St Begnet's Church and Graveyard Dalkey
A serene island escape with ancient ruins, abundant wildlife like seals and goats, and breathtaking coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers blooming, wildlife active
St Begnet's Church and Graveyard Dalkey
Best Time
Flowers blooming, wildlife active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene island escape with ancient ruins, abundant wildlife like seals and goats, and breathtaking coastal views.
"It feels like you have transported yourself to another century. So calm, peaceful, mysterious and isolated place. "
🤝 Ferryman Ken's Expertise
Ken, the ferryman, offers insightful tours and can take you along the island's length.
🌸 Wildflowers & Wildlife
Visit in August for blooming flowers and abundant wildlife like bunnies and birds.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 49 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seal Colony
Coastal areas of Dalkey Island
Witness over a hundred seals basking in the sun, a truly remarkable sight.
Ancient Religious Carving
Opposite the entrance to St. Begnet's Church
Discover a mysterious ancient carving on a rock, adding to the island's historical allure.
Island Goats
Back of the island
Spot the island's famous wild goats roaming freely, a unique and memorable encounter.
St. Begnet's Church Ruins
Dalkey Island
Explore the peaceful and mysterious ruins of this ancient church, feeling transported to another century.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Wildlife & Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Ferryman Ken's Expertise
Ken, the ferryman, offers insightful tours and can take you along the island's length.
🌸 Wildflowers & Wildlife
Visit in August for blooming flowers and abundant wildlife like bunnies and birds.
🏊♀️ Island Swim
Take a refreshing dip off the pier; the water warms up nicely in summer.
🐐 Goat Spotting
Keep an eye out for the island's famous goats, especially on the back of the island.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Ferryman Ken's Expertise
Ken, the ferryman, offers insightful tours and can take you along the island's length.
🌸 Wildflowers & Wildlife
Visit in August for blooming flowers and abundant wildlife like bunnies and birds.
🏊♀️ Island Swim
Take a refreshing dip off the pier; the water warms up nicely in summer.
🐐 Goat Spotting
Keep an eye out for the island's famous goats, especially on the back of the island.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dalkey Island for its serene atmosphere, abundant wildlife, and historical charm. The ferry trip with Ken is a highlight, offering unique insights and access. While the island is undeveloped, this contributes to its peaceful, 'transported to another century' feel.
"Dalkey island is great. Ken the ferryman brought 2 adults plus child over and back for 20 euro. It was probably the lowest tide of the year and in trip to and from the island ken went a bit out of his way and brought us along the whole lenght of the island chain. There must have been over 100 seals sunning themselves. Plenty of seal babies. Had a swim off the pier. Water bit shallow but warming up nicely. (9.5C). Bird watch Ireland are controlling the rats on the island to give the birds a better chance. It seems to be working. Also we saw the famous goats on back of island. 10 stars. Also 10 stars to Ken."
Fergus Wheatley
"Just 5 min from main island and it feels like you have transported yourself to another century. So calm, peaceful, mysterious and isolated place."
Sanchit Jain
"Fascinating ruin with an ancient religious carving on a rock opposite the entrance 😀"
Patrick Walsh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Dalkey Island is by ferry. Ken, a local ferryman, operates a service from the mainland. He can be contacted for trips and tours.
A round trip for two adults and a child with Ken the ferryman was reported to be around 20 euros.
Visiting during low tide can enhance your experience, potentially allowing for more exploration along the island's coast.
Dalkey Island is accessible by ferry only. It is not connected to the mainland by a bridge or causeway.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven. Layers are recommended as weather can change.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no direct entrance fee for Dalkey Island itself, but you will need to pay for the ferry service to get there.
Dalkey Island does not have set opening hours as it is a natural island. Access is dependent on the ferry service and weather conditions.
It's advisable to contact Ken, the ferryman, in advance to arrange your trip, especially during peak times or if you have specific timing requirements.
While you can visit the island via ferry, exploring with Ken can provide additional insights and access to different parts of the island.
Dalkey Island is largely undeveloped. There are no shops or cafes, so bring any food and water you might need.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the ruins of St. Begnet's Church, ancient carvings, abundant wildlife like seals, goats, and birds, and beautiful coastal scenery.
Yes, Dalkey Island is a significant site for birdlife, with conservation efforts underway to protect nesting birds.
Yes, swimming is possible off the pier. The water can be shallow but warms up nicely in the summer months.
You can expect to see numerous seals, wild goats, various bird species, and rabbits.
Absolutely, Dalkey Island makes for a fantastic and unique day trip, offering a sense of escape and discovery.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the seal colonies, the ancient church ruins, the wild goats, and the panoramic coastal views.
It's an excellent location for nature photography, with diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful golden hour shots of the island and its surroundings.
A versatile lens, perhaps a zoom lens, would be beneficial for capturing wildlife from a distance and wider landscape shots.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of the natural environment and any wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit