The Depths of Dublin Docklands
Staying in Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane? Let us take you on a trip down memory lane as we look at some amazing facts about the area our hotel is located, The Dublin Docklands! An area of Dublin enriched with such Irish history and culture!
The Jeanie Johnston
Our first stop on Dublin’s Docklands takes us to one of Dublin’s most well-known landmarks, the “Jeanie Johnston”. Built in Quebec back in 1847 with the purpose to be used as a cargo ship, it would find itself to be used for a very different reason. As the great famine gripped Ireland, the owners carried fleeing Irish emigrants to North America. It made 16 voyages in total, carrying over 2,500 Irish emigrants, and the fare to Quebec was a total of £3.10! The replica of the vessel is located on the Custom House Quay of the Docks in Dublin and is one of Dublin’s biggest tourist attractions!
Windmill Lane Studios
Next up it’s all things music as we take a look at a place that has been at the heart of Irish Music, that is Windmill Lane Studios. The studios are known to have hosted some of the most famous musical artists including U2, Ed Sheeran, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga and many more. Did you know the studios was nicknamed “The U2 studio”? In 1990 the location of the studios moved from Windmill Lane to the Ringsend Road leading to the original building becoming graffitied by U2 fans from all over the world, to pay pilgrimage to its historic connection with the band as it was where they recorded their early albums that put them on the map! A spot that cannot be missed on your Dublin city break!
Wakedock
Wakedock is the first cable wakeboard park in the country and is located in the Dublin Docklands area. Wakeboarding is suitable for everyone, adults and children of all levels and is a great activity along the docks in Dublin for a city break in Dublin.
Grand Canal Dock is easily accessible by all modes of transport from anywhere in the city and all of the equipment needed is available to rent for FREE!
Wakedock is closed until further notice. Follow their Instagram for updates.
Dublin Bay Cruises
See Dublin’s Docklands from the water itself! Sail from Dublin City on a marvelous cruise south of Dublin Bay to Dun Laoghaire harbour and then onto the renowned fishing village of Howth. Throughout your voyage, you will see an outlook of Dublin City that isn’t possible on any other mode of transport. You can sail from the City on Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, only a 5-minute walk from Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane. Choose from different trips with Dublin Bay Cruises and enjoy a view of the city from a unique perspective. There’s so much to do on the Docks in Dublin!
Discovered Dublin Boat Tours
An activity that can be enjoyed by all, a 45-minute boat trip along the iconic River Liffey, located in the heart of Dublin City. Expert guides reawaken the history and heritage of the city while pointing out some of the wonderful sights the city has to offer.
Whether you’re a Dubliner or a visitor witness unique views of the Ha’penny Bridge, O’Connell Street, the Custom House, the Jeanie Johnston, the Georgian quaysides and the 3 Arena. You can even catch glimpses of the Aviva Stadium and the Dublin mountains beyond. Visit Sean O’Casey Bridge to cruise in style on the Dublin Discovered Boat Tour. This is the perfect way to see Dublin’s Docklands.
Dublin Discovered Boat Tours re-open in April 2022 and you can book in advance on their website.
EPIC Museum
EPIC Museum, voted Europe’s leading tourist attraction for 2019 & 2020 is located right by the Docks in Dublin in the city centre and is a must-do for visitors and locals looking to delve deeper into the understanding of Ireland and what it means to be Irish.
Uncover the story of Irish emigrants and how they shaped the world and you’ll soon realise that emigration is not about what people leave behind but what they bring with them. EPIC museum was founded on the belief that emigration is one of the most intriguing and interesting ways to understand a country.
Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are. Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane is located only 5 minutes from EPIC Museum.
The Docklands Diving Bell – No Pressure!
Last but not least we take a look at an instrument that helped construct the Dublin Docklands itself! The Dublin Diving Bell is a piece of engineering art that was used for building deep water quay walls back in the 19th century. It was used in the construction of the Port’s quay walls from the Victorian era right up until almost the 1960s and was designed by the port engineer Bindon Blood Stoney. The Diving Bell was delivered to Dublin Port in 1866 and was used in the construction of the Port’s quay walls until 1958. It is over 140 years old and you can visit the Diving Bell itself, located only a 2-minute walk from the hotel!
We hope you enjoyed our little history lesson on the wonderful Dublin Docklands! A place not only filled with such fun & adventure but also such a heritage in Irish history and culture! Get down to the Docks in Dublin soon and discover all of this for yourself, it’s not to be missed!
