Art by the Sea – Guided Walk on Stories of Irish Artists, Writers and Visionaries

Art by the Sea – Guided Walk on Stories of Irish Artists, Writers and Visionaries
October 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm IST
Enjoy a unique guided walking trail along Scotsman’s Bay, from Sandycove to Dún Laoghaire and back
Take time to admire the beautiful seascapes while listening to stories of iconic, literary and artistic figures (artists, writers, creatives) associated with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and the surrounding areas, including Sarah Purser, James Joyce, J.M. Synge, the Yeats sisters, Samuel Beckett and Maeve Binchy. The tour begins and ends at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery, where participants can enjoy a vibrant exhibition and continue the conversation through visual art and creative practice.
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Full Event Details
Enjoy a unique guided walking trail along Scotsman’s Bay, from Sandycove to Dún Laoghaire and back, taking time to admire the beautiful seascapes while listening to stories of legendary Irish artists, writers and visionaries. Along the way, we hear stories of artists, writers and creative figures associated with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and the surrounding areas, including Sarah Purser, James Joyce, J.M. Synge, the Yeats sisters, Samuel Beckett and Maeve Binchy.
As we stroll along the coast between Roger Casement’s statue and the iconic Forty Foot bathing area, discover inspiring tales of artists, writers and visionaries whose lives and work continue to influence Ireland and the world. This beautiful stretch of coastline is the backdrop to a fascinating journey through Ireland’s heritage. This scenic coastal trail provides breath-taking views across Dublin Bay while revealing stories of Ireland’s literary artists and visionary changemakers. If you enjoy Irish art, storytelling and inspiring stories of change, this tour is for you.
The tour begins and ends at the Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery, where participants can enjoy a vibrant exhibition and continue the conversation through visual art and creative practice. After the tour and gallery visit, you can stroll through the urban village of Sandycove and Glasthule, enjoying the many wonderful shops, cafés and restaurants.
Guided Walks: Information for Smashing Times walks and tours
We offer three guided walking trails.
Two coastal walks begin and end at theSmashing Times Visual Art Gallery, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin, A96V9P1 taking participants along the seacoast from Sandycove to Dún Laoghaire and back. Walk One: Stories by the Sea – Guided Walk on Stories of Irish Changemakers in History shares stories of Irish Human Rights Defenders in the past, while Walk Two: Art by the Sea – Stories of Irish Artists, Writers and Visionaries explores the lives and work of Irish artists. Both walks feature stories of people connected to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area and bring together arts, nature and human rights, while inviting participants to enjoy the beauty of the coastal landscape.
Walk Three: Walking Through Women’s History 1916–1923 – Guided Walk through Rathmines and Ranelagh featuring stories of Irish women in history is an urban walking trail beginning outside Swan Leisure Centre, Rathmines Square, 161 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin, D06 E6P3, and ending at the Holy Trinity Church, Rathmines. The tour explores the stories and experiences of women during the revolutionary period of 1916–1923, highlighting their roles, contributions and often overlooked voices in Irish history.
Meeting Points
- Walk One: Stories by the Sea – Guided Walk on Stories of Irish Changemakers in History
Begin and end indoors at Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin, A96V9P1
- Walk Two: Art by the Sea – Stories of Irish Artists, Writers and Visionaries
Begin and end indoors at Smashing Times Visual Art Gallery, 30 Sandycove Road, Dublin, A96V9P1
- Walk Three: Walking Through Women’s History 1916–1923 – Guided Walk through Rathmines and Ranelagh featuring stories of Irish women in history
Meeting Point: Outside Swan Leisure Centre, Rathmines Square, 161 Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin, D06 E6P3, and ending at the Holy Trinity Church,Rathmines.
What’s included
- Fully guided walking tour by experienced local guides.
- Fascinating stories, interesting information and fun facts
- Stunning coastal views
- Stories of History, Folklore, Changemakers and Artists
- Information on Local bars and restaurants
Check-in details: Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in, we aim to depart promptly from the designated departure point.
Special Requirements: We aim to tour in all weathers so please wear appropriate clothing. Moderate fitness is required as the tour includes some small tracks and uneven footing. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult. As this is an outdoor walking tour there are limited access to bathrooms.
Accessibility: The tour is open to all. We endeavour to make the tours wheelchair accessible. Due to the historic areas on the tour, wheelchairs, buggys, and pushchairs may be limited in some places. Moderate fitness required due to the nature walk as it includes walking and uneven ground in places. Limited bathroom access whilst on the tour.
Disclaimer: Smashing Times International Centre for the Arts and Equality and all associated partners and personnel accept no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, accident, or other incident arising during or in connection with participation in any company events either indoor or outdoor including the walking trails. Participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health, safety, clothing, footwear, and personal belongings. Participants should follow the guidance of tour facilitators and be aware that outdoor conditions and terrain may be uneven, wet, slippery, or otherwise challenging.
Cancellations
Whilst we aim to do the tour in all weather, tour may be restricted or cancelled in certain weather conditions. Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24-hoursnotice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Organisations Involved / Partner Organisation(s):




