Dalkey Island

Heading over to Dalkey Island with my brother Jim and our daughters Sarah and Debbie. They decided to bring us over and out to dinner afterwards as a treat for Father's Day (which was a couple of weeks ago). Debbie said there is only so many shirts and ties you can buy so her and Sarah decided to do something different. Despite living close to Dalkey Island I had never been out on it. I have been on the Blasket and Aran Islands but never on the one near to home.

The 25-acre island is currently uninhabited but there is evidence of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period.
The remains of field systems, a church dedicated to Saint Benedict, a cairn burial, a gun battery which had three 24 pound guns and the Martello tower still exist.
There are two holy wells, one on the western shoreline is known locally as the "Scurvy Well" and is located within a surrounding stone structure. The well near the church was claimed in the 19th century to be efficacious in treating ophthalmic complaints.
There is also a bullaun stone formed from an earthbound boulder. This may have been used as a pagan altar as it was 'Christianised' in the 7th century by carving an early Christian cross on the face. This lies close to the remains of the church.

At the northern extremity of the Island there is evidence of a deep ditch or fosse that was the boundary of a medieval promontory fort. Located less than 300 metres off the mainland, the island comprises 9 hectares (22 acres). From Bulloch Harbour, it is possible to visit the island. Also a regular ferry operates from Coliemore Harbour Irish: Caladh Mor meaning 'Big Harbour', during the summer months.