DALKEY ISLAND AND DALKEY TOWN.
The beauty of the Dalkey coast line has been an inspiration in much of my claddagh ring making. It has also been an inspiration to many artists. Often you can see an artist around the Dalkey coast, brush in hand trying to capture Dalkey Island.
Have you ever wanted to travel to somewhere so special the memory will stay with you forever. Dalkey is the place for you. Dalkey is only 30 minutes from Dublin City Centre on the Dart/Train. Dalkey developed as a small village around the 'Early Christian church of St. Begnet. Its importance was influenced by the fact that large Anglo-Norman ships were able to anchor in Dalkey Sound.
In 1816/17 Dalkey rose to greatness with the excavation of granite in Dalkey Quarry. 1844 caused great excitement with the 'Atmospheric Railway'. It travelled to Dalkey for 11 years. It was replaced by the steam train going to Bray. Horse-drawn trams came in 1879, followed by electric ones in 1896.
Dalkey has a beautiful rich history. It goes back to early settlers on Dalkey Island around 4500bc. Both the mainland and Dalkey Island became places of Early Christian and Early Medieval ecclesiastical importance.
In medieval times, Dalkey served as the port for Dublin, large ships could anchor and unload their goods in the deep, sheltered waters of Dalkey Sound.
The Vikings arrived and disrupted the peace in the eight century. They made Dalkey Island a base from which they sold slaves.
Dalkey became a Heritage Town in 1995. Today it is a much sought after place to live. Its beauty has inspired many writers and poets. It is on a coastal location. Its stunning scenery is seen at its most beautiful from Sorrento Point. Views from Sorrento Park have been likened to the Bay of Naples.
Dalkey Island is a home to a colony of seals and Roseate Terns as well as a herd of feral goats. Supervised Ferry trips to the Island from Coliemore Harbour are available.
A visit to Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre is a very enjoyable experience. The visit is by a guided tour. Every guided tour has a live theatre performance. Literary events are held throughout the year. Celebrate James Joyce and Bloomsday at Dalkey Castle.
Maeve Binchy Tribute Show - Enjoy the show in the beautiful backdrop of St Begnet's Church. Discover Dalkey's Gems - is a stage show featuring a compilation of the work of famous local writers - James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Hugh Leonard, Flann O'Brien, Maeve Binchy, John Millington Synge, Van Morrision, Seamus Heaney, Joseph O'Connor.
Dalkey has top restaurants and pubs. Visit 'The Queens' and perhaps you will meet Bono enjoying an occasional evening drink. Or what about 'Finnegans' a true Irish pub with a great atmosphere.
Do not hesitate to catch that dart/train. Remember Dalkey Train Station. It wont disappoint. Just remember to bring an umbrella. Well! its Ireland after all. Four seasons in one day!
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