Malahide Castle

Tourist Information

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Set in two hundred and fifty acres of verdant park land, Malahide Castle spent almost eight hundred years serving as a fortress and private home to the Talbot family. Their reign in the castle came to an end only in 1973, when the last of the Lords Talbot passed away. Today, Malahide Castle is considered one of Dublin’s premier tourist attractions, and is great fun for the whole family.

Located in the seaside town of Malahide, you will find that Malahide Castle is easily reached by rental car, and is well worth the drive to get there. There is parking available, so a hired car is a sensible choice if you plan to make an afternoon of it, and perhaps explore the surrounding area as well. The house is furnished exquisitely, featuring numerous portraits, period furniture and Talbot family portraits in the Great Hall, chronicling the family history of the home’s original owners. As with many long family histories there are tragedies and triumphs alike, and many come to hear the stories recited.

Many also come to attend private banquets held in the hall, or to take one of the numerous tours available. These are offered in eight different languages, English inclusive, and once you have completed your tour you may want to stop by the craft shop, or perhaps even grab a bite in the castle restaurant.

Also located in Malahide Castle is the world-renowned Tara’s Palace, considered to be one of the “world’s most significant” doll houses. Ron and Doreen McDonnell drew inspiration from Sir Neville Wilkinson's 1907 Titania’s Palace, and began in 1980 to attempt to recapture some of the “spirit and purpose” of Sir Neville with the creation of Tara’s Palace.

Another renowned feature of the castle grounds is the Talbot Botanical Gardens, which were created by the last Lord Talbot over the period of 1948 and 1973. They cover somewhere between seven and eight hectares, with an impressive one and a half hectares of walled-in gardens, and deserve a judicious look. With bars, restaurants and B&Bs in Malahide a plenty, this seaside town has much to offer.