The quieter and longer West pier attracts joggers, birdwatchers, and anglers seeking peace and tranquillity and a nearby escape from the popular promenade of the East Pier. Red Breasted Mergansers winter on its Salthill and Monkstown side and harbour porpoises and seals are regularly to be spotted. The lighthouse dates from 1852. Its metalwork is painted green to indicate starboard for vessels entering the harbour. Around the lighthouse, we can see evidence suggesting the stonework of a Martello tower, which was demolished to make way for the railway line and cleverly reappropriated to construct this site.

Meeting Point: Outside Dún Laoghaire Sea Scouts, end of West Pier.