Hollywood actor Matt Damon is returning to Dalkey this summer… well, kind of

Matt Damon and his SuperValu bag is one of the pervading images of summer 2020. An honorary Dalkey man, locals adopted the star as one of their own after it was discovered that he was seeing lockdown out in the South Dublin village. Hiding away in a secluded €8 million property while filming for the movie The Last Duel in Ireland, his visit coincided with the onset of strict level five restrictions across the country. Instead of jetting off back to the US as most expected him to, Matt Damon chose to ride the quarantine wave out here instead. Much to our delight, I might add.

Spotted out and about from time to time – be that at The Corner Note grabbing a cuppa, or down by the seafront (the SuperValu bag containing wet togs/towels and not cans as some like to suggest) – he tended to keep to himself for the most part. Unsurprisingly, the whole country went mad upon hearing such Hollywood elite was living, breathing and sleeping amongst us. However, eager as we were to catch a glimpse of the actor, we were equally keen to protect him. So much so that a New York Times Facebook post looking for dirt was met with much ado about nothing – the general consensus being to “leave him alone”.

Leaving Ireland around the end of May last year, it’s safe to say that we were all very sad to see him go. But ever hopeful that he’d soon come back, it sounds like our prayers have been answered and Matt Damon will be returning to Dalkey once again… well, kind of.

Set to join the exciting line-up for this year’s Dalkey Book Festival, organisers confirmed that the Good Will Hunting star will be amongst one of the guest speakers at this year’s event. Streaming from the Martello Tower in Dalkey, the virtual event will see the actor chat to David McWilliams about a number of things – the most important of all being “lockdown in fairy-tale Dalkey, and his love of Ireland”.

Other guests already confirmed to speak at the festival include President Michael D Higgins, author Isabel Allende and Professor Brian Cox. Running over three days from June 18 to June 20, weekend tickets cost €50 and give you exclusive access to all 23 events organised as part of the festival. Attendees will also be able to rewatch all of the content for up to 30 days afterwards. You can find out more and buy your tickets here.

Feature image via @mummycooks