Dun Laoghaire's assumed name, The Premier Township, was no empty boast. Situated seven miles south of Dublin on "the most splendid bay in Europe, spreading for miles its vast and lakelike level, adorned with all imaginable objects that can animate and diversify".

The book describes how the fishing village Dunleary, became within seventy years Kingstown - "The most important packet station and largest and most popular watering place in Ireland" and a "vast port, an infant city, built in the most ornamental style".

The book begins with the story of the harbour designed to be a refuge from storms for ships. It took over half a century to complete in granite and the result is one of the most attractive artificial harbours in the world. It also witnessed one of the earliest Lifeboat services in the world and the fastest and most efficient Mal and Passenger boats of the day.

"Kingstown" is well symbolized by its yachting traditions when the harbour was filled with "an immense assemblage of elegant pleasure vessels".

The book reveals the variety of Victorian architecture to be found today in Dun Laoghaire, from bay windowed terraces, Gothic Churches, French style hotels, to buildings in the neo-classical and Venetian palace styles. A strong case for the preservation of the town's character is made. The growth of the town is recorded and it also deals with the latest developments in Dun Laoghaire.

"Kingstown" was reaching maturity when the age of the camera had dawned and the book's abundant period photographs are highly evocative of the atmosphere of "The Premier Township".