Hiking, rock-climbing and more.

There are lots of fun activities to enjoy in and around Dalkey. For keen walkers and hikers, there are numerous guided and self-guided walks in the area. Along with historical guided walks, there are literary themed jaunts too.

See dalkeycastle.com for more details.

For DIY walks, you can go from the church on Castle Street to Coliemore Harbour and return via the Sorrento Road (1 hour). You can also walk from Coliemore Harbour to Killiney Beach/DART station, taking in some stunning views (1 hour).

For more suggestions, see  ilovedalkey.com.

Dalkey Quarry is a top spot for rock climbing and abseiling. The disused granite quarry is part of Killiney Hill Park and is one of the most significant rock-climbing crags in the country.

The quarry’s first recorded climbs were made by members of the Irish Mountaineering Club (IMC) in 1942 and a handwritten guidebook was published marking a significant development for climbing in Ireland.

Many of those first climbs remain popular and challenging routes and more have been added. 

Companies like Extreme Ireland Adventures (01-4100700), The Adventure Agency (01-2542754) and Adventure Burn (086-4012750) offer climbing lessons/courses and more.

You can make your way to Dalkey Island by kayak, boat or cruise. Visit the 10th century St. Begnet’s Church and adjoining holy well believed to have miracle cures and see the Martello tower.

The island is a great spot for fishing with pollock, coalfish, wrasse and mackerel off shore just waiting to be caught.

Enjoy a picnic while looking out to sea, spot the occasional seal bobbing up and down and bottlenose dolphins have been known to visit the area too. 

Kayaking.ie (086-1684755) runs daily kayaking tours and beginners’ lessons (Saturdays) in beautiful Bullock Harbour. 

For sightseeing and sea fishing, boat hire is available from Bullock Harbour too (01-2800915). Local fishermen also run trips in summer. If you’d rather savour the sea while staying on dry land, try fishing from Coliemore Harbour.

For swimming, there are places near Dalkey including the Vico Bathing Place and Whiterock Beach (accessed off Vico Road), Sandycove Beach and the adjacent Forty Foot bathing place are a stroll away, beside the James Joyce Tower & Museum.

If you’d like to discover an underwater world while diving, Dalkey Scuba Divers (01-1234455) offer an opportunity to do just that.

Founded in 1976, this recreational club runs training/courses and its members go diving and snorkeling regularly off Dalkey Island and the Muglins as well as further afield. Open to all. 

To explore more in Dalkey click here.