoint, which were privately owned.
Sun Terraces at Dun Laoghaire Beach
This John Hinde image of the beach and sun terraces at Dun Laoghaire shows how popular the area was as a public amenity and swimming area. Although the beach is shingle, it was still a popular bathing spot with locals and tourists alike.
By kind permission of John Hinde.Sun Terraces at Dun Laoghaire Beach
By kind permission of John Hinde.
By kind permission of John Hinde.
Sun Terraces at Dun Laoghaire Beach
This John Hinde image of the beach and sun terraces at Dun Laoghaire shows how popular the area was as a public amenity and swimming area. Although the beach is shingle, it was still a popular bathing spot with locals and tourists alike.
By kind permission of John Hinde.Dun Laoghaire beach was also a popular bathing area. The beach was pebbly, but set up with terraces and sun loungers. Many old photographs and postcards show this to be a very popular area for bathing and recreation.