THE OLD BATHS
THE NEW ROYAL VICTORIAN BATHS WERE BUILD BESIDE SCOTMAN’S BAY IN 1843
In 1843 The Royal Victorian Baths [New] were constructed beside Scotman’s Bay in Dun Laoghaire. In 1910 the baths were completely rebuilt by Kingstown Town Council.
During the 1970s heated indoor pools were added as well as a water fun park (Rainbow Rapids).
In 1997 the outdoor baths were closed when a proposal was made to develop a huge water complex on the site. This proposal was abandoned, due in part to the huge public outcry, but sadly the baths failed to reopen. In 2005 proposals were made available for members of the public to view regarding the development of the baths. In February 2008 two multimillion-euro plans to transform Dun Laoghaire's coastline into a "world-class" tourist attraction were unveiled and presented for public consultation.
In 2012 it was announced that the baths dating back 170 years are to be filled in and replaced with a jetty and small 'urban beach'. Councillors in Dun Laoghaire have shelved ambitious plans to refurbish the baths at a cost of almost €100m, instead voting to allow a €2.5m redevelopment take place. The new proposal includes the following elements:
Demolishing all but two of the buildings on site. The Baths Pavilion and a smaller outbuilding will be retained and refurbished to accommodate artists' studio space, an art gallery, cafe and public toilets.
The area between the baths site and the East Pier, including the old bandstand, will be refurbished.
A new jetty and an area for changing will be created to provide enhanced access to the water for swimmers. This may include a small 'urban' beach in the future.
A public walkway/cycleway will be built through the site, connecting the coastal walkway at Newtownsmith to the East Pier.
The new plans may form part of a bigger €230m project, which includes a diaspora museum on Carlisle Pier, retail units and 300 apartments.
In 1843 The Royal Victorian Baths [New] were constructed beside Scotman’s Bay in Dun Laoghaire. In 1910 the baths were completely rebuilt by Kingstown Town Council.
During the 1970s heated indoor pools were added as well as a water fun park (Rainbow Rapids).
In 1997 the outdoor baths were closed when a proposal was made to develop a huge water complex on the site. This proposal was abandoned, due in part to the huge public outcry, but sadly the baths failed to reopen. In 2005 proposals were made available for members of the public to view regarding the development of the baths. In February 2008 two multimillion-euro plans to transform Dun Laoghaire's coastline into a "world-class" tourist attraction were unveiled and presented for public consultation.
In 2012 it was announced that the baths dating back 170 years are to be filled in and replaced with a jetty and small 'urban beach'. Councillors in Dun Laoghaire have shelved ambitious plans to refurbish the baths at a cost of almost €100m, instead voting to allow a €2.5m redevelopment take place. The new proposal includes the following elements:
Demolishing all but two of the buildings on site. The Baths Pavilion and a smaller outbuilding will be retained and refurbished to accommodate artists' studio space, an art gallery, cafe and public toilets.
The area between the baths site and the East Pier, including the old bandstand, will be refurbished.
A new jetty and an area for changing will be created to provide enhanced access to the water for swimmers. This may include a small 'urban' beach in the future.
A public walkway/cycleway will be built through the site, connecting the coastal walkway at Newtownsmith to the East Pier.
The new plans may form part of a bigger €230m project, which includes a diaspora museum on Carlisle Pier, retail units and 300 apartments.