Loreto Abbey occupies a large nineteenth-century building set in landscaped grounds on the hillside above Dalkey village. Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Loreto, it is still in use as a Catholic secondary school for girls, and the grounds — closed to the public during term — have a fine collection of mature trees and a long view down to the harbour.
The abbey is worth a glance for its Gothic Revival silhouette, especially from Coliemore Road, where the steeple rises behind a screen of pines. The Sunday morning service in the school chapel is occasionally open to visitors.