The Metals was originally laid down in the early nineteenth century as a truckway to bring stone from the quarries in Dalkey to the harbour works in Dún Laoghaire. During its years of operation (1816-1870s) over 600,000 tonnes of stone was drawn by horses along the path.
The story of the Metals is also the construction of what was the largest harbour in the world at Dún Laoghaire, the development of this part of Dublin, the coming of the first railway in Ireland the construction of the world’s first Atmospheric Railway. Today the Metals is a favourite walking route and one of the most unusual pieces of industrial heritage in Ireland.
Tours last about 90 mins (tour times and admission prices currently not available).