My plans were noble for this Sunday. I was going to visit the Irish Jewish Museum on the South Circular Road. Sadly, by the time I had pulled myself together it was already 3pm – and almost closing time.

Wanting to have a somewhat productive Sunday I decided that a coastal walk would be an enjoyable alternative excursion. I had once heard loose talk in some sleazy tavern, that the Dalkey to Killiney coast walk was a  pleasant stroll.

Across the river I trotted to  get the DART train from Pearse Station to Dalkey.

I’ve been through Dalkey before, en route to Bray and Greystones, but I didn’t know anything specific about it. Aside from the fact that it is a deeply exclusive neighbourhood, to which gurriers from Limerick are probably rare visitors.

The train journey, as always, was breathtakingly beautiful. It runs along the coastline. It’s no accident that the DART along the coast is a regular participant in articles about the ‘World’s loveliest rail journeys’.

Exiting the station I noticed a sign for Dalkey Castle.

A castle?

Seeing as I had only that morning finished ‘Wolf Hall’ by Hilary Mantel, about Henry VIII’s dastardly plan to offload his long suffering first wife Katharine of Aragon for that scheming floozy Ann Boleyn, I was in the mood for a castle.

As a castle. You get a living history guided tour of it, with actors in costumes explaining the history and traditions of the place. It was informative and entertaining.

Afterwards I wandered down to the harbour which give a gorgeous view of Dalkey Island and its martello tower.

Then out along the coast to Killiney.

The views are stunning.

A very lovely afternoon in a very picturesque seaside village.

I could live there.