Ireland’s Dalkey Castle and Heritage Center: a Living History Museum
Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Confetti Travel Cafe | September 30, 2019
https://www.confettitravelcafe.com/irelands-dalkey-castle-heritage-center-living-history-museum/
Ireland’s Dalkey Castle and Heritage Center is a living history museum in Dalkey, Ireland. The castle is in actuality a former storehouse. Known as Goat Castle, it became grand with architectural fortifications against bandits, including sworn enemies, the O’Byrnes and the O’Tooles. Dalkey, with its sheltered location and deep water, acted as the port for Dublin in the 1400’s and 1500’s. It served the boats coming off the bay from the Irish Sea. The goods would then be transport by land north to Dublin.
A map of the historic town of Dalkey (Photo by Gail Clifford)
Today, a lovely 30-minute train ride on the Dart from Dublin takes you to Dalkey. Dalkey itself is easily walk-able. Follow the signs down the hill from the train station. Linger to admire the many restaurants and little cottages on the way to the main street in town. And don’t miss a tour on your visit to the Dalkey Castle and Heritage Center.
Boats, anglers, and swimmers off Collimore Harbour (Photo Gail Clifford)
A Tale of Seven Castles
“The road itself curves gently upward and over a low wall to the left by the footpath enchantment is spread … with beyond it the immeasurable imminent sea, quietly moving slowly in the immense expanse of Killiney Bay.” -Flann O’Brien
Once upon a time, seven such castles lined this road, but now Goat Castle is the only one in active use. The ruins of one other, Archbold’s Castle, handles special holidays, like a much beloved living Christmas creche. And a very haunted Halloween.
Dalkey Castle is four blocks down on the right. The tower remains visible from blocks away.
(Photo Gail Clifford)
Maeve Binchy and the Dalkey Catholic Church
Just across the street stands the lovely, active, Roman Catholic church. Its spire is visible from a distance.
This is the church where the late beloved Irish novelist, playwright, short story writer, columnist, Maeve Binchy, asked the priest if she could be buried. Binchy, who died in 2012, was especially known for her often humorous portrayals of small-town life in Ireland. Even though she wasn’t an active Catholic, the priest, a writer himself, famously said, “Dead or alive, Maeve, you’re always welcome at church!”
Maeve Binchy, definitely one of Dalkey’s most famous citizens, also has her own writer’s tour.
(Photo Gail Clifford)
Irish History from 4500 B.C. to Modern Day
Your entry fee at Dalkey Castle allows for upkeep and repairs. It serves as your admission to a trip back in time. The Dalkey historians trace Dalkey Island to 4500 B.C., and brings you forward to modern day.
You’ll be welcomed into a very modern gift shop and display areas at the Dalkley Heritage Visitor’s Centre. There are two video presentations. Barrel shaped ceilings creation. And coin minting. They’re both interesting and educational. You actually pass the castle entry to view the extensive historical restoration. This Visitor Center tells the tale of the town’s bygone dates in great detail. It’s meticulously researched and comprehensive.
The Dalkey Heritage Visitor’s Centre (Photo Gail Clifford)
Each of the embedded screens within the display provide identical information. View the details of the dates listed and supplemental video or photographs. Learn of the “Mock King of Dalkey” festival. And the archeologist’s discovery of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers.
Gail Clifford
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