- Complete medieval castle in a charming urban setting.
- Heritage exhibition brings Dalkey's (and nearby Dun Laoghaire's) history to life.
- "Living History Tours" in summer are especially enlightening.
- Guided historical and literary walks as well as Bloomsday events are additionally on offer.
- Castle not entirely suitable for mobility-impaired visitors.
- Goat Castle was built in the late 15th century as a fortified townhouse.
- It is the only of Dalkey's seven castles still in existence and open to the public.
- Heritage center details history of Dalkey.
Goat Castle, commonly called Dalkey Castle these days, is easy to find - just at the northern end of the village's charming main street. Opposite the church. And near another castle, Dalkey having had no less than seven of these sturdy buildings at one time. "Neighborhood Watch" takes on a whole new meaning here!
Extensively restored and enlarged by a modern heritage center (which you won’t notice from the outside), the squat tower is a typical no-nonsense fortified house. Stone walls several feet thick, four floors with moderate co forts and internal plumbing (a chute for the privy). Here well-to-do burghers or minor lords could entertain, trade, live and stockpile. And even ward off attacks by pesky competitors or raging mobs.
These times and tribulations are brought vividly to life during the "Living History Tours" offered during the summer months. Actors portray maids, merchants, guards and tradesmen - in short those folks you would have found here hundreds of years ago. Definitely recommended for the fun ...
The exhibitions do not deal with the castle alone. An Early Christian church in tne backyard, complete with graveyard, is another building you may visit. And in the heritage center exhibitions feature other aspects of history as well - from the Dalkey Quarry to the building of Dun Laoghaire harbor. And including the unique atmospheric tramway (the tramyard with some rails still intact is just down the road).
