The beautiful seaside town that 'kicked out Starbucks' where independent shops thrive

To those who have never been to the stunning seaside village of Dalkey in south Dublin, perhaps Hollywood star Matt Damon summed it up best.

He stayed there in 2020 when filming The Last Duel and when asked about his temporary new home in Ireland, he said: "Oh, it is incredible. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. I mean, it is just absolutely gorgeous." Lavishing further praise, he told radio station Spin 1038: "Even in the lockdown when they were like 'you've got to stay within 2km of your house'...

"I mean 2km here there are trees and forests and woods and ocean. I can't think of any place you would rather want to be in a 2km radius of. It is a little like a fairy tale here."

If you add 13km to this radius, you will reach Dublin's city center, and people can travel there via the DART train. Bono lives in Killiney, just south of Dalkey, and other famous residents include Van Morrison.

However, while the pretty and sleepy seaside town by Dublin's coastline, often dubbed the "Amalfi Coast of Ireland", is hugely desirable to tourists and is a haven for famous faces, there is one thing you will not find there - a Starbucks.

This may be surprising to many who expect to see a Starbucks in most popular towns, and the huge American company is marking 20 years of operating in Ireland this month.

There was once a Starbucks in Dalkey, back in 2008, but it closed just 13 months later, after locals boycotted it as a show of support to independent companies instead.

And speaking to the Irish Independent, Peter O'Donovan, who runs a specialist coffee shop with his wife called Pepper Laine just off the main street, said: "I don't think it suits the Dalkey image. I think they were too big for somewhere so small, and people say that it took from other businesses in the area."

He also said not having a Starbucks, which he believes tourists would naturally flock to for convenience, has helped the independent businesses during the summer seasons.

Away from coffee, the most popular tourist attraction there is Dalkey Castle which was built around 1390 and was used as a loading port during the Middle-Ages. It is now also home to a Writer's Gallery with exhibits on literary giants like James Joyce who lived close by.

History aside, the quaint town is also lined with narrow streets home to cafes, restaurants and quirky book shops.

It also boasts some picturesque walks that weave from the village all the way to the coast where locals often swim in the water.

And for anyone who is a bit more daring, there is a rock climbing centre at the old Dalkey Quarry by Killiney Hill, where adventurers get a unique view of Dublin city.

Tourists can also tour the bay and trips are available to nearby Dalkey Island where you will find seals, birds and wild goats - and maybe even the odd dolphin.

Pierce Brosnan, Mel Gibson and Russell Crowe are other big names who have rented in the area and in 2022 Harry Styles was pictured at the Vico Baths where he enjoyed a dip, much like Matt Damon did when he visited the swimming spot.