Dalkey is the original home town of two well-known Irish writers, novelist Maeve Binchy and playwright Hugh Leonard. It is also the setting for many of Flann O'Brien's writings, notably The Dalkey Archive. In recent years, Dalkey developed a reputation as Dublin's Beverley Hills when several well-known Irish and international figures bought property there during the 1990s, such as Meg Murphy, U2 members Bono and The Edge, Enya the reclusive celtic music artist, and musicians Chris de Burgh and Van Morrison. Film director Neil Jordan lives in the town while Formula One drivers Damon Hill and Eddie Irvine used to live in Dalkey.
Dalkey people, however, are known for their discretion, and their habit of sending photographers interested in snapping its more famous inhabitants, on wild goose chases.