#Gateway2Ireland – In an exhibition that covers two hundred years since Dún Laoghaire proudly became the ‘Gateway to Ireland’, the flagship dlrLexicon Library that aptly overlooks the harbour explores the theme of travel and travellers to Ireland.

Utilising material from the Local Studies collection, the exhibition highlights how Ireland was presented during that time. A stranger’s fresh eye on Ireland shows much that was unseen and much that has changed.

Looking at these accounts, which attempted to present Ireland to a foreign audience, we can see afresh, through its beauties and the popular observation of its conditions, the Ireland of the past. Ireland’s famous ‘welcome to the stranger’ became, in time, a way for us to review and present ourselves to the world.

The exhibition Gateway to Ireland which began earlier this year concludes on 30 April, so now is the time to visit and get closer to this major aspect of the harbour’s history. Just over a month later, President Micheal D. Higgins will be attending the historic event to celebrate the harbour’s Bi-Centenary on 31 May.

On a related note, another exhibition: Bicentenary of the Pier (15-May-30 June) also takes place in the Lexicon. This exhibition will provide a fascinating account of the pier's past 200 years. The pier later became the East Pier, following the completion of the West Pier to form the completed harbour, though the original plans for a 'place of refuge’ proposed constructing just a single pier.

Colin and Anna Scudds of the Dun Laoghaire Borough Historical Society have carried out the research that includes numerous images of the East Pier from the 19th century to more recent times.

For further details of these exhibtions and events click here

#dlharbour200 - To mark the 200th anniversary of Dun Laoghaire Harbour (formerly Kingstown) a summer of celebrations have been organised. The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Bicentenary Steering Group has announced its programme of activities to coincide with the milestone event.

The Opening Ceremony will be officiated by President Michael D Higgins & the groups Patron Minister Mary Mitchell O Connor on 31st May. Other featured events include an International Harbour Food Festival featuring over 25 unique vendors (4th & 5th June), The Kingstown 200 Classic Boat Race (8th July) and a live Viking Invasion re-enactment with longboats as seen on the hit TV Show ‘Vikings’ (20th August). 

100,000 visitors are expected to visit the harbour this summer to participate in the free public events. The Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company in collaboration with a range of local stakeholders have put in place a schedule of exhibitions, workshops, lectures and events to mark the Bicentenary. For further information visit www.dlharbour200.ie

Gerry Dunne, CEO of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company: said “the programme of events throughout the summer reflects the cultural and historical role the harbour has played not just in Dun Laoghaire but in its wider environs over the past 200 years”. Thanking all those who worked tirelessly on the project, Mr Dunne said “the Bicentenary will bring a welcome boost to the local economy and reinforce the sense of public pride in one of the country’s greatest landmarks”.