Dalkey, Dublin – An Essential Travel Guide for 2025

Dalkey is a seaside resort village southeast of Dublin City. Named after Dalkey Island which sits just off its shores, it is only 30 minutes by train from Dublin City which makes it ideal for a day trip. This wealthy area is known as a home to celebrities including as George Bernard Shaw, Maeve Binchy, Bono and Enya. The surrounding views once reminded Dubliners of the Bay of Naples which is why many of the local roads have Italian names.

Portrayed on social media as an affluent suburb, is there more to this town than it’s wealthy inhabitants?

Read on to find out!

Public Transport: The DART provides a quick and scenic train link from Dublin City to Dalkey Railway Station for just €5 for a return ticket. Views of Killiney Bay and Dalkey Island make this journey worth every cent.

Dublin Bus services 59 and 111 link the area with the nearby seaside town of Dún Laoghaire and the city centre for less than €3 for a single ticket.

Read our Travel Guide to Dun Laoghaire

Foodies should check out DeVille’s on Castle Street for an atmospheric dining experience. It opens until 10pm most days and serves up delicious lunches and dinners at very reasonable prices for Dublin. Don’t miss out on their tasty chargrilled hamburger and chips for just €17, which is a steal for the area.

Castle Street is also home to Benitos, an Italian dining destination renowned for its authentic cuisine and charmingly warm ambiance. They offer all of the Italian classics, from classic pasta dishes to gourmet pizzas. Prices at Benitos are a little steep (as is to be expected here) but it’s worth it for the fantastic atmosphere.

Keep with the area’s Italian theme and head to Bel Gelato for delicious gelato, sorbet, crepes or waffles. Gelato tubs are pricey (around €8) but are a real treat for the taste buds and can be enjoyed in an expansive outdoor seating area.

Hot Beverages: The Corner Note Café opens till 3pm Wednesday through Sunday and offers a rare blend of relaxation and sophistication. They have outdoor seating available for those hot days and they serve up a delicious coffee. The full breakfast will set you back less than €13 and is a absolute feast.

Alcohol: There is a great mix of old Irish pubs and fancy restaurants with beautiful wine selections here. Finnegan’s is a family-run pub serving great food and pints in an old Irish setting. The King’s Inn on Castle Street offers a beautiful pint of Guinness in a relaxed atmosphere with very friendly staff. It comes alive at night with live music and craic aplenty.

If pints aren’t your thing you can enjoy a beautiful glass of wine at Grapevine on Castle Street. They serve a limited cocktail and beer menu, but at very reasonable prices. Cocktails will only set you back €9! Their specialty is their wine menu however, which also won’t break the bank.

The 3km long Dalkey and Killiney Hill Loop travels along the coastline to the summit of Killiney Hill. There you will be treated to immense views of Dublin, the Irish Sea, Wales, Bray Head and the Wicklow Mountains. At the peak of the hill you’ll find an obelisk and an unusual pyramid, known as the Wishing Stone. Constructed in 1852, legend says that if you circle all levels of the pyramid, climb to the pinnacle and make a wish while looking towards Dalkey Island your wish will be granted.

It takes 1 hour to complete the loop and the walk is fairly leisurely, despite some steep inclines.

Trail Information for the Dalkey and Killiney Hill Loop

It’s no coincidence that this town appeals as a retirement destination for Dublin’s wealthy elite. It is a quiet seaside village that, although close to the sea, avoids the rush and mayhem associated with coastal resorts. There are plenty of people around yet the vibrant scenery contributes to a chill vibe, rather than a bustling one.

It is hard to believe that this quaint and laidback village is just 30 minutes outside of Dublin City centre. The nightlife is quiet and, although frequented by tourists, it certainly doesn’t feel like a tourist town compared to bigger areas like Howth and Dún Laoghaire. This is a large part of its appeal.

Check out our Travel Guide to Howth

Check out our Travel Guide to Dún Laoghaire

This peaceful and uninhabited island sits just off the coastline and is easily visited via Dublin Bay Cruises, which depart from nearby Dún Laoghaire. The boat trip takes 1 hour and costs around €25 for a return ticket.

The voyage offers great views of Bullock Harbour, James Joyce Martello Tower, Forty Foot, Sorrento Point, and Killiney Bay. Lucky patrons may even glimpse the famous pod of bottlenose dolphins that frequent these waters. There are no amenities on the island to speak of but it is home to a fascinating range of animals and plants, including rare birds, a herd of wild goats and a seal colony!

Book Dublin Bay Cruise to Dalkey Island Tickets

Nestled near Killiney Hill sits Dalkey Quarry which has been transformed into one of Ireland’s premier rock climbing destinations. For just €66 per person you can enjoy over 2 hours of exhilarating climbing, during which you’ll soak in stunning views of Dublin City before making an exciting abseil descent.

This adventure is great for beginners as the experienced and patient instructors take you up the easiest routes first. This activity accommodates groups of up to 25 people making it the perfect adventure for large gatherings of friends seeking thrills and unforgettable memories.

In the middle of the town looms Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre, a cool 14th century building that’s hard to miss on the otherwise modern street! One of the highlights of a visit here is the unique Living History Tour, where actors bring the past to life through entertaining reenactments of medieval times. Visitors can explore the castle’s various chambers including the atmospheric dungeon and the impressive battlements, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The Living History Tour costs €15 for an adult, lasts 60 minutes and is an immersive (and humorous) experience.

Adjacent to the castle is the Heritage Centre, which houses an array of informative exhibits showcasing the town’s heritage from its viking origins to its literary connections. Visitors can delve into the town’s maritime history, its role as a bustling medieval market town and its literary associations with writers like James Joyce and Maeve Binchy

Book the Living History Tour

The Vico Baths are a handy 15-minute stroll south of the town and offer a hidden spot for a dip in the Irish Sea. Those that don’t fancy getting wet can admire enthralling views of Dublin Bay while the more adventurous can descend the stone steps for a plunge into the sea.

Search the cliffsides near the baths to see 7 EIRE spelled out using white rocks. The sign was created during World War 2 to alert German Bombers when they were flying over Ireland, to stop them bombing us by accident as they bombarded our neighbours in the UK!

Visit at the right time of the year to catch one of the town’s famous festivals.

The Dalkey Lobster Festival is an annual bonanza that welcomes over 30,000 patrons during it’s three-day run. It showcases internationally renowned chefs and celebrates the culinary marvel that is the lobster. It also offers brilliant live music and street entertainment for those less enthralled by the seafood on offer. Best of all is it’s free to attend!

Alternatively hit up the Dalkey Book Festival which takes place every summer. This four-day festival started life as a literary celebration but has branched out into the arts in general, to include theatre, film and comedy. Huge names have been known to make an appearance, with previous examples including Seamus Heaney, Bono and Salman Rushdie.