# Dún Laoghaire

> suburban seaside town in County Dublin, Ireland

**Wikidata**: [Q745989](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q745989)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dún_Laoghaire)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/d-n-laoghaire

## Summary
Dún Laoghaire is a suburban seaside town in County Dublin, Ireland, known for its maritime heritage and cultural significance. Located approximately 12 kilometers south of Dublin city center, it serves as a key residential and recreational hub within the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown administrative area.

## Key Facts
- **Location:** Situated in County Dublin, Ireland, at coordinates 53.3°N, -6.14°W.
- **Population:** 23,857 residents (as of available data).
- **Aliases:** Also known as Dunleary, Kingstown, Dun Laoghaire, Kingstown, County Dublin, and Kingstown, Ireland.
- **Administrative Context:** Part of the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown county within the province of Leinster.
- **Maritime Significance:** Home to the National Maritime Museum of Ireland (established January 1, 1978).
- **Lighthouse Authority:** Headquarters of the Commissioners of Irish Lights (founded 1867), responsible for lighthouses in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
- **Cultural Connections:** Associated with Irish musical acts like The Boomtown Rats (formed 1975) and Villagers (formed 2008), as well as musician Ronnie Drew (1934–2008).
- **Official Websites:** http://www.dun-laoghaire.com/ and https://www.dunlaoghairetown.ie/.

## FAQs
**What is Dún Laoghaire known for?**
Dún Laoghaire is recognized as a suburban seaside town with a rich maritime history, hosting institutions like the National Maritime Museum of Ireland and serving as the headquarters for the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

**Where is Dún Laoghaire located?**
It is located in County Dublin, Ireland, within the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown administrative area, approximately 12 kilometers south of Dublin city center.

**What cultural or historical sites are in Dún Laoghaire?**
The town is home to the National Maritime Museum of Ireland (founded 1978) and has historical ties to the Commissioners of Irish Lights (established 1867), which oversees lighthouses in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

**What are some notable people or groups associated with Dún Laoghaire?**
The town has connections to Irish musicians and bands, including The Boomtown Rats (formed 1975), Villagers (formed 2008), and the late Ronnie Drew (1934–2008), a prominent figure in Irish folk music.

## Why It Matters
Dún Laoghaire plays a significant role in Ireland’s maritime and cultural landscape. As a key administrative and recreational hub near Dublin, it contributes to the region’s economic and social fabric. Its institutions, such as the National Maritime Museum and the Commissioners of Irish Lights, highlight its importance in preserving and managing Ireland’s coastal heritage. Additionally, its association with influential Irish musicians underscores its cultural relevance.

## Notable For
- **Maritime Heritage:** Hosts the National Maritime Museum of Ireland and the headquarters of the Commissioners of Irish Lights.
- **Cultural Hub:** Connected to notable Irish musical acts and musicians.
- **Strategic Location:** A suburban seaside town within the greater Dublin area, serving as a residential and recreational center.
- **Historical Aliases:** Known by multiple names, including Dunleary and Kingstown, reflecting its evolving identity.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Dún Laoghaire is situated in County Dublin, Ireland, at coordinates 53.3°N, -6.14°W. It lies within the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown administrative area, part of the province of Leinster. The town is approximately 12 kilometers south of Dublin city center, making it a key suburban and seaside location.

### Population and Demographics
The town has a population of 23,857, contributing to the broader demographic landscape of County Dublin and the greater Dublin metropolitan area.

### Historical and Cultural Significance
Dún Laoghaire has a rich maritime history, evidenced by its role as the headquarters of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, established in 1867. This organization is responsible for managing lighthouses and navigational aids in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The town is also home to the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, founded on January 1, 1978, which preserves and showcases Ireland’s maritime heritage.

### Cultural Connections
The town has notable ties to Irish music and culture. It is associated with The Boomtown Rats, an influential Irish rock band formed in 1975, and Villagers, an indie folk band formed in 2008. Additionally, the late Ronnie Drew (1934–2008), a renowned Irish folk musician, has connections to the area.

### Administrative and Institutional Role
Dún Laoghaire is part of the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown county, which is a key administrative division within Leinster. The town’s institutions, such as the Commissioners of Irish Lights and the National Maritime Museum, play critical roles in Ireland’s maritime governance and cultural preservation.

### Online Presence
The town maintains official websites at http://www.dun-laoghaire.com/ and https://www.dunlaoghairetown.ie/, providing information and resources for residents and visitors.

### Related Entities
- **County Dublin:** The broader county in which Dún Laoghaire is located.
- **Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown:** The administrative county that includes Dún Laoghaire.
- **Commissioners of Irish Lights:** The lighthouse authority headquartered in the town.
- **National Maritime Museum of Ireland:** A key cultural institution in Dún Laoghaire.
- **The Boomtown Rats, Villagers, Ronnie Drew:** Notable musical acts and figures associated with the town.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.brest.fr/developper-le-territoire/ouvrir-le-territoire-a-linternational/jumelages-et-cooperations-1777.html)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://autoaddress.com/articles/eircode-routing-keys/)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. MusicBrainz
6. [Source](http://beyond2020.cso.ie/Census/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=75478)
7. GeoNames
8. BBC Things
9. Placenames Database of Ireland