Dalkey (/ˈdɔːki/ DAW-kee; Irish: Deilginis, meaning 'thorn island') is a village in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown county southeast of Dublin, Ireland.

[2] One of Dublin's wealthiest districts,[3][4][5] it has been home to writers, artists, and celebrities,[6] including George Bernard Shaw,[7] Jane Emily Herbert, Julius Olsson, Maeve Binchy, Robert Fisk,[8] and Hugh Leonard.

[10] Along the coast are a natural harbour at Bullock, a couple of small inlets, Sorrento Point just east of the town proper, and the northern part of Killiney Bay.

The channel between Dalkey Island and the mainland provided ideal conditions for unloading galleons carrying heavy cargo due to its depth (relative to Dublin Bay) and its sheltered position.

[12] The treacherous shallows of Dublin Bay prevented direct shipments into the city centre, making Dalkey an ideal access point for trade.

[12] Although seven 15th–16th-century castles were originally built in the area, by 1837 it was noted (in Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland) that: Four of its ancient castles have been entirely destroyed, and the remains of three others which have been long dismantled, convey striking indications of their former importance; one has been converted into a private dwelling, another is used as a store, and the third as a carpenters shop.

[14] Birdwatch Ireland have established a colony of Roseate Terns on Maiden Rock just north of Dalkey Island.

Festival contributors have included Salman Rushdie, Amos Oz, Seamus Heaney, Edna O'Brien, Roddy Doyle, Maeve Binchy, Joseph O'Connor, Tim Pat Coogan, Derek Landy, Jennifer Johnston, Robert Fisk and Dawn O'Porter.

[citation needed] The village also hosts the Dalkey Lobster Festival in late August, which "showcases local seafood and global jazz musicians".

The station is served by the DART electric rail system which affords quick access to and from Dublin city centre.

[citation needed] An Aircoach service with a stop at Hyde Road links the area with Dublin Airport.

Go-Ahead Ireland and Dublin Bus services 7D (only operates early morning), 59 and 111 link the area with the nearby seaside town of Dún Laoghaire and the city centre.

Dalkey is the original hometown of several Irish writers including novelists Maeve Binchy and playwright Hugh Leonard.

[citation needed] Well-known Irish and international music figures — including Chris de Burgh and Lisa Stansfield — have also had residences in the area.

[23] The full title given was "His Facetious Majesty, King of Dalkey, Emperor of the Muglins, Prince of the Holy Island of Magee, Elector of Lambay and Ireland's Eye, Defender of his own Faith and Respecter of All Others, Sovereign of the Illustrious Order of the Lobster and Periwinkle".

[27] While the current custom is dated to 1787,[23] local tradition also holds that a Hugh Dempsey had been crowned "King of Dalkey" about 1780.