Guided Literary Walks

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guided walks

Guided Literary Walk

From Samuel Beckett to Bono, George Bernard Shaw, Hugh Leonard, James Joyce to Maeve Binchy, Emma Donoghue to Jennifer Johnston, some of Ireland’s most famous writers share a connection to our charming heritage town of Dalkey.

The guided literary walk combines a guided walk of Dalkey and its scenic surrounds with snippets and extracts from works by the authors.

Among the readings, landmarks and anecdotes, discover where characters in Flann O’Brien’s The Dalkey Archive drank Hurley’s tonic wine; the train tunnel that Joyce recalls in Portrait and where Chapter Two of Ulysses is set. Look out over the coastline dubbed ‘Ireland’s Amalfi Coast’ that George Bernard Shaw and Henry Cardinal Newman so admired and of which Hugh Leonard said in his play ‘Da’, “there’s a view, that if you were rich enough, you couldn’t buy it”

The walk will finish in the Maeve Binchy Memorial Garden in Dalkey Library where there’s a mosaic to Maeve’s memory.

We offer luxury experiences for those looking for something even more exclusive.

These walks must be pre-booked and a minimum group number of 10 is required.

Tickets €18 per person (10 x €18, total €180) +Booking Fees.

MAKE ENQUIRY
Tour Duration

60 Minutes

Age Restriction

12+

Capacity

16 People

Parking

Coach Parking Nearby

What our Visitors say...

  • star rating  Fantastic tour for all the family - We had a fantastic tour of Dalkey castle. We took our 3 children and 4,6 and 8 who all thoroughly enjoyed it. The actors were so interactive with our kids... read more and they (and us) learned so much while also having so much fun. This tour exceeded our expectations and I would highly recommend it.

    avatar thumb Laura L
    July 27, 2026

    star rating  Delightful Dalkey Castle - Really enjoyayble and informative tour enhanced by the actors in medieval costumes. I would highly recommend it if you are in the area.

    avatar thumb Barry973
    July 27, 2026

    star rating  Well Worth the Visit - One of the highlights of my trip to Dublin. You feel like you are going back in time.

    avatar thumb 288robinf
    July 24, 2026
  • star rating  Thoroughly recommended - I thoroughly recommend this activity. The introductory video, interactive exhibits and, most of all, the live actors make it hugely enjoyable for all ages. I also really enjoyed how old... read more sayings such as “keeping something under your hat” or “having a square meal” were actively explained.

    avatar thumb Carol J
    July 23, 2026

    star rating  Amazing interactive History! - Visiting Dalkey Castle was a delight! All the staff and cast were entertaining and friendly. The grounds are lovely, and our group learned a lot.

    avatar thumb Amy L
    July 21, 2026

    star rating  Very interesting and entertaining - Really interesting and entertaining presentation by costumed actors. Very friendly staff. The experience was excellent.

    avatar thumb sharon g
    July 10, 2026
  • star rating  Highly enjoyable visit to Dalkey Castle  - Loved this tour so much (and a light lunch at Queens afterwards) with my husband a few weeks ago that I booked again for myself and my daughter visiting... read more from Edinburgh on the 10th. The tour which lasts about an hour is fabulously put together and the actors were superb! Such a fun 'feel good' interactive tour ( lots of fun& laughter) and such incredible good value! I would advise turning off phone for duration of tour. I forgot to do that and my phone rang, but fortunately it was at the end of the tour. The staff are so courteous and welcoming. I am looking forward to visiting Dalkey Castle and beautiful Dalkey again very soon. Thanks to everyone for such a memorable visit! Callibg all visitors- please do include Dalkey Castle on your to visit list! You won't be disappointed! 100% recommend to all 🙌

    avatar thumb Grace F
    July 10, 2026

    star rating  A chat with the past 🙂  - I absolutely loved it, the historical characters (played by actors) were interesting and funny, and brought a real medieval feel to the tour.

    avatar thumb Relax07378724924
    July 8, 2026

    star rating  Immersed in Ireland  - This interactive tour was AMAZING! The tour guide and all the performers were top-notch! VERY impressed with all of the information that was shared. I plan to return to Ireland... read more again next year with even more of my family and we will definitely be doing this tour again.

    avatar thumb Adam V
    July 8, 2026

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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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