Living History

The Living History tour takes the form of a Live Performance/show every half hour. Deilg Inis Living History Theatre Company is a professional Theatre Company based in Dalkey. They have been engaged at Dalkey Castle for six years now. The Tudor actors play their parts and stay in character through thick and thin. The conceit is that the characters all work in Goat Castle (as Dalkey Castle was called then) in the 1500s. They vividly describe their chores and their daily lives. Their stories will enlighten and entertain you. Great family fun day out!

The Performance

The first character you will meet on your visit to Dalkey Castle is Thomas (or Elizabeth), who has been cruelly murdered by one of the residents of the Castle. As visitors, you are asked to look for clues as to how this dastardly deed was carried out and by whom!

In the 10th century Graveyard, THE GHOST of Thomas or Elizabeth will show you one of the ancient yew trees of Ireland. The wood of the yew tree is used by the Archer to makes his longbow. You will also see the Church of Saint Begnet, where you are invited to make a wish and leave all your troubles behind you. Lastly, you can see a rare Tau Cross, known as 'the cross of the Old Testament' and an ancient symbol of hope.

THE MERCHANT, Master or Mistress Henry Walshe will confront you at the door of the Castle. He/she will boast of the Murder Hole and Murder Room that defends the Castle from invaders. Mention is sure to be made of King Henry VIII of England and his six wives and the great admiration the Walshes have for him. The Master/Mistress also displays the tools of the in-house Barber Surgeon. Tooth extractions and urine samples abound! You may hear his/her version of how Thomas/Elizabeth died.

THE ARCHER, Rupert, may be called. You will be shown how food is prepared for a feast, and how the garderobe is used for ablutions. Rupert's skill with the longbow is demonstrated as he shows you the sea and countryside from the battlements of the Castle.

Before you depart the Castle, you are asked to piece together the puzzle of THE GHOST OF DALKEY CASTLE.
See also Schools Programme for more characters.

Contact Dalkey Castle for more information on Living History

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