The Abandoned Dun Laoghaire Baths, Dublin, Ireland

Abandoned Dun Laoghaire Baths in Dublin, Ireland│Abandoned World Photography Urbex

UPDATE 2021: The Dun Laoghaire Baths have been demolished and renovation is underway: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/d%C3%BAn-laoghaire-baths-being-redeveloped-after-20-years-out-of-use-1.2151632 

The Dublin based Dun Laoghaire Baths, otherwise known as Rainbow Rapids, dated back to the 1790s and used to act as a public place to swim and bathe up until 1997. It was a major hit with both locals and families from afar who would travel to Dun Laoghaire to enjoy the popular hotspot by the sea. 

There were different types of baths available to customers such as sea and freshwater, hot and cold baths, sulphur, seaweed and Russian and hot sea-water baths and children’s paddling pools. To me, it sounds like a pretty darn good spa!! When I lived in Ireland these baths were only a short stroll down the road, and once I found them abandoned, I always wished they were up and running. 

Lots of people who currently reside in the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Council area have very fond memories of the baths. Unfortunately, the site is a derelict eyesore to walk past now, but according to the Irish Times, renovation of the abandoned site is due to start in July 2018.

“The project will include the retention of the existing baths building and the development of a new pedestrian walkway between the promenade at Newtownsmith and the rear of the east pier. However, the site will not include a public swimming facility” – Sorcha Pollak, The Irish Times

The baths have been abandoned for 20 years.

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