History Springs to Life at
Dalkey Castle

 

Dalkey Castle
Guided Walks

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ABOUT DALKEY CASTLE & HERITAGE CENTRE

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre near Dublin City Centre, Ireland is one of the remaining (of seven) Rare, Fortified, Medieval, Townhouse Castles from the 14th century, in the vibrant, heritage town of Dalkey.

With a touch of theatre on every tour, it is a genuine Medieval Irish Castle specialising in sustainable tourism with professional local guides & actors in period costume interacting on:

Guided Tours e.g. award-winning, theatrical Living History Tour (1390s Castle, 10th Century Church&Graveyard, Writers Gallery & Heritage Centre with interactive screens & scale models)

Guided Walks (historic and/or literary)

Special Events & Festivals like Bloomsday & the Maeve Binchy Echoes Literary Festival

Group Luxury Experiences such as a Medieval Heritage Evening or Literary Legends.

Ideal as a day tour from Dublin and often combined with a guided walk, boat tour or visited alongside other local attractions, Dalkey Castle & its stunning scenic surroundings has long established itself as one of Dublin’s leading and top reviewed tourist attractions; high on ‘things to do in Dublin’ lists.

Together with the connected 10th Century Churchyard of St. Begnet, it a Recorded National Monument & Landmark which these days functions as a top-rated, popular, family-friendly, activity. It is an essential destination for anyone with an interest in Ireland’s people, culture, literature and Viking & Medieval History.

Dalkey, a vibrant heritage town with a village vibe, sits on part of the Dublin Coastal Trail dubbed ‘Ireland’s Amalfi Coast’, popular with locals, celebrities and tourists alike. It has a wealth of boutique shops, cafes, bars & restaurants to explore after your tour.

TOUR OPTIONSDalkey History

What are the transport options to Dalkey?

Dalkey is on the coast, just south of Dublin City Centre. The DART journey is a relaxing experience travelling along the beautiful coastline with magnificent sea views. Dalkey is approx. 30 minutes from Dublin's Connolly, Tara or Pearse stations (travelling south). Dalkey Castle postcode for Google Maps is A96 DE61.

Dart/Train to Dalkey: 30 minutes from City Centre.

DART: Timetables

By Car:

Dublin City Centre Dalkey is 12.8km south on N31 or N11.

M50 Motorway Exit 16 (Cherrywood) Follow Signs for Killiney/Dalkey.

Paid Parking Available Opposite the Castle.

Coach Parking:
Coach parking is available at the Bus Stop on Hyde Road. Drivers can drop their groups at the designated bus stop on Ulverton Road (100 metres approx. from Dalkey Castle). Proceed to the parking space around the corner at Hyde Road.

Aircoach: Aircoach directly to Dalkey. Routes & Timetables

What are your Opening Hours?

We are open six days a week, all year round. Closed every Tuesday.

January – March & November – December 13th 2024 - Tour Times

Weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)

10.00, 11.30, 13.30, 14.45 & 16.00

Weekends & Bank Holidays (Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays)

10.30, 11.30, 13.30, 14.45 & 16.00

April – October 31st - Tour Times

Weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)

10.00, 11.30, 13.30, 14.30, 15.30 & 16.30

Weekends & Bank Holidays (Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays)

10.30, 11.30, 13.30, 14.30, 15.30 & 16.30

 

Do I have to go on a guided tour?

Standard admission is fully guided. Book your ticket now by clicking hereSee The Visit for more details.

How long is a tour?

Seventy minutes approx.

What changes can we expect because of Covid-19?

Public health advice in place at the time is adhered to. Tour numbers are reduced to allow for social distancing.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes! Children love the tour.

Do children need to be accompanied by an adult?

Yes. Children under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. One adult for every four children.

Does the Castle have audio guides?

No. There are interactive screens with historical information in twelve languages.

How much does it cost to visit?

Adult €16, Senior/Student €15, Child (under 12) €10.50. Online booking is the best value option. 

