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  History comes to life - What a delightful experience. You will learn a surprising amount about life in Ireland in the Middle Ages. And it’s taught in such an enjoyable and engaging way! The view... read more

    avatar thumb 49MileDriver
    September 20, 2024

    star rating  Fun tour in a cute town  - Wonderful and fun tour in a beautiful town. Informative and interesting, with friendly staff. Easy trip from Dublin and well worth it!

    avatar thumb tseehafer
    September 19, 2024

    star rating  Love this tour. I am a tour guide - and I will be back 😄  - This is so informative and suitable for all ages - fun for everyone. Entertaining actors and exciting stories. An excellent history of Dublin, Vikings, pirates and slaves. ... read more

    avatar thumb Anne B
    September 17, 2024
  • star rating  Very enjoyable vist to Dalkey Castle  - I had a very enjoyable visit to Dalkey Castle Heritage Centre on Monday 12th August 2024 for a guided tour with a Youth Group consisting of 3 Adults and 12... read more

    avatar thumb Michael C
    September 14, 2024

    star rating  Provides lots of useful information about the area, about live in past times and it’s all communicated in fun way 🙂  - I have done the interactive tour in June with my friends and loved it so much I came again in September with my children. They loved it !

    avatar thumb Radka E
    September 2, 2024

    star rating  10/10 - Don't miss this one hour tour in pretty village on main train line - 10/10! I've been on many tours over the years in historic sites in Ireland and abroad and this one is outstanding. It has the winning factors of being informative and... read more

    avatar thumb WorkLife55
    August 27, 2024
  • star rating  Lovely visit to Dalkey Castle - Really enjoyed my visit to this small but perfectly formed Castle in Dalkey. Staff and guide were very friendly, information and child focused. Would highly recommend

    avatar thumb GeraldineM53
    August 27, 2024

    star rating  Fabulous tour for all the family - children and adults alike  - The tour was amazing. I brought my three children 5, 8 and 11 and although it had been recommended to me, and the reviews are great, I didn't really know... read more

    avatar thumb Nicola F
    August 27, 2024

    star rating  An absolute must experience in Dalkey! - What an excellent way to learn about the past and how it ties into the future. This is a must see experience. Great for all ages. Explore a real castle... read more

    avatar thumb Christina T
    August 26, 2024

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