Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club: Sessions, Membership & Contact Info

Anyone who’s ever tried to find a welcoming bridge club in Dublin knows it can feel a bit like searching for a four-leaf clover. For decades, Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club has been a steady fixture for players of all grades, meeting at Clarinda Park since at least the 1970s. This guide lays out everything you need to know — from session times and fees to how the club compares with nearby alternatives — so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your game.

Address: 2 Clarinda Park North, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin ·
Session times: Monday & Thursday 7:30 PM ·
Open to visitors: Yes ·
Club type: Duplicate bridge (contract bridge)

What part of Dublin is Dún Laoghaire?

Location and transport links

Dún Laoghaire is a coastal suburb about 12 km south of Dublin city centre, within the administrative county of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown (Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council (local authority)). The town is served by the DART rail line, multiple bus routes, and the M50 motorway, making it easily accessible from the city and surrounding areas.

Historical significance as a port town

Originally developed as a harbour town, Dún Laoghaire has been a key ferry port connecting Dublin to Holyhead, Wales. Its Victorian pier and seafront promenade remain popular attractions. The bridge club sits within walking distance of the town centre and the DART station.

What is the Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club address and contact?

Address and directions

The club meets at 2 Clarinda Park North, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin (Contract Bridge Association of Ireland (governing body event listing)). Clarinda Park is a residential street a few minutes’ walk from the DART station and the main shopping area.

Online presence and booking

The club maintains a website at BridgeWebs – Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club (club’s own web page) where session information, results, and a new member application form are posted. Online booking for sessions is handled through SumUp Bookings (booking platform).

What are the session times and membership fees at Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club?

Regular session schedule

• Monday: Club night at 7:30 PM (all grades) (BridgeWebs – Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club (club’s own web page))
• Thursday: Club night at 7:30 PM (all grades) (BridgeWebs – Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club (club’s own web page))
• Wednesday: Open night for Intermediate and Novice players at 7:30 PM (BridgeWebs – Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club (club’s own web page))

Membership fees and joining

The club’s BridgeWebs page states that annual subscriptions for the 2025-26 season are overdue, but the exact amount is not published on the site (BridgeWebs – Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club (club’s own web page)). A new member application form is available on the same page. Players who don’t have a partner can use the “spare partner” service.

Guest/visitor policy

The club describes itself as semi-open: visitors and new members are welcome, and all grades can play on club nights. No prior booking is required for visitors, but online booking via SumUp is available.

What is the posh suburb of Dublin and where do millionaires live?

Affluent suburbs: Dalkey, Foxrock, and Dún Laoghaire

Dalkey and Foxrock are consistently ranked among the wealthiest residential areas in Dublin, with high property values and a concentration of business leaders and celebrities (The Irish Times (established national newspaper) – property market analysis). Dún Laoghaire is also an upmarket coastal town, though it is more mixed in its housing stock — Victorian terraces alongside modern apartments.

Dún Laoghaire’s real estate context

The town has seen steady property price growth, driven by its seafront location, good schools, and transport links. It’s not the single richest suburb, but it fits squarely in Dublin’s premium bracket. Taylor Swift stayed in a private residence in Dún Laoghaire during her June 2024 Eras Tour concert in Dublin (Irish Independent (major Irish news outlet) – celebrity report).

What is the old name for Dún Laoghaire?

Name change from Kingstown

In 1821 King George IV visited the town, and it was renamed Kingstown in his honour. That name stuck for a century. In 1921, following the Irish War of Independence, the town reverted to its Irish name Dún Laoghaire (Dún Laoghaire Historical Society (local history group)). The harbour and some older buildings still carry references to the Kingstown era.

Historical background

The name Dún Laoghaire means “fort of Laoghaire,” referring to a 5th-century High King of Ireland. The town grew around its harbour, which replaced Howth as the main Dublin mail packet station in the early 19th century.

How does Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club compare with Foxrock Bridge Club?

Both clubs are within a few kilometres of each other in south Dublin, but they differ in session days and venue style. The table below highlights the key contrasts.

The implication: Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club offers more frequent weekly sessions and a clearer online booking system. For players who prefer multiple weekly options, it may be the better choice.

Upsides and downsides of Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club

How to join Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club

1. Visit the club’s BridgeWebs page (club’s own web page) and download the new member application form.
2. Complete the form and submit it as directed (contact details on the page).
3. Attend a club night (Monday or Thursday at 7:30 PM) as a visitor first — no prior booking needed.
4. If you don’t have a partner, the club will arrange a spare partner.
5. Pay the annual subscription — contact the club for current fee.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear about the club

What players say about the club

“Club nights are open to all grades. We welcome new members and visitors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, you’ll find a game here.”

— Club secretary, Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club (BridgeWebs (club’s own website))

“The Muldoon Cup Open Pairs took place on Sunday, May 2025 at 13:00 at 2 Clarinda Park North. This event attracted players from across the region.”

— Contract Bridge Association of Ireland (CBAI event listing (governing body))

For a bridge player in south Dublin, the choice between clubs often comes down to convenience and frequency. Dún Laoghaire Bridge Club offers three weekly sessions, a central location, and a clear welcome to newcomers. The catch is the lack of published fees — a small hurdle that a quick phone call or visit can resolve. If you’re looking for a regular, sociable game without the fuss of online-only booking, this club is worth a try. For players who prefer a weekend schedule or a golf club setting, the DLGC Bridge Section at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club provides Friday evening and Monday morning sessions with a published fee of €35 annually (BridgeWebs – DLGC Bridge Section (club’s own web page)).

For those unable to attend in person, online bridge platforms offer a convenient alternative to practice and play from home.

Frequently asked questions