Dalkey is under 30 minutes south of Dublin city centre on the DART, and it makes one of the best easy day trips: a medieval village with a castle tour, a harbour looking out to Dalkey Island, and a free walk up Killiney Hill for one of the best views in Ireland. The Dalkey Castle living history tour costs €18 for an adult and is closed on Tuesdays.
Prices were checked on the official Dalkey Castle website on 14 November 2026.
The quick answer
- Getting there: DART south to Dalkey, under 30 minutes from the city centre.
- Fare: the TFI 90-minute fare is €2 for an adult with a Leap card, rising to €2.30 from January 2027.
- Dalkey Castle: €18 adult, €17 senior or student, €12 child under 12. Closed Tuesdays.
- Free: Killiney Hill, the Vico Road, Coliemore Harbour, Sandycove and the Forty Foot.
- Time needed: half a day for the village and castle, a full day with Killiney Hill.
Getting there
Take the DART south from Connolly, Tara Street or Pearse to Dalkey station, a few minutes’ walk from the village. For Killiney Hill and the beach, the next stop is Killiney. Aircoach also runs directly between Dublin Airport and Dalkey. By car it’s about 13km from the city centre, and there’s paid parking opposite the castle. More in our guide to getting around Dublin.
Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre
Dalkey once had seven fortified townhouse castles, and this is one of the few left. The guided living history tour covers the castle itself, the early Christian church and graveyard next door, a writers’ gallery and a heritage centre with interactive screens. Costumed actors play the people of medieval Dalkey: an archer, a cook and a barber surgeon. You finish on the battlements, with views of the sea and the mountains. Children usually love it.
| Living history tour (2026) | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €18 |
| Senior / student | €17 |
| Child (under 12) | €12 |
The castle is open six days a week all year and closed every Tuesday. Booking online is the best value, and booking fees apply. The ground floor, heritage centre and writers’ gallery are accessible, but much of the tour is on upper floors that aren’t. The castle also runs guided historical and literary walks along the coast. Book on the Dalkey Castle website.
Coliemore Harbour and Dalkey Island
A short walk from the village, Coliemore is a tiny harbour looking across a narrow sound to Dalkey Island, with its ruined church and Martello tower. In summer, boat trips and sea kayaking tours go out around the island, where you may see seals. Bullock Harbour, on the other side of the village, is another good stop.
Killiney Hill
From Coliemore, walk along the Vico Road, past Sorrento Park, for the classic view across Killiney Bay to Bray Head and the Wicklow Mountains. People compare it to the Bay of Naples. Then climb into Killiney Hill Park, which is free, to the obelisk on the summit, built in 1742. The views take in Dublin Bay, Howth and, on a clear day, the Wicklow Mountains.
From the top, you can walk down to Killiney Beach and catch the DART back from Killiney station, so you don’t need to retrace your steps.
Sandycove and the Forty Foot
Stop on the way out or back at Sandycove and Glasthule DART station. The James Joyce Tower, a Martello tower where the opening of Ulysses is set, is free to visit. Beside it is the Forty Foot, where locals swim in the sea all year round.
A suggested day
- DART to Dalkey. Morning tour of Dalkey Castle (not on a Tuesday).
- Lunch in the village.
- Walk to Coliemore Harbour, then along the Vico Road to Killiney Hill.
- Down to Killiney Beach and the DART home, with a stop at Sandycove if you’ve time.
Wear proper shoes: the paths on Killiney Hill are steep in places. For more castles, see our guide to castles and stately homes. For other easy trips, see day trips from Dublin.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Dublin to Dalkey?
Take the DART south to Dalkey station, under 30 minutes from the city centre. Aircoach also runs from Dublin Airport to Dalkey.
How much is Dalkey Castle?
The living history tour is €18 for an adult, €17 for seniors and students and €12 for children under 12 (2026 prices). Booking fees apply online.
When is Dalkey Castle open?
Six days a week, all year. It’s closed every Tuesday.
Is Killiney Hill free?
Yes. Killiney Hill Park is free and open to walk, and it’s a short walk from Dalkey village along the Vico Road.
Can you combine Dalkey, Killiney and Sandycove in one day?
Yes. They’re all on the same DART line. A good route is Dalkey village and castle, Coliemore Harbour, the Vico Road and Killiney Hill, then down to Killiney station, with a stop at Sandycove for the Forty Foot.