The Queens Dalkey – Divine Dining in Dublin ‘Fit for a King’

The Queens Dalkey

What do you think of when you think of Dalkey in Co. Dublin? Coliemore Harbour perhaps? Did you know it’s one of Ireland’s oldest harbours and dates back to the 13th century.


The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Colliemore Harbour Harbour


Or maybe it’s Dalkey Quarry and its panoramic views of Dublin city and Dublin Bay? A walk here and onto Killiney Hill is a must, but we’ll talk about that another time.

The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Dalkey Quarry


No … how about Dalkey Castle? Did you know that Dalkey Castle is ‘one of the seven fortified town houses/castles of Dalkey. The castles were built to store the goods which were offloaded in Dalkey during the Middle Ages, when Dalkey acted as the port for Dublin.’ dalkeycastle.com

The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Dalkey Castle


Or perhaps it’s the small town of Dalkey itself? With its meandering Castle Street that can feel, at just the right time in the evening, like a glorious film set, with its abundance of artisan food stores, glowing street lamps and fine establishments to wine and dine to your heart’s content. It really is simple to understand why this picturesque ancient port town is so popular with creatives.

And that brings us to The Queens Dalkey, because along with the aforementioned reasons to visit Dalkey, The Queens Dalkey will be one fine reason I’ll be returning.


The Queens Dalkey Bar & Restaurant

Dating back to 1745, I know because it says so on the wall, The Queens Dalkey has in recent months, to the delight of locals and regulars, reopened its doors for business. And the celebration isn’t unjustified because not only have the lights been turned on but the establishment as a whole has undergone an extensive refurbishment. And a glamourous one at that, where a nod to the queens can be found on every wall.


The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - The Queens Bar and Restaurant


The Queens Dalkey Interiors

Elegantly furnished with a colour palette that’s regally chic and adorned with the style of lighting that makes even your bad hair day look like a good hair day, both the bar and lounge of The Queens Dalkey is spacious and comfortable.


The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Newly Renovated


Wine and dine in the lounge or take a seat at one of the high tables by the wrap-around bar. Prefer to sit outdoors, there’s a courtyard too.


The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - The Bar


Modern Art and historical interior design features go hand in hand, tastefully, and there’s a feeling of warmth when you settle down to enjoy it all.


The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Open Fire Place


The Queens adorning the walls of The Queens Dalkey are the queens of our lives past, present and future. They’re passionate, exciting, powerful and creative, fun and mischievous … what Gráinne Mhaol might have been like, and sure enough there’s a nod to the pirate queen, with her flowing red hair keeping a watch behind the bar.



The Queens Dalkey – Divine Dining in Dublin ‘Fit for a King’

And so I’ve set the scenes of The Queens, but what about the dining that’s ‘fit for a king’? Well let me tell you something, this article is, from now until its end a picture diary of our dining experience because I will let the dishes of the extremely talented, justifiably award-winning Head Chef Michael Morrisroe do the talking.

My goodness he is a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen as plate after plate was a feast for the eyes and the belly. With a curriculum vitae that includes The Strawberry Tree in Co. Wicklow and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud in Dublin City, sound the fanfare that Chef Michael Morrisroe has returned from London to create for The Queens Dalkey a divine dining menu that features delicious flavours using some of the best Irish produce around.


The Queens Dalkey Dining Experience Photo Diary

But first drinks. As the boys were with us, and Patrick was driving we decided to go let them go all out on the hard stuff – blackcurrant cordial. Patrick couldn’t speak highly enough on his choice of mocktail the ‘Mango Mule – fresh cucumber, honey syrup,
mango puree, ginger beer & fresh lime‘. I thoroughly enjoyed my ‘Aperol Spritz – Aperol, prosecco, soda water & fresh Orange’.

The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Cocktails and Mocktails


The Queens Dalkey Tapas

We were absolutely spoilt by Chef Michael who not only prepared tapas from the Autumn menu of Tapas and Starters but also a number of previews from the new Winter Menu – menus change seasonally along with the local Irish produce available.

These tapas, along with our mains and desserts were like works of art, from a coral reef to a forest floor. The flavours, the textures and the aromas had us, upon leaving, making plans to return.

The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Seafood Tapas - Crabmeat, King Prawn, Salmon


  • Warm Cured Salmon smoked yogurt & brown bread
  • King Prawn Tempura chilli & lime aioli
  • Fresh Crab Salad with avocado, seaweed, apple, seaweed & squid ink tuile


The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Oyster Mushroom, Pork and Onion Croquettes, Mackerel on Toast


  • Pork and Onion croquettes
  • Oyster mushroom with Caramelized Onion
  • Butterflied Mackerel, dill & lemon butter sauce on toast


The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Venison Bonbon, Pulled Pork and Terrine


  • Venison Bonbon black garlic
  • Crispy Slow Cooked Pork Belly, miso & spring onion
  • Ham Hock Terrine, caramelised apple, Madeira jelly, chutney puree & house sourdough


The Queens Mains


The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Venison Steak


  • Venison with Blackberries and Skin-On Chips

The Queens Kids Menu


Of course the boys were catered for with delicious ‘Real Chicken Goujons and house chips’ and ‘Cod, house chips and peas’, and a ‘Dark Chocolate Brownie’ and ice cream. Living the life!


The Queens Desserts

The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Salted Caramel Panna Cotta


Our beautiful desserts.

  • Salted Caramel Panna Cotta toffee popcorn, hazelnut & yuzu
  • An Edible Forest Floor with Irish strawberries and mini donuts


The Queens Dalkey - Divine Dining in Dublin 'Fit for a King' - Forest Dessert


The Queens Dalkey is a dining experience highlight for me as I really wasn’t expecting it. Yes, I had read about Michael’s experience prior to our invite and I knew we were in for a treat but I was really blown away. Chef Michael Morrisroe is certainly a talent to watch and his journey ahead will be an exciting one.

Our experience at The Queens Dalkey was thoroughly enjoyable, from the warm greeting we welcomed from manager Eoin, to the service we received from all the staff throughout our visit. And we even had the pleasure of meeting Chef Morrisroe who was as warm and inviting as his edible creations.

We plan on visiting again with the boys in the coming weeks – we’ll work up a hunger exploring Dalkey Quarry and Killiney Hill beforehand.

And both Patrick and I really look forward to planning a romantic getaway to Dalkey soon too … for some fine divine dining ‘fit for a king’ at The Queens Dalkey.

For more on The Queens Dalkey, to book or drool over the menu visit: thequeens.ie


Further Reading: The Life of Stuff – Travel the Island of Ireland


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