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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 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  Awesom - Amazing tour with real actors. Very realistic depiction of life in Early Ireland. Prepare your questions for the actors because they will have questions about you I will leave... read more

    avatar thumb Mark B
    June 28, 2025

    star rating  A fun and educational experience  - The tour was fun and interesting. The costumed actors spoke well and include the tour participants in various activities

    avatar thumb 472vikkic
    June 25, 2025

    star rating  Excellent tour!!  - An excellent tour. If you are staying nearby it’s worth the tour. Tour guide and actors were excellent. Very informative, friendly and professional.

    avatar thumb Sightseer18907937025
    June 25, 2025
  • star rating  Fun and informative. Would go again.  - The Tour was great. It was both informative and fun. The Actors made a great Show while telling interesting facts about the past and interacting with us.

    avatar thumb GrandTour23770524682
    June 25, 2025

    star rating  Excellent experience, informative and interesting with a lovely touch of humour! - Dalkey is a special place on the outskirts of Dublin and this guided tour was a thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes. Set in an old castle (combined with a modern ‘extension’)... read more

    avatar thumb Sapper501
    June 22, 2025

    star rating  Fun medieval tour  - A charming and intimate tour of a small castle and its surrounds. Wonderful tour guide and 3 entertaining period characters (barber/surgeon, archer and cook) take you back in time, to... read more

    avatar thumb Bijingo
    June 19, 2025
  • star rating  Unmissable visit, especially if travelling with teens.  - I accompanied a school group of teenagers and we absolutely loved it. We travelled back to the Middle Ages and met some very funny characters: the barber/dentist, the archer and... read more

    avatar thumb Carlos J
    June 16, 2025

    star rating  Guide and actors very engaging  - This was a great little spot to get to from Dublin via the DART. If you have time after I recommend seeing the coast that they recommend seeing. Guide was... read more

    avatar thumb Isabella L
    June 11, 2025

    star rating  Great experience  - A great small castle easily reached from Dublin on the Dart. Tour was great with actors demonstrating medieval practices.

    avatar thumb Dream23120
    June 6, 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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