For tickets, click here. 

Can I change my tour time or date?

If you cannot attend at the time booked, please contact us by email to [email protected] and we will do our best to facilitate you on an alternative slot.

What if I’m running late?

If you are running late for your visit, please ring reception on +353 1 285 8366 and we will do our best to accommodate you on a later tour.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The Ground Floor, the Heritage Centre and the Writers’ Gallery are fully accessible.  

How can I get to the Castle?

Area Code A96 DE61. Dalkey is easily accessible by road or public transport (DART). It is situated on stunning coastline with a mountainous backdrop about 12 km from Dublin City heading south. We are within a five-minute walk of Dalkey DART station, just turn right coming out of the station. It is a popular walking & cycling route. There are a number of bus options too. The Aircoach also runs through Dalkey to and from Dublin Airport. 

Is there parking?

Yes. Pay and Display car parking is available across the street at the Church Car Park.

Are there discounts for large groups?

Yes! Tour Operators, DMC's, Corporate Group Bookings can be made by phoning +353 1 2858366 or emailing [email protected]

Is there coach parking available?

Coachs can drop their groups at the Aircoach bus stop on Ulverton Road (100 metres from Dalkey Castle) and then proceed to the designated Coach Parking on Hyde Road, less than five minutes away.

Is there a cafe in the Castle?

No but Dalkey is a vibrant heritage town with a myriad of boutique shops,  cafes and coffee shops, bars & restaurants close by.

Can I take photos inside the Castle?

Yes, feel free to take photos but we ask you to refrain from using flash as it can distract the actors. Long form video recording is discouraged as we want you to immerse yourself in the experience. Feel free to 'check-in' and tag us on socials using @dalkeycastle and #dalkeycastle

What our Visitors say...

  • star rating  A delightful experience - Thank you so much for giving us such a wonderful time. We learned a lot but better than that the actors kept us laughing. They included us in their presentation... read more

    avatar thumb Dreamer47132011944
    July 7, 2024

    star rating  Truly a living history experience  - This is an amazing and interactive history lesson. The castle and adjoining cemetery are lovingly preserved and guide gave an interesting tour with great details.
    The actors are wonderful, believable... read more

    avatar thumb jasoncE5425GN
    July 6, 2024

    star rating  Do not miss out on a visit to DALKEY CASTLE !  - An absolutely professional and well presented tour fully enjoyed by all ages . The interaction with the children in the group was particularly enjoyable and this really is a... read more

    avatar thumb Jim M
    July 5, 2024
  • star rating  Very enjoyable  - We thought from start to finish it was a brilliant day. It was an enjoyable experience. The actors were excellent and made the day.

    avatar thumb Michael C
    July 4, 2024

    star rating  Exceptional experience. - Dalkey Castle is an amazing piece of history that comes alive with actors in period costumes conducting an interactive tale of life in the times of the castle. The castle... read more

    avatar thumb Rod C
    July 1, 2024

    star rating  Great Interactive Living experience  - This was better than what we expected. We were lucky to have a private tour just my friend and I and we really enjoyed every bit of it. The tour... read more

    avatar thumb 728rima
    June 26, 2024
  • star rating  Highly Recommend. Fun and Interesting. Excellent actors. - My husband and I took a short train ride from Dublin to Dalkey. Our first stop was the Dalkey Castle and Heritage Center where we were offered a tour. What... read more

    avatar thumb SweetTone
    June 22, 2024

    star rating  Wonderful Dalkey Castle  - This is a fabulous tour. There was a great welcome from Minota. It is a brilliant living history experience. Highly recommended!

    avatar thumb Patrick C
    June 19, 2024

    star rating  Delightful Dalkey - Wow! Me and my son had the BEST time. Our beautiful guide Minota was so kind, and knowledgeable. We were equal parts delighted and enthralled with the living history tour.... read more

    avatar thumb mrsmupps
    June 17, 2024

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