Dalkey (Deilginis in Irish Gaelic) is a medieval village of 10,000 inhabitants located in the Dublin sub-county of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown. A landmark of the Irish Middle Ages, this port village is known today for its fortified castle, as well as for the charm of its coastline… The town is prosperous and middle-class, and serves as a chic suburb for Dubliners!
Dalkey’s origins date back to the 8th century, at the time of the Viking Invasions. Dalkey is said to have been built as a fortified camp by the Vikings, then to have developed considerably during the Middle Ages, thanks to its seaport, ideal for trade with the rest of Europe…
According to historian John Clyn, Dalkey was the point of entry for the plague in Ireland in the mid-14th century. Dalkey’s port is said to have contributed to the plague’s spread to the population through its intensive trade in goods…
Over the centuries, Dalkey developed into a suburb of Dublin. Many Irish people bought vacation homes here, as did many celebrities (Bono, Enya…etc.), to the extent that the village was eventually nicknamed Dublin’s “Beverly Hills”.
Dalkey then became a tourist village, renowned for its authentic medieval heritage, as well as for the beauty of its coastal landscapes and fishing port. Moreover, its proximity to the Irish capital makes it an ideal place to stay, to enjoy both the city and the tranquility of the surrounding area.