ABOUT DALKEY CASTLE & HERITAGE CENTRE
Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre near Dublin City Centre, Ireland is one of the remaining (of seven) Rare, Fortified, Medieval, Townhouse Castles from the 14th century, in the vibrant, heritage town of Dalkey.
With a touch of theatre on every tour, it is a genuine Medieval Irish Castle specialising in sustainable tourism with professional local guides & actors in period costume interacting on:
Guided Tours e.g. award-winning Living History Tour (Castle, Church&Graveyard, Writers Gallery & Heritage Centre with interactive screens & scale models)
Guided Walks (historic and/or literary)
Special Events & Festivals like Bloomsday & the Maeve Binchy Echoes Literary Festival
Group Luxury Experiences such as a Medieval Heritage Evening or Literary Legends.
Ideal as a day tour from Dublin and often combined with a guided walk, boat tour or visited alongside other local attractions, Dalkey Castle & its stunning scenic surroundings has long established itself as one of Dublin’s leading and top reviewed tourist attractions; high on ‘things to do in Dublin’ lists.
Together with the connected 10th Century Churchyard of St. Begnet, it a Recorded National Monument & Landmark which these days functions as a top-rated, popular, family-friendly, activity. It is an essential destination for anyone with an interest in Ireland’s people, culture, literature and Viking & Medieval History.
Dalkey, a vibrant heritage town with a village vibe, sits on part of the Dublin Coastal Trail dubbed ‘Ireland’s Amalfi Coast’, popular with locals, celebrities and tourists alike. It has a wealth of boutique shops, cafes, bars & restaurants to explore after your tour.
What are the transport options to Dalkey?
Dalkey is on the coast, just south of Dublin City Centre. The DART journey is a relaxing experience travelling along the beautiful coastline with magnificent sea views. Dalkey is approx. 30 minutes from Dublin's Connolly, Tara or Pearse stations (travelling south). Dalkey Castle postcode for Google Maps is A96 DE61.
Dart/Train to Dalkey: 30 minutes from City Centre.
DART: Timetables
By Car:
Dublin City Centre Dalkey is 12.8km south on N31 or N11.
M50 Motorway Exit 16 (Cherrywood) Follow Signs for Killiney/Dalkey.
Paid Parking Available Opposite the Castle.
Coach Parking:
Coach parking is available at the Bus Stop on Hyde Road. Drivers can drop their groups at the designated bus stop on Ulverton Road (100 metres approx. from Dalkey Castle). Proceed to the parking space around the corner at Hyde Road.
Aircoach: Aircoach directly to Dalkey. Routes & Timetables
What are your Opening Hours?
We are open six days a week, all year round. Closed every Tuesday.
January – March & November – December 13th 2024 - Tour Times
Weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
10.00, 11.30, 13.30, 14.45 & 16.00
Weekends & Bank Holidays (Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays)
10.30, 11.30, 13.30, 14.45 & 16.00
April – October 31st - Tour Times
Weekdays (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
10.00, 11.30, 13.30, 14.30, 15.30 & 16.30
Weekends & Bank Holidays (Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays)
10.30, 11.30, 13.30, 14.30, 15.30 & 16.30
How long is a tour?
Seventy minutes approx.
What changes can we expect because of Covid-19?
Public health advice in place at the time is adhered to. Tour numbers are reduced to allow for social distancing.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes! Children love the tour.
Do children need to be accompanied by an adult?
Yes. Children under sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. One adult for every four children.
Does the Castle have audio guides?
No. There are interactive screens with historical information in twelve languages.
How much does it cost to visit?
Adult €16, Senior/Student €15, Child (under 12) €10.50. Online booking is the best value option.
For tickets, click here.
Can I change my tour time or date?
If you cannot attend at the time booked, please contact us by email to [email protected] and we will do our best to facilitate you on an alternative slot.
What if I’m running late?
If you are running late for your visit, please ring reception on +353 1 285 8366 and we will do our best to accommodate you on a later tour.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The Ground Floor, the Heritage Centre and the Writers’ Gallery are fully accessible.
How can I get to the Castle?
Area Code A96 DE61. Dalkey is easily accessible by road or public transport (DART). It is situated on stunning coastline with a mountainous backdrop about 12 km from Dublin City heading south. We are within a five-minute walk of Dalkey DART station, just turn right coming out of the station. It is a popular walking & cycling route. There are a number of bus options too. The Aircoach also runs through Dalkey to and from Dublin Airport.
Is there parking?
Yes. Pay and Display car parking is available across the street at the Church Car Park.
Are there discounts for large groups?
Yes! Tour Operators, DMC's, Corporate Group Bookings can be made by phoning +353 1 2858366 or emailing [email protected]
Is there coach parking available?
Coachs can drop their groups at the Aircoach bus stop on Ulverton Road (100 metres from Dalkey Castle) and then proceed to the designated Coach Parking on Hyde Road, less than five minutes away.
Is there a cafe in the Castle?
No but Dalkey is a vibrant heritage town with a myriad of boutique shops, cafes and coffee shops, bars & restaurants close by.
Can I take photos inside the Castle?
Yes, feel free to take photos but we ask you to refrain from using flash as it can distract the actors. Long form video recording is discouraged as we want you to immerse yourself in the experience. Feel free to 'check-in' and tag us on socials using @dalkeycastle and #dalkeycastle
What our Visitors say...
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Excellent - Our guide monatta was so friendly and knowledgeable and archer ciaran was absolutely fantastic in his role, we were all amazed how he could joke back and forth with our... read more 
louisemV363QW
May 27, 2024 Castle Tour - What a fantastic tour! We traveled from Virginia and luckily discoved the castle. A very nice, friendly and professional staff welcomed us when we arrived. The rest as one might... read more 
William K
May 27, 2024 Great!! - I only stumbled on this place whilst out tootling in the good weather. Ordinarily I wouldn't have gone as would have thought it to be childish. BUT! I am so... read more 
Janet_M186338
May 25, 2024
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