Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre is a premier tourism attraction in a Castle/Town House. All year we have actors on site to enlighten, entertain and engage you in the"Medieval/ Tudors Experience"
Dalkey Castle is one of the seven fortified town houses/castles of Dalkey. The castles were built to store goods off-loaded in Dalkey during the Middle Ages, when Dalkey acted as the port for Dublin. From the mid-1300s to the late 1500s, large Anglo-Norman ships could not access Dublin, as the river Liffey was silted up. But they could anchor safely in the deep waters of Dalkey Sound. The castles all had defensive features to protect goods from being plundered. These are all still visible on the site.
On site you will find a medieval castle/fortified townhouse, an early Christian Church, a state of the art Heritage Centre, and a Writers’ Gallery with portraits and interactive screens featuring the work of 45 writers and creative artists. Climb to the battlements for panoramic views of sea and mountains. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the early Christian Church and Graveyard, dedicated to Saint Begnet. Browse the interactive time line from early Christian through Viking, Medieval, Victorian and modern times.
Guided living history tours
Professional actors bring history to life with a fun theatre performance as part of the guided tour. Travel back in time and be enthralled by the work of the Archer, the Cook and the travelling Barber-Surgeon. Actors from Deilg Inis Living History Theatre Company involve you in their lives, their work and their stories.
When you arrive you will be welcomed by our friendly Guides at reception.
Prior to Live Performance
Before the Live Performance you will get a short Introductory Tour giving you an overview of the visit.
The Live Performance
The Living History Tour ‘The Medieval Experience’ runs every half hour (Excl lunch break 1.00pm-2.00pm weekdays and 1.30pm-2.00pm weekends).
The Guide summons the medieval characters to meet you. You will be led to the upstairs of the Castle for ‘The Medieval Experience’ which lasts about 20-25 mins.
What you can see and do
Beat the recession! Mint your own coins! Sitric the Viking Coin-Minter will show you how! The story line is based on the hoard of Viking coins from the 900s found in Dalkey in the 1830s, now in the British Museum. A Living History Live Performance runs every half hour with costumed characters, from Deilg Inis Living History Theatre Company, portraying Dalkey’s Viking and Medieval past.
You can marvel at the extraordinary skill of the medieval Archer with his longbow and selection of deadly arrow heads. Smack your lips to the Cook’s description of the evening’s feast and barely resist scratching due her vivid description of living conditions of the time. Last but not least- painful- the travelling Barber-Surgeon will offer to trim your hair and your beard; tempt you to a blood letting, amputation and more….all in character and in engaging good fun!
Enjoy the fun of ‘The Medieval Experience’!
Great family fun day out!
