Dalkey Island
Dalkey Island
4.5
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4.5
131 reviews
Excellent
95
Very good
31
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Caroline M
10 contributions
Aug 2022
What an experience! Heading off in a small boat to an offshore island has a special excitement. And Dalkey Island doesn't disappoint. Seabirds wheel above and cry, the grass is short and tufty from the salt air, seals sometimes pop up. You may even see the goats that live there. There is the ruin of an ancient church and a Martello Tower (in case Napoleon decided to invade).
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy C
Dublin, Ireland108 contributions
Aug 2020
We took a kayak tour out to the island. It was a beautiful sunny morning when we were there so we got some amazing views back over Dublin from the island. The island itself is great to visit as well as you are only joined with a couple of other people and the goats and rabbits that live on the island. Well worth seeing.
Written 10 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland30,976 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
Dalkey Island is a place we love to visit. It’s amazing how uninhabited it is and so few people really spend time there. Other than the 15 goats, hundreds of rabbits and the many seals and other wildlife. Amazing place to picnic.
Written 14 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenCross
Dublin, Ireland30,976 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Dalkey Island can be accessed by bot from Coliemore Harbour or by swimming (you need to be a strong swimmer) or by canoe. Great piece of history with 16th century church and a Martello Tower plus garrison. Lots of wildlife.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mcarch
Dublin, Ireland136 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
all the opinions below fully agreed with
however never ,ever , ever even think of trying to swim to the island
perhaps the most dangerous current in Dublin Bay runs between the island and the mainland at Dalkey as a few, even recently, have found to their cost . There is also a whirlpool at the south end which is almost impossible to break free from so don't consider taking a canoe without a local guide
I am a local
however never ,ever , ever even think of trying to swim to the island
perhaps the most dangerous current in Dublin Bay runs between the island and the mainland at Dalkey as a few, even recently, have found to their cost . There is also a whirlpool at the south end which is almost impossible to break free from so don't consider taking a canoe without a local guide
I am a local
Written 5 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Des B
Dublin, Ireland122 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
Dalkey Island is just a stone's throw from the tiny Colliemore Harbour outside Dalkey Village in south County Dublin, Ireland. Early inhabitants have been traced to over 6,000 years ago. In the Bronze Age it flourished as a trading post and later in the 8th Century, St Begnets Church was built - still there today, minus its roof. Imported pottery has also been discovered from Roman times. The Vikings also used it as a base for trading slaves in less happy times. The Church became a workers shelter later when the Martello Tower was built from Island granite in 1804-1805. The workers built a fireplace in the Church which you can see today. There were 26 Martello Towers built on the east coast and 14 in the Dublin area alone. All were designed to keep the Emperor Napoleon out of Ireland which England feared would happen at that time. They were wrong and the Martello Towers never saw action. By the way, each had a 24 pound cannon on the roof which was accurate for a radius of about one mile / 1.6 Km. The cannon balls were heated in a furnace to maximise the damage done to the wooden ships of the time. There are over 30 shipwrecks today in the surrounding waters but they were as a result of storms and navigation errors ! Apart from the resident goats, rabbits and brown rats, Dalkey Island is a beautiful quiet place today and you can take the new (2014) Ferry out there during the Summer months. PLEASE do not bring dogs or light fires as the Island is also a bird sanctuary - over 30% of a species of Europe's Terns nests there. Do bring your camera :) As this is an Island sanctuary, food, toilets, etc. are not provided but it is a very short five minute trip from Colliemore Harbour by Ferry - so be prepared !
Written 18 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H H
Ann Arbor, MI147 contributions
June 2014 • Couples
Wound up in Dalkey somewhat unexpectedly when our flight was cancelled and we were scrambling for a place to stay near Dublin, but it turned out to be a pleasant and relaxing end to our vacation. Dalkey is a great town for just wandering around and enjoying the sea views. We walked into Dalkey and then from the Joyce Tower all the way down to Vico Road. Coliemore Harbour has a free telescope you can use to check out the ruins of St. Begnet's and the martello tower on Dalkey Island. Make sure you climb to the top of the hill at nearby Sorrento Park. It wouldn't be a very difficult walk for most people (it's short and not terribly steep) and the views are really spectacular!
