Just north of Dublin sits a beautiful castle and gardens in Malahide. Parts of the castle date back to the 12th century, filling the place with historical significance. The visitor center offers a small museum store along with the ticket counter. A cute and cozy Avoca shop and cafe sells great Irish products and is a wonderful place to stop in for coffee and cuisine before or after your visit to the castle. The castle visits are by guided tour and you can click here for more information on tickets. The tour itself lasts around 45 minutes or so. Malahide Castle is easily accessible by bus or the Dart train and there is also plenty of parking if you prefer to drive.
This is one of the first castles I visited in Ireland. For me it is magical walking toward the castle and seeing something that looks as if it were taken from the pages of a fairytale. The ivy and trees climbing the facade of the castle give it a fanciful presence. While Malahide isn’t a huge castle, it is chocked full of charm!
I truly enjoyed the tour of this castle and learning about its history. Stunning furniture and artifacts grace the castle from different time periods. My favorite room was comprised of intricately carved wooden walls. Numerous portraits of the Talbot family adorn the walls. This family owned the castle for close to 800 years. The tours are so interesting that I have been twice. Each tour guide told different stories about the castle and the ghosts that are said to roam the halls and rooms. I heard a sad tale from my guides about a jester named Puck and the mysterious White Lady. While one of my kids was hoping to see a ghost, I was relieved that none of the 5 spirits who haunt the castle made an appearance during my visits!
Besides the amazing history and beautiful stone, Malahide Castle comes with a fantastic bonus! Outside the Visitor center, you can visit a butterfly house and majestic gardens. Take your time strolling around at a leisