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All Ireland Dublin Dalkey Island
AO Edited

Dalkey Island

A tiny island off the coast of Dublin was once a pilgrimage site for the sick and the suffering.

Dublin, Ireland

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Corinne Edwards
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Remains of an old fort on Dalkey Island.   crayolabird / Atlas Obscura User
Seals seen from the ferry to Dalkey Island.   crayolabird / Atlas Obscura User
St. Begnet’s Church on Dalkey Island.   crayolabird / Atlas Obscura User
A short walk to St. Begnet’s Well on Dalkey Island.   crayolabird / Atlas Obscura User
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Dalkey Island is an uninhabited island off the coast of Dalkey, not too far from Dublin. Once a Viking outpost and later a Christian holy site, Dalkey has a long history of use. A short walk from the dock, there are the 7th century ruins of St Begnet's Church, and farther on, an old fort as well as a tower from the Napoleonic period. The island hosts wonderful rock scrambling and spectacular views.

There are rabbit holes and rabbits all over the island. One visitor claimed to have watched a rabbit scale a brick wall like some kind of vampire. A herd of goats live here, as well as numerous seals who occupy the rocks and the surrounding waters.

Walking along the shoreline closest to Dalkey, one can also find the ruins of St. Begnet’s Well. Ancient Christians would make a pilgrimage here to get healed by the waters.  It was also called "scurvy well" as it was rumored to provide relief from that ailment for sailors.

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Know Before You Go

To get here, google "Ken the Ferryman." Give him a call, and this ferryman meets you at Coliemore Harbor and takes you over in his boat. Once you are finished exploring, call him again to get a ride back. No services are available at all on the island. 

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April 24, 2025

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Vikings Holy Wells Islands
Dalkey Island
Dublin
Ireland
53.271622, -6.084856

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