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schools/national schools

School Tours

The perfect venue for memorable school tours. With a wealth of history, explore the national monument site on a guided tour designed especially for students at Schools/National Schools. The visit combines an exploration of the Early Christian Church, rare medieval Townhouse Castle and an exciting, contemporary, award-winning visitor experience.

Among the highlights are the Costumed Actors from Deilg Inis Theatre Company who interact with the students. Among the scenes recreated are: a slave escaping from Vikings on Dalkey Island, activation of the Murder Hole, trying out the Longbow and minting a Viking coin. The Cook boasts of culinary creations and medieval toilet facilities.

MAKE ENQUIRY
Archers ready for Action
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the visit

Stocks

Stocks and pillories were used as punishments in Medieval Times.

A replica is on site for educational and entertainment purposes.

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the visit

Murder Hole

The Murder Hole was a defensive feature in castles during medieval times. If attackers managed to get past the Machicolation and through the entrance door, they found themselves in a small, dark room. Above their heads, there was an opening in the ceiling called a murder hole. The opening was positioned close to the fireplace in the Living Quarters above.  The occupants, upstairs, could throw down lighted firewood, boiling water, or rocks, on intruders below.

Tour Duration

70-75 Minutes

Age Restriction

3rd Class Upwards

Capacity

10-28 People

Parking

Coach Parking Nearby

What our Visitors say...

  • star rating  Things I never knew about castle life. - This simple, small castle has much more to offer than the larger castles I have seen in England and Germany. We got a custom tour, explanations, demonstrations, and got... read more

    avatar thumb Grandon G
    August 19, 2025

    star rating  A hidden gem that everyone needs to know about.own more  - An amazing experience. Informative and educational.but also very enjoyable. Great audio visual and great display models. Excellent tour guide Minolta and amazing period actors entertaing and educating us all. So... read more

    avatar thumb joe k
    August 18, 2025

    star rating  Castle, history, fun facts, real actors  - Amazing interactive tour with 3 different actors.
    We learned many interesting things and facts from middle age.
    Highly recommandable

    avatar thumb Trip35504675866
    August 10, 2025
  • star rating  Not to be missed. - I visited Dalkey Castle and Heritage Center with two of my siblings. Minota and the actors who played a medieval barber-surgeon, archer and cook, respectively were amazing and entertaining. It... read more

    avatar thumb barbararD8843AX
    August 9, 2025

    star rating  The Binchy Walk  - The Maeve Binchy walk is simply amazing and it’s entertainment value is boosted multiple times under the very professional stewardship of Rita (and her partner Lorna) Rita is as entertaining... read more

    avatar thumb Derek T
    August 8, 2025

    star rating  Tour of Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre  - I can highly recommend this tour which takes you to the top of the castle and to the adjoining graveyard and church ruins . The whole building is beautiful... read more

    avatar thumb Rachel B
    August 8, 2025
  • star rating  Dalkey Castle Interactive experience - Dalkey Castle interactive experience was absolutely the best time. The actors really did a great job helping bring to light just how life was in the early days... read more

    avatar thumb karenjO8207AO
    August 4, 2025

    star rating  Fun, entertaining, informative.  - This was such a great tour . Such great value for money !
    Excellent actors , attention to detail in presentation,
    The perfect length of time .

    avatar thumb 912sandy
    August 3, 2025

    star rating  Outstanding  - Excellent and well worth it! Thank you to everyone from receptionist to tour guide and the character actors - take a bow - you were all brilliant

    avatar thumb Barry M
    August 1, 2025

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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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