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Malahide Castle & Gardens: A Coastal Fortress with Centuries of History

Explore a medieval castle with centuries of history, surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, just a short trip from Dublin.

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Malahide Castle & Gardens, located in the coastal town of Malahide, near Dublin, is an estate encompassing a castle with parts dating back to the 12th century, extensive gardens, and parkland. Home to the Talbot family for nearly 800 years (1185-1976), the castle offers guided tours, showcasing its architecture, period furniture, and art. The gardens feature diverse plant collections, including a butterfly house and walled garden.

A brief summary to Malahide Castle & Gardens

  • Back Rd, Malahide, Malahide Demesne, Co. Dublin, IE
  • Visit website
  • Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Pre-booking tickets online is recommended, especially during peak season, to ensure availability for castle tours.
  • Allow at least two hours to fully explore the castle, gardens, and grounds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the castle grounds and garden paths.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as parts of the visit are outdoors.
  • Consider taking the DART or bus from Dublin to avoid parking hassles, especially during busy times.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Dublin city center, take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) train to Malahide Station. The train journey takes approximately 30 minutes, with trains departing frequently. From Malahide Station, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to Malahide Castle. Alternatively, Dublin Bus routes 32 and 42 also connect Dublin city center with Malahide village, with a bus stop less than 200 meters from the castle. A single bus fare is approximately €3. A round trip DART ticket is about €6.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Dublin Airport, a taxi or ride-sharing service to Malahide Castle takes approximately 10 minutes. The estimated cost is between €20-€30. From Dublin city center, the journey is approximately 25 minutes, with an estimated cost of €30-€40.

  • Walking

    From Malahide village, follow the signs to Malahide Castle. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. The route is mostly flat and accessible.

Unlock the Best of Malahide Castle & Gardens

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Discover more about Malahide Castle & Gardens

Malahide Castle & Gardens, set on 260 acres of parkland in the coastal town of Malahide, near Dublin, is a historic estate that has evolved over centuries. The castle, with its oldest sections dating back to the 12th century, was the residence of the Talbot family from 1185 to 1976. The Talbot family's history is intertwined with the castle's walls. Richard Talbot was granted the lands in 1185 by King Henry II. Except for a brief period during the Cromwellian conquest, the family continuously occupied the castle for 791 years. The castle's architecture reflects various periods, with significant enlargements in the 15th and 18th centuries. Inside, visitors can explore the Great Hall, Oak Room, and other rooms filled with period furniture and Irish portrait paintings. The Great Hall features a painting depicting the Battle of the Boyne, a poignant reminder of the family's losses. The Talbot Botanic Gardens showcase the passion of Lord Milo Talbot, a plant collector. The gardens feature a walled garden, glasshouses, and diverse plant species from around the world. The butterfly house is home to hundreds of butterflies. The grounds also include the ruins of an old abbey. Today, Malahide Castle & Gardens is a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours, exhibitions, and events. Visitors can explore the castle's history, stroll through the gardens, and enjoy the parkland.

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