The Ferry Terminal

Arguably one of the finest ferry terminals in Europe, Dun Laoghaire is a key entry point into Ireland. Throughout the 1970's, 80's and 90's the future development of the port was the subject of often heated debate, the terminals being starved by a lack of investment for decades. It was not until 1993 that the decision to rebuild the terminal at St Michael's Pier was taken, this following the announcement by Stena Sealink Line that it would deploy the world's first HSS vessel on the Holyhead service. 

The new terminal was designed along airport lines to process passengers quickly and effortlessly and involved the reclamation of 1.5 hectares from the harbour and the installation of a dedicated linkspan to accommodate the 40 metre wide HSS. The reclaimed land to the west of the terminal is protected by exposed rock armour.

Designed by Burke-Kennedy Doyle and Partners, the terminal building is surrounded by a large landscaped plaza with seating, palm trees and a fountain and presents a narrow low street frontage. Vertical emphasis is by way of a glazed circular tower which rises from the centre of the building. The projecting stone wall is positioned to create a dialogue with both the old Town Hall and the former station buildings and helps to enclose the plaza. The building uses a nautical theme throughout - porthole windows and decking feature, as does large areas of glazing, brise soleils, and metal panelling. To the front of the building is the tourist office contained within a curving glass screen and masked by the projecting stone wall.

The terminal contains a restaurant, shops, bureau de change, baggage handling, ticket sales and office accommodation. Outside, the vehicle check-in booths are given weather protection by large membrane structures which are designed to remind of the heyday of sail and Dun Laoghaire's great maritime heritage.