Dalkey Things to Do

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Dalkey Island, just off the coast opposite Coliemore Harbour, is a fascinating place to have a wander. Its reached by small boat from the harbour. The village of Dalkey is actually named after the Island. Dalkey is the anglified version of the Gaelic name Deilginis (Thorn Island).

The Island is rich in historic remains though to be honest the oldest ones are hard to spot. The Island has been occupied at various times in prehistory (possib as long as 6000 years ago) and there is some evidence of quarrying. It may have been used as a trading centre in Roman and Viking times (some suggestive remains have been found but obviously are no longer on the Island, so don't look for 'em :-). There is an early 7th century Christian Church, St Begnet's (supposedly an Irish Princess who gave up a life of privilege to become a prioress and for some reason is the patron saint of Dalkey!), a martello tower and gun battery (from the Napoleonic period), an Iron age fort (though you'll have to have that one pointed out to you!)

In the late 18th century a mock title of "King of Dalkey" was created to poke fun at the pomposities of the government of the day. It is still revived occasionally for fun but was quoshed around the time of the 1798 rising when it was seen as seriously seditious instead of funny by the government of his Britannic majesty (pomposity never goes out of fashion :) The full title was King of Dalkey, Emperor of the Muglins, Prince of the Holy Island of Magee, Baron of Bulloch, Seigneur of Sandycove, Defender of the Faith and Respector of All Others, Elector of Lambay and Ireland's Eye, and Sovereign of the Most Illustrious Order of the Lobster and Periwinkle.

Currently the only inhabitants of the Island are goats!