Dublin Day Trips: Dalkey

We’re back with another classic summer day trip from Dublin!

This time, we’re heading to Dalkey, a coastal village steeped in history and known for its beautiful nature walks, celebrity sightings, and seaside scenery.

Often called the ‘Amalfi Coast of Ireland’, this small, unassuming town has attracted plenty of famous faces, from U2’s Bono to playwright George Bernard Shaw.

But that’s not the only Amalfi comparison. Dalkey is also home to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery around Dublin, with sparkling turquoise waters and dramatic cliffside views that might fool you into thinking you’re in the Mediterranean – that is, until you go for a swim (the cold Irish sea strikes again).

Here’s our one-stop guide to Dalkey, Dublin’s sunny celebrity retreat ☀️

How to Get to Dalkey 🚆

Journey Time: 30-40 minutes

Take the DART (Dublin’s handy commuter train) from Connolly Station and arrive in Dalkey just 30 minutes later.

Castles & Vikings 🏰

Dalkey has a long and fascinating history, with some artefacts showing that Dalkey Island was inhabited over 6,000 years ago (before the Stone Henge!). From the 9th century onward, Dalkey became a major Viking settlement before growing into a bustling medieval port, eventually settling into the sleepy seaside town it is today.

The star of the show is Dalkey Castle, a 14th-century medieval castle originally built by merchants to protect their goods. While the building itself is impressive, the real draw is the castle’s living history tour, where costumed actors bring the stories of Vikings, merchants, and medieval Dalkey to life. You’ll learn everything from castle defences to what exactly a barber surgeon does.

Festival Spirit 🦞

Dalkey is celebrated for its many festivals throughout the year. If you stay up to date with our What’s On series, you might have noticed Dalkey Book Festival, a week-long celebration of the area’s rich literary heritage.

Coming up in August is Dalkey’s much-anticipated Lobster Festival, complete with a giant lobster mascot. While he’s certainly memorable, the real stars are the fresh seafood: lobster rolls, mussels, crab claws, paella, seafood chowder, fish and chips are all on the menu, alongside live music and a craft fair.

During Heritage Week – also happening in August – Dalkey comes alive with history talks, guided tours, and tonnes of free events.

Celebrity Sightings ⭐

A little coastal town on the outskirts of Dublin might not seem like the place for celebrity spotting, but there’s good reason for Dalkey’s glamorous reputation. Hike up Killiney Hill and spot how the other half live, including grand mansions belonging to Bono, Enya, and Van Morrison.

Back in town, almost every café seems to have a famous story to tell. But the Corner Note Café wears its celebrity credentials particularly proudly.

Follow in the footsteps of the likes of Matt Damon and Stephen Curry at this cosy brunch spot in the centre of town. If the walls covered in celebrity photographs don’t impress you, stay for the Full Irish Breakfast: a hearty spread of apple and mustard sausages, fried eggs, mushrooms, bacon, black pudding, fried potatoes, soda bread and baked beans.

Matt Damon, you have excellent taste.

Seas the Day ⛵

After admiring the panoramic views and celebrity houses from Killiney Hill, catch Ken’s ferry at Coliemore Harbour for a trip to Dalkey Island. The short boat trip takes you to a tiny island where you might spot lots of wildlife, including wild goats and seals, while dolphins can sometimes be seen in the surrounding waters.

Time to cool off? Head to Vico Baths, Dalkey’s most famous swimming spot dating back to the 1800s. The secluded bathing spot has been enjoyed by many celebrity visitors over the years, including Harry Styles. The catch? The water is very cold, even in the summer. You’ve been warned.

Continue walking south along the coast to Killiney Beach, a beautiful stretch of shingle coastline with views across Dublin Bay. Finish your coastal adventure with a coffee and sausage sandwich from Fred & Nancy’s, a beloved food truck right on the beach.

📚Did You Know?

James Joyce spent six days at a Martello Tower in Dalkey, an experience that later inspired parts of Ulysses.

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