Dublin set to become a tourist magnet with hidden gem with massive makeover

A charming coastal town just north of Dublin City is set to become a tourist hotspot following a major redevelopment. The $16.2million (€15 million) Balbriggan Harbour project has kicked off, with the goal of transforming this Co Dublin gem into a must-visit destination and providing locals with top-notch facilities.

The 19,300 square meter site will feature a multi-purpose plaza and linear park, perfect for hosting markets, events, and festivals. The vision is to create an appealing, interconnected locale where people are drawn to live, work, visit, and conduct business.

Nestled in the northernmost part of Co Dublin, Balbriggan is a picturesque harbour town. Nearby attractions include the coastal town of Skerries and the historic Ardgillan Castle.

In a landmark community engagement project in 2019, a quarter of Balbriggan’s residents shared their hopes for the town’s future. There was overwhelming support for a revamp of the Harbour and Quay Street area.

The works on Quay Street and at the Harbour, flanking its iconic viaduct, will redefine Balbriggan’s beach and coastline. Completion is expected in late 2025.

The repurposing of the former RNLI Boathouse and the construction of new harbour buildings aim to boost social and commercial activity throughout the town.

The scheme will additionally incorporate development works to the River Bracken, together with fresh surfacing, expanded seating, and green and play spaces. Parts of Quay Street, Mill Street, and Harbour Road are set to transform into an amalgamated space that flawlessly fuses the town.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, commented: “The enhancement of the Harbour will provide a new much-needed high-quality public focal point, as well as developing Balbriggan’s tourist offering,”. He went on to say, “I am delighted to mark the start of a major development which I am sure will have a profound, positive economic and social impact on Balbriggan.”

“A total of $27.5million (€25.4m) has been awarded under my Department’s Urban Regeneration Development Fund for projects associated with the rejuvenation of Balbriggan.”

“As we know, Balbriggan is home to one of the youngest, fastest-growing, and most diverse populations in Ireland. There is an unmatched determination across the community of Balbriggan to build a bright future for the area and this Government investment will help them to do just that.”

Dr David Begg, chair of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, also noted: “Research, conducted among the people of Balbriggan, clearly demonstrated support for reimagining the harbor. Now, the creation of an exciting, lively waterfront plaza and linear park will promote tourism and significantly boost the town.”