An American friend who visited us in Dun Laoghaire a number of years ago responded to my letter about the cruise ships and the harbour with the following email:

Hi Alison,

I think your Harbor is beautiful and the markets (fish, meat, etc) were great.  I can understand that tourism is very important to the economy but I feel for you.  I've been on cruise ships and the spots where you walk on shore are littered with stores selling overpriced knick-knacks, jewelry, t-shirts, and other junk that only a tourist would buy.  I hope that does not happen to your harbor!

Tim