Dublin seaside town to become tourist hotspot following $16million makeover

A picturesque coastal town just north of Dublin City is set to become a tourist magnet following a significant redevelopment. The €15 million Balbriggan Harbour project has begun, with the aim of transforming this Co Dublin jewel into a must-see destination and providing locals with first-rate facilities.

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

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

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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 harbor buildings aim to boost social and commercial activity throughout the town.

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The River Bracken is set for a major facelift, with new surfacing, more seating, and enhanced green and play areas. A stretch covering Quay Street, Mill Street, and Harbour Road is gearing up for an impressive makeover to create a seamlessly connected area within the town.

Fingal's Mayor, Cllr Adrian Henchy, said: "The enhancement of the Harbour will provide a new much-needed high-quality public focal point, as well as developing Balbriggan's tourist offering," adding: "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."

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He further announced, "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."

He elaborated, "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."

Additionally, Dr David Begg, who chairs the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, remarked: "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."