aCheevers: Dalkey Castle AKA Cheevers Castle
If you have a spare Saturday or Sunday and would like the chance to experience a bit of Dublin heritage and culture (or indeed maybe you have friends visiting who hail from beyond the Emerald Isle and would enjoy a historical retreat) I recommend a visit to Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre!
Granted, I have just recently discovered it is the home of my ancestors, so I know I'm slightly biased (!) but as this was a new revelation to me and my family - we decided to delight in a surprise Saturday afternoon birthday celebration in Dalkey for my father's 60th (C'mon, when you discover links to a royal bloodline you've got to celebrate!) and I have to say we discovered it certainly was worth the time and money. 
Situated on the main street in Dalkey (otherwise known as Castle Street), the 14th Century Castle site is easily accessible by train, bus (number 8 from Parnell Square) or car - there is a car park located opposite the castle - so you should have no trouble finding it!
The tour itself kicks off with a short but elaborative video on the history of the castle and you soon learn the Cheevers family lived there for a number of centuries when it was known then and still is, as "Goat Castle".
Cheevers is originally a French name which comes from the French word chevre meaning "goat", surprise! The red flag that flies above the castle displays three goats representing the heritage and name. 
After the initial surprise for my Dad that his sisters and their families came along to visit the castle too (shock), we all sat down to watch the introduction video.
After this we were greeted by the actors dressed in Tudor gear who delectably spoke in the language of the time referring to us as "M'Lord" and "M'Lady".
In contrast to our giggly amusement, they were exceptionally good actors and didn't break character for a moment! We were later taken up a winding stairway to the Barber-Surgeon's room - Apparently in 1540 the infamous Henry the VIII combined the trades of Barber and Surgeon! Here we took photos of the merchant trying to extract my cousin Louise's teeth (I think she's trying to stop laughing in the picture) and he also tried to demonstrate some bizarre surgery on my uncle Colm! My cousin Tanya also spent time head and foot-locked into the stocks (good sport!) while my little darling Alex had a curious then startled peep through the head lock! (see below) We also met Rupert the Archer who explained how they hunted prey and showed us how they prepared meals back in the day while also bringing us upstairs again to lookout over Dalkey from the top of the castle..
Overall a very interesting tour, which runs every half hour. At only €6 per adult and €4 per child admission fee, it is not a bad way to spend a family afternoon..