Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre

Frommer's Review

Housed in a little 16th-century tower house, the center tells the history of this venerable town in a few sweet, if unsophisticated, displays. There are tours, in which guides tell the tale, but they're unpredictable -- the level of detail can be a bit more than you need to know, and on one tour, there was an inexplicable interpretive dancer halfway through it, which baffled all of us. If you prefer to go your own way, you can climb the battlements and take in the view. Adjoining the center is a medieval graveyard and the Church of St. Begnet, Dalkey's patron saint, whose foundations date back to Ireland's early Christian period. Note: Prices have risen steeply here recently, and it's hard to say the little castle tower offers enough to make it worthwhile. Malahide Castle is infinitely more impressive.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.