Local Attractions

Dalkey Castle is located in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, a place laden with stunning scenic views. Dalkey itself is a beautiful, vibrant, heritage town full of boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Matt Damon said of it: “This is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been….It’s absolutely gorgeous…Even in the 2km lockdown, we’ve got trees and forest and woods and ocean. I can’t think of any place you’d rather be in a 2km radius of…It’s a little like a fairytale”.

Head out on one of Dalkey Castle’s guided walking tours.

Maps of the local area are also available from the Castle.

In about an hour’s walk, wind your way from Dalkey Castle past Coliemore Harbour & Dalkey Island to Sorrento Point. Continue up the Vico Road to Hawk Cliff, the EIRE7 sign, Vico Baths. Ascend up to Killiney Hill with its Obelisk & Pyramid. Pick up a coffee at Killiney Hill Tea Rooms if needed then descend past the rock climbers at Dalkey Quarry. Head down Dalkey Avenue into Dalkey town. See for yourself why the area is dubbed ‘Ireland’s Amalfi Coast’ and ‘Ireland’s Hollywood Hills‘.

Local lads Conor & Ed run Goat Boat Tours, which take you to some of the most beautiful and serene parts of Dublin Bay, where you can take in the stunning views and soak up the atmosphere.

During the tour, passengers will experience some of the incredible biodiversity that the area has to offer, from jellyfish to grey and harbour seals, sea birds, and if lucky, harbour porpoises and dolphins.

In addition to the biodiversity, passengers will learn about the history of Dun Laoghaire Harbour, the various Martello Towers, Dalkey Island, local legends and of course who lives in some of the jaw dropping houses dotted along our stunning coastline.

Each experience with max 10 passengers will last 1.5 hrs and will include a safety briefing where you will be supplied with all-weather clothing, lifejackets and a set of binoculars so you don’t miss anything

Combine your trip with a visit to Dalkey Castle for an immersive living history tour. Get a fuller sense of the heritage of the area, a complete land and sea experience.

Adults €35. Children €15

Embrace the literature of James Joyce within this iconic museum at the Martello Tower. It is located near the well-known Forty Foot Baths in Sandycove, Co Dublin.

The opening of James Joyce’s 1922 novel, Ulysses, takes place on the roof of the Tower. The Museum hosts a unique collection of Joycean memorabilia. The tower itself is a great example of a network of Martello towers built along the coast of Dublin in the early 19th century to defend against the threat of a Napoleonic invasion.

A visit here combines well with Dalkey Castle’s Bloomsday and Rejoyce in Joyce’s Dalkey luxury experience.

Continue your day tour from the coast in Dalkey 20mins inland to Powerscourt Estate, House & Gardens. Why not stop off at Avoca, Kilmacanoge on the way.

Powerscourt Estate, House & Gardens is located in Enniskerry, County Wicklow known as ‘The Garden of Ireland’ because of its rich, lush landscape. Powerscourt also boasts a Waterfall and a Local Distillery.

About 45mins inland from the heritage town of Dalkey lies another of Ireland’s National Monuments. The heritage site of Glendalough is situated in a stunning glaciated valley in County Wicklow and boasts a 6th Century monastery founded by St. Kevin. Dalkey History links St. Kevin and our local St. Begnet

Glendalough is one of the most famous religious centres in Europe. The remains of this ‘Monastic City’, which are dotted across the glen, include a superb round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and some decorated crosses. Of particular note is St Kevin’s Bed, a small man-made cave in the cliff face above the Upper Lake. It is said that St Kevin lived and prayed there, but it may actually be a prehistoric burial place that far predates him.

Learn all about this hallowed place in the interpretive centre before exploring the site for yourself. If you do, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the two lakes and a uniquely spiritual atmosphere.

Established in 1798, Johnnie Fox’s is one of the oldest pubs in Ireland. It is located up in Glencullen in the Dublin Moutains.

Dance the night away at a Hooley Night. This features Irish dancers, a lively band playing traditional Irish music, and a four course meal.

Nearby are hiking trails and a ziplining course.

Dún Laoghaire -Dalkey Island Return

A scenic roundtrip from Dún Laoghaire heading south past the famous Forty Foot Baths, James Joyce Tower in Sandycove, Bullock Harbour, Dalkey Castle, Dalkey Island, Coliemore Harbour, Sorrento Point, Vico Baths, Killiney Hill to Killiney Bay.

Runs most days from April-October.
Cost : €25 pp.

Meet the friendly Dalkey Seals on a guided 3hr kayak tour.

Explore historic landmarks of Dalkey particularly Dalkey Island and interact with world-class wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even see the porpoises. Suitable for beginners, groups and individuals. All gear supplied.

Runs Thursdays to Sundays from Bullock Harbour, April to October.

The granite for Dun Laoghaire Pier came from Dalkey Quarry.

A maritime hub, Dun Laoghaire has plenty to offer. Local custom is a stroll down the pier with a Teddy’s ice-cream.

Ireland’s award-winning National Maritime Museum is housed in Dun Laoghaire’s 180-year-old Mariners’ Church. 

The museum’s greatest artefact is probably the building itself. It is one of a few custom-built places of worship for seafarers remaining intact in the world today. Experienced guides will bring you on a voyage of discovery, enthralling you with stories of discovery, heroism, war, deep-sea cable technology and disasters at sea.

It is directly opposite the new DLR Lexicon library in Dun Laoghaire.

Open daily except Bank Holiday Weekends.

Failte Ireland’s Visit Dublin programme created The Dublin Coastal Trail. Explore the fabulous view of Dublin beyond the bustling city centre. The trail highlights many hidden gems running from Skerries and Howth in the North of the City to here in Dalkey and Killiney in the South.

A city by the sea and with a UNESCO Biosphere accolade for its majestic bay, Dublin’s coastline is dotted with unexpected experiences & adventures. It is easily accessible by train (DART), bus and bike.

Featuring a series of quaint towns, villages and harbour communities, you can easily explore Medieval Castles such as Dalkey Castle & Malahide Castle, beaches and hills. From fun cycle routes, stunning sea views and thrilling water based activities to the freshest seafood, festivals and events, Visit Dublin is a guide to the incredible activities and experiences that await you along the Dublin Coastal Trail.

Dalkey is well situated in one of the most scenic landscapes in Ireland equidistant between the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin and the ‘Garden of Ireland’ in Co. Wicklow.

The Garden Trail runs from the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin to the urban working farm & landscaped gardens of Airfield Estate in Dundrum. From there head towards Mornington Gardens here in Dalkey. After that, why not take a break from the gardens and stop in here at Dalkey Castle for a guided historic walk of the area.

From Dalkey head on into Wicklow and Kilruddery House & Gardens. Next up is Mount Usher Gardens & Arboretum, one of Monty Don’s top 10 favourite gardens. The National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh are next. The trail ends at Beyond The Trees, Avondale where you can take a treetop walk (and giant slide for an additional fee for the brave of heart).

DLR Spring/Summer/Winter of Heritage is a programme of FREE Guided Walks and Tours organised by the Heritage Office of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Discover local heritage sites for yourself. Among the sites included are The Oratory of Celtic Art, Cabinteely House, Marlay House, Killiney Hill Obelisk, Joyce Tower and Dalkey Castle.

The programme affords an ideal opportunity to explore the history and heritage of the area for free at selected times & dates.