Dalkey Island separates from the Borough of Dún Laoghaire to be ruled by King John The Good.
In an annual, honorary, light-hearted tradition, Dalkey Island becomes a monarchy splitting from the Dún Laoghaire Borough. The custom dates from around 1788 when to poke fun at the government of the day, bookseller and pawnbroker Stephen Armitage proclaimed Dalkey Island as his Kingdom. He gave himself the mock title King Stephen the First, King of Dalkey, Emperor of the Muglins, Prince of the Holy Island of Magee, and Elector of Lambay and Ireland's Eye, Defender of his own Faith and Respecter of all others, and Sovereign of the Most Illustrious Order of the Lobster and the Periwinkle.
The custom of appointing a King of Dalkey Island died out but was revived in 1933. A leading figure in the entertainment world usually qualifies for the title and former Kings have included Jimmy O'Dea and Noel Purcell.
In 1969 the Dalkey Festival is held in conjunction with the coronation of the King of Dalkey Island. The playwright and broadcaster John O'Donovan is crowned King John The Good. The monarch walks in a procession followed by his loyal subjects and attended by his retinue.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 June 1969. The footage shown here is mute.
