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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.

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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  Excellent Tour - What an amazing tour- one of the highlights of our trip to Ireland. It was informative and fun and the staff was wonderful and friendly and very knowledgeable.

    avatar thumb Robert N
    November 24, 2025

    star rating  Well worth the time!  - I was much impressed by the care and attention to detail given by the guide and the actors. The facility is well cared for and the staff is well... read more

    avatar thumb Michael D
    November 19, 2025

    star rating  Great Tour  - The inneractive tour was awesome. We felt like were were there in medieval times. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend it to others.

    avatar thumb Edmo1001
    November 14, 2025
  • star rating  Great fun! - Loved visiting an actual castle and especially learning about its defences. The actors and interaction really made this come to life, so well done!

    avatar thumb DY2309
    November 12, 2025

    star rating  A nice part of a day in Dalkey  - Nice to be able to see defense emplacements, the kitchen, and the church close-up at the Goat (Dalkey) castle. We enjoyed our guided tour because the reenactors were both... read more

    avatar thumb LarryB3451
    November 7, 2025

    star rating  Enjoying history - We've done this tour several times, my kids love it! It's great for families, but also for visiting groups of friends/colleagues who want a hit of history in an imaginative... read more

    avatar thumb Siobhán O
    November 1, 2025
  • star rating  Amazing Halloween tour  - Brilliant tour, the kids loved it! Actors were excellent and very engaging. Great spooky atmosphere! Definitely recommended.

    avatar thumb zapper79
    October 30, 2025

    star rating  Amazing one ! - Unique experience! Living history live with characters from the past was really entertaining. The enthusiasm and effort of the staff makes the experience really enjoyable ️

    avatar thumb chadihani123
    October 18, 2025

    star rating  Lovely experience - The Living History tour was an amazing performance !!! Entertaining, interesting and well organised.
    The Castle is in excellent condition and in general , the whole place is... read more

    avatar thumb KONSTANTINA H
    October 13, 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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