Dalkey Island & Killiney Bay Tour
This is my favorite of all my Dublin walking tours. It'll change your concept of Dublin completely and make you want to move here.
I love seeing the shock on people's faces when they turn the first corner and see the outrageously beautiful Killiney Bay with the Wicklow Mountains behind it.
Then we take a boat to an island ruled by Vikings that today is inhabited only by goats and ghosts.
This is the Dublin that everyone should see, not Temple Bar & Guinness. Thankfully most tourists don't even know about it. Just you, my lucky readers.
This walking tour is one of the best things to do in Dublin. Book early!
What You'll See
- Dalkey Train Station
Take the 30 minute train to Dalkey where we will meet to begin the tour. - The Vico Road
A short walk brings us to most expensive road in Ireland, Vico Road. This is the Beverly Hills meets Sorrento of Dublin. When you see the glorious views, you'll understand why houses here cost €10M. - The World War 2 Eire Sign
During the war, Ireland built stones signs into the cliffs saying "Eire" to let German bombers know they were lost and not to bomb neutral Ireland. - The Vico Baths
Dubliners have been swimming here for more than 100 years and come here every day no matter the weather. The walk down to the Vico Baths is an adventure.
This is the kind of place you look for when you travel. Absolutely no tourists here, just locals chatting amongst old friends and new ones. - Sorrento Park
More spectacular sea & mountains views from this small park high above Killiney Bay and you'll get your first view of Dalkey Island. - Dillon's Park
This hidden park has a holy well and the best photo point across to the island. - Dalkey Island
Dalkey Island is the kind of thing that I love about Dublin. You're in a capital city, but there's an island that was Viking slave market with 1000 year old church on it!
We take a 5 minute boat over to the island and walk through the ancient church ruins & the defensive fort built in case Napoleon came to Ireland.
The island is uninhabited except for 9 goats with huge curling horns. The island seals who come to play feet from the shore are friendlier.
When we're ready, we just wave back to Captain Neil on the mainland and he comes to pick us up! - Dalkey Village
Dalkey is Dublin's wealthiest village. It used to have 7 castles protecting it. Today one and half remain! We walk through it before ending the tour.
Dalkey is a major foodie spot so I recommend having lunch here after our tour. I love Thyme Out & Country Bake.
The Perfect Dublin Day Trip
Here is an itinerary to turn this into a full day trip from Dublin without having to spend hours on a coach.
9:30am: Take train to Dalkey
10am: Our walking tour starts
12pm: Lunch in Dalkey village
1pm: Tour Dalkey Castle
2pm: Take the train back to your hotel.
Tour Details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Walking Tour Distance: 3km
- Cost: €160 for up to 4 people €25/additional person.
- The boat is €10/person to be paid directly to the boat captain.
- Private tours only
- Have Questions? Email us
Tour Notes:
- The boat runs April until mid-September. Some days it doesn't run due to weather.
- When it's not running, we will walk from Dalkey to Killiney instead. It's not a downgrade at all. This is the most scenic coastal walk in Dublin. We pass the €10M palm tree garden, Bono's house, walk along Killiney Beach and the train ride back is the nicest stretch of railway in Ireland.
- There are hills in this walk, but they are not steep and we don't walk far.
- There are steps down to the Vico Baths. If you're not comfortable doing them, you can still enjoy the sights of the baths from above. Less steps, same views.
Stay Here
This is a lovely area to stay while you're in Dublin. Most quiet coast and less busy city. The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is excellent.
Photos From The Tour
More Dublin Walking Tours
Ireland by Locals
Ireland by Locals
