Dalkey is a vibrant town with a village vibe.

A number of festivals and events are held throughout the year both in the town and specifically at Dalkey Castle.

Dalkey Vintage & Classic Car Festival kicks off proceedings at the beginning of June.

This is followed by Bloomsday celebrating all things James Joyce on the 16th June. Dalkey Castle runs Joycean events and experiences surrounded by the beautiful colour of the occasion. Dalkey Book Festival runs in tandem with this in mid June each Year. It has been referred to as “The best little festival in the world….the size of the ideas are gigantic”.

The town also hosts the Dalkey Lobster Festival in late August, which showcases local seafood and global musicians.

Dalkey has a long literary heritage. Many writers from Beckett to Joyce have lived or worked here. Echoes Festival, a Writers’ Festival celebrating Maeve Binchy & Other Irish Writers is held in October here at Dalkey Castle.

Throughout the year we run guided walks & luxury experiences for those looking for something more exclusive.

We also hold special seasonal events for Halloween & Christmas, perfect for families.

Actors dressed up for Bloomsday Guided Literary Walk at Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre, Dalkey, Dublin, Ireland
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Eve of Bloomsday

15th June 2023

A Joycean Evening

Begin your Joycean celebrations on the eve of Bloomsday, 15th June in Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre. A team of actors will perform enlightening extracts from Ulysses, Dubliners and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.

Sing along with professional singers, accompanied by Josh Johnston, in songs that James Joyce sang or which feature in his work.

Refreshments will be served.

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bloomsday – 16th June 2023

Dalkey Schoolroom Scene & Guided Joycean Walk

On Bloomsday, 16th June, the Nestor Episode from Ulysses will be brought to life before your eyes in a memorable dramatisation featuring Mr Deasy (Headmaster), and Stephen Dedalus (James Joyce). The schoolroom where the scene is set is nearby on Dalkey Avenue. There are other surprising Dalkey connections with Joyce which will be uncovered in the Guided Joycean Walk led by an Expert Guide immediately after the performance.

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Actors at Dalkey Castle, Dublin, Ireland playing James Joyce in Ulysses for Bloomsday. Rejoice in Joyce
Children exploring heritage on school tour at Dalkey Castle, Dublin, Ireland
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13th – 21st august

Heritage Week

Discover the ancient history of the area as Living History Actors from Deilg Inis bring it to colourful life as part of every Living History tour. Climb to the Battlements for magnificent views of sea and mountains. Check out the Writers’ Gallery which features the work of forty-five creative artists from Joyce to Bono and Beckett to Maeve Binchy.

Heritage Week runs in August each year. Specific Heritage Week Talks to be announced later.

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6th – 8th October 2023

Echoes – Maeve Binchy & Irish Writers Festival

Founded in 2017, ECHOES proudly celebrates the life and work of Maeve Binchy and Irish writers. One of Ireland’s best loved and most renowned authors, the huge international reach of Maeve’s writing can be seen in the translation of her work into more than forty languages. Directed by Margaret Dunne, ECHOES is programmed and hosted by Dalkey Castle, in collaboration with Maeve’s husband, Gordon Snell in Maeve’s adored hometown of Dalkey.

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Echoes Festival, Maeve Binchy and other Irish Writers, Dalkey Castle, Dalkey, Dublin. Ireland
Skeleton at Dalkey Castle for Halloween
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Seasonal Event

Halloween

Ghosts, Ghouls, Skeletons and Witches take over Dalkey Castle.

Help the Wizard to gain entry to banish them. Dash under the Murder Hole and dodge through the terrible things that descend upon your head! The Bad Witch is up to mischief making gruesome dishes including her speciality, Witches’ Pie.

Just be sure you avoid being placed in the Stocks.

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Santa Claus and his elves at Dalkey Castle, Dublin, Ireland at Christmas
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Seasonal Event

Christmas

The Castle Christmas Event with Santa is full of fun, stories, singing and games.

Join in the fun.

The highlight, needless to say, is the appearance of the celebrity himself- Santa Claus! All children receive an age-appropriate gift

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map of ireland with dalkey location as map marker

Directions & Transport

Dalkey is on some of the most stunning coastline, with a mountainous backdrop, just south of Dublin City Centre, en route to Co. Wicklow.

Aside from by car, the quickest way to reach the Castle is by DART. 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). Turn right on exiting Dalkey train station.

Dalkey is on the Aircoach route to/from Dublin Airport. From Dublin City Centre, a number of local bus options are also available. Paid parking and coach parking are available nearby.

Dalkey Castle postcode for Google Maps is A96 DE61.

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Actor on Living History Tour, Dalkey Castle, Dublin, Ireland

Opening Times

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

January - May & September - December

Monday to Friday: 10.00 - 17.30
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 11.00 - 17.30

June, July & August

Monday to Friday: 10.00 - 18.00
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 11.00 - 18.00

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tickets & Info

ADULTS €13.95*

CONCESSION / STUDENT €12.95*

CHILD (4-12 YEARS) €10.50*

FAMILY (2 ADULTS & 2 CHILDREN) €38.00*

*Plus Booking Fees

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Contact Us

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin,
Ireland, A96 DE61

[email protected]

+353 1 285 8366

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