Malahide Castle Near Dublin
On day 5 of our driving tour of Ireland, we headed north from Dublin to Belfast. We stopped at Malahide Castle which was home to the Talbot family for 800 years. It is an imposing structure with castle towers and abundant lush gardens and woodlands.
You could have a delightful day outing from Dublin at the castle and gardens or just stay for a few hours as we did. There is a visitor’s center where you purchase tickets; it has exhibits, shops, and a café. It is famous for the Avoca Store where they have made world-famous throws since 1723.
Malahide Castle Gardens
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| Malahide Castle Gardens |
The castle is situated on 268 acres of woods and botanical gardens. The garden is large and very interesting with hundreds of different plants many from as far away as Australia and Chili brought there by the Talbot family members.
The garden is divided into two sections the main shrubbery called the West Lawn, and the Walled Garden. The Walled Garden has seven glasshouses to accommodate the more tender species of plants. Be sure to see the peaches’ greenhouse and a beautiful Victorian glasshouse.
The grounds provide a perfect place for a picnic lunch and there is plenty of room for the kids to run off some energy.
More Information: https://www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie
Malahide Castle Tour
Castle tours are given regularly and they begin in the downstairs of the oldest part of the castle. The walls are lined with exhibits describing the history of Malahide Castle and the Talbot family members. The Castle played an important part in Ireland’s defense against the English invasion.
The first stop on the tour is the Oak Room in the main section of the castle dating back to the 1500s. The oak panels are carved with designs and medieval life scenes. The tour also includes the small drawing-room, large drawing room decorated in Georgian style, a great hall with a resident ghost, library and 3 bedrooms.
The bedrooms include the main bedroom, a children’s room, and a lady’s’ bedroom. There is an elevator for handicap access. On the outside, you can see the bell tower and a large front lawn.
There are Abbey ruins of a pre-Norman church called St. Fenivus. The Abbey ruins were erected by the Talbots. Also on the grounds are abundant woodland trails where you will find many wildflowers, trees, and shrubs.
The Avoca Store offers world-famous woven throws, see www.avoca.ie.
Video of Malahide Castle and Gardens
The next stop is Howth, Ireland for lunch then onto Belfast.
See more Castles in Ireland, Buy a Pass and visit all the Shannon Heritage sites including:
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park – a 15thcentury castle, 19thcentury Bunratty Folk Park and Village Street. – County Clare, Ireland
Cliffs of Moher Center – Spectacular cliff scenery and views for the Atlantic Ocean. – County Clare, Ireland
Saint John’s Castle -A 13thCentury Castel featuring an imaginative exhibit and interpretation show. Excavated early Norman Houses, battlement, walks and more. -King’s Island, Limerick City, Ireland
Craggunowen – Reconstruction of a Bronze Age site with pre-historic dwellings, early Christian Ring Fort. Iron Age roadway and a replica of the Brendan Boat, a 6thcentury vessel. Plus a restored 16thcentury tower house. – Quin, County Clare, Ireland
Dunguaire Castle – A 16thCentury historic exhibition, on the shores of Galway Bay. Medieval banquets nightly throughout the summer. – Kinvara, County Galway, Ireland
Knappogue Castle and Walled Garden – A 15thcentury castle and beautifully restored gardens. Medieval banquets nightly in the summer. – Quin County Clare, Ireland
Newbridge House and Farm – Situated in North County Dublin, a fine Georgian house on 360 acres of parkland. – Hearse Road, Donabate, County Dublin, Ireland
Ardgillan Castle and Demesne – It is one of Ireland’s hidden gems set in spectacular parklands where you can view the Irish Sea. The castle is a large 18thcentury country style house with castellated embellishments. It includes a rose and walled garden. – Balbriggan, County Dublin, Ireland
Skerries Mills –It is a unique collection of windmills and watermill with millpond, millraces, and wetlands. Also, there is an industrial heritage museum showcasing wind and water energy. – Skerries, Fingal, County Dublin
