Beautiful Dalkey
Dalkey is sometimes described as Dublin’s most elegant coastal village.
Even getting here from Dublin city centre is fun. Jump on the DART and enjoy a short burst of scenic train travel, on a railway line that hugs the coast and offers sweeping views of Dublin bay and the marina at Dun Laoghaire.
Arriving at Dalkey station about 25 minutes later, you are immediately in the body of the community. There are shops, cafes, restaurants and a range of coastal walks, plus a local heritage centre offering ‘the best castle tour in Ireland’ (Tripadvisor). There are small scenic parks for picnicking, and two harbours, Bulloch and Coliemore (both usually hives of watersports activity, plus at Bulloch you can watch the seals and at Coliemore take a two-minute boat trip to Dalkey island).
The village as a whole has a semi-rural air, with a rambling street pattern and a particularly beautiful coast road meandering down from the main street.
Dalkey developed into its present form during the 19th century and it remains unspoilt. Many of its shops and restaurants have unusual facades, and the private homes are striking – there are artisan cottages, grand castellated buildings, and modern minimal houses, all enjoying the fabulous outlook towards Dalkey island and across the Irish sea.
Dublin’s rich and famous have gravitated here. Past residents include George Bernard Shaw, who lived in Torca Cottage (on Dalkey hill) from 1866 to 1874.
Modern local heroes include writers, film directors, musicians, racing drivers, TV presenters and a fair contingent of the local business elite.
The shopping in the village is small scale and interesting. There are jewellers, fashion, flower and furniture shops, art galleries, one or two arty gift shops and a bookshop with an extensive secondhand section.
Food and drink-wise there are plenty of options, many of them notably child-friendly.