Written 3 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shahrzad Hashemi
Tehran, Iran63 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Took the Bray train from Connolly station to Dalkey.
I was there for about six hours and loved every minute of it
I was there for about six hours and loved every minute of it
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret K
Teignmouth105 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
We set out from Dun Laoghaire by Dart train, arriving in Dalkey after a short ride. It was a beautiful day , so we decided to walk down to Colliemore Harbour. The views there were lovely, right across the bay to Dublin and beyond with the Wicklow Hills forming a backdrop in the other direction. We had a good view of the island from the harbour, could see the ruined chapel and round tower, but decided to take a closer look. So glad we did! The ferry ride was quick, with a delightful ferryman, full of interesting facts about the old church. There is a short steep ladder to get onto the island, so it’s not suitable for those with agility problems.
The island is small, but contains the ruined chapel, the round tower( not open) and the ruins of a fort dating back to the Napoleonic wars with gun emplacements still visible.
The views from here were breathtaking. We loved seeing the herd of wild goats, the flocks of gold finches, larks and the seals which popped up to say hello.
The island is small, but contains the ruined chapel, the round tower( not open) and the ruins of a fort dating back to the Napoleonic wars with gun emplacements still visible.
The views from here were breathtaking. We loved seeing the herd of wild goats, the flocks of gold finches, larks and the seals which popped up to say hello.
Written 3 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vincent D
Dún Laoghaire, Ireland1,174 contributions
July 2017 • Friends
Dalkey Island once had it own government presided over by the King of Dalkey, and Emperor of the Muglins, Elector of Lambay and Ireland's Eye, defendor of his own faith and defender of his own faith and respecter of all others.
This organisation was eventually suppressed by central government.
The island features St.Begnet's Church (ruined). Outside the door is a carved rock.
A Martello Tower and battery lies on the south-east end.
Close to the water on the land side is a holy well- resorted to by sufferers of sore eyes.
This organisation was eventually suppressed by central government.
The island features St.Begnet's Church (ruined). Outside the door is a carved rock.
A Martello Tower and battery lies on the south-east end.
Close to the water on the land side is a holy well- resorted to by sufferers of sore eyes.
Written 16 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I was wondering uf Ken the ferry men operates in December?
Written 30 November 2021
Is it possible to go to dalkey island in the week of the 25th of march
Written 12 March 2019
Hi ken the ferry man..were do we pick up the ferry and time please
Written 10 June 2017
It's from colimore harbour. If you look it up on the internet or fb you'll see the times. But he's always there. Probably starts around 11. If I find out later I'll post it for you. He literally crosses over to the island, comes back and goes over again. If there are people there waiting. So not an hourly thing or anything.
Written 3 August 2017
Wen getting on the dart..which stop is it called to go to atle and the island thanks
Written 5 November 2016
sorry....forgot to add....its about a 12 to 15 min walk from the train to the Harbour and a nice walk.
Written 6 November 2016
Hi, what the prices for the ferry to the island. I am looking for return trip rates for adults and children. Thanks in advance.
Written 15 August 2016
Think it's a flat rate of less than five euro per person -adult or child. Maybe as low as two euro. You do not need to book in advance. There is no food on the island and no toilets either.
Written 16 August 2016
Hi. I haven't been able to reach Kentheferryman by email or by phone. Do I need to book a seat on the boat or can my husband and I get a ride from the launch? Thanks
Written 31 July 2016
No need to book. Trip is under 10 min and ferry goes back and forward ....so just line up. Won't take long unless on very sunny day when it's very busy.
Written 2 August 2016
Hi is there separate all inclusive packages to book on arrival if so how much? Based on two adults two kids. Thank you
Written 19 June 2015
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