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schools/national schools

School Tours

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

Machicolation

The Machicolation was a defensive feature on the outside of castles in medieval times.  It was a small stone chamber with three sides, built on corbel stones over the original entrance door. It resembled a small balcony that had holes in the floor. Those defending the castle could throw objects, like rocks, down through the holes on intruders below. It could also accommodate a lookout archer, who used the crossbow to ward off attackers.

THE VISIT
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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.

THE VISIT
Tour Duration

70-75 Minutes

Age Restriction

3rd Class Upwards

Capacity

10-28 People

Parking

Coach Parking Nearby

What our Visitors say...

  • star rating  Had a guided tour of Dalkey Castle and heritage centre yesterday. It was an excellent tour led by a lovely lady called JD. We got a very warm welcome ... read more

    avatar thumb Mary H
    February 28, 2023

    star rating  This was a very informative and fun tour! Great for children and adults. The staff were very friendly, helpful, and fun! We will be back!

    avatar thumb melissajL2081RY
    February 12, 2023

    star rating  Really great activity. Actors were fantastic. It was interesting and very entertaining. Just good fun.

    avatar thumb BD10000000
    January 22, 2023
  • star rating  It was an awesome experience! - The acting of the staff was fantastic. They entertained the tourists very well! And the castle is stunning!

    avatar thumb Mabsiemabs
    January 11, 2023

    star rating  A great experience. Actors were very good. Informative and engaging.

    The audio visual set up is a bit amateurish; reminded me of primary school when the teacher... read more

    avatar thumb p_l_547
    January 7, 2023

    star rating  AN ABSOLUTE MUST! - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCE!!!!
    We enjoyed every aspect of this tour. The staff and actors are so knowledgeable and passionate about the Castle. Our tour group had children from age 8... read more

    434allieb
    December 28, 2022
  • star rating  Really excellent experience - grandchildren 6 and 4 from Canada loved it - great participation event for the kids ( and the adults !!) Really well done , small groups... read more

    avatar thumb amoh2016
    December 22, 2022

    star rating  We had a fantastic time during the history tour. The actors are so entertaining and passionate about what they do - they made the experience a true pleasure. The history... read more

    avatar thumb justpeachy11
    October 15, 2022

    star rating  Do it! - Alot more entertaining than I expected. The actors were funny while giving an authentic presentation of life in medieval Dalky.

    I1707ERsandrak
    October 9, 2022

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Contact Us

Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre
Castle Street, Dalkey, Co. Dublin,
Ireland, A96 DE61

[email protected]

+353 (0)1 285 8366

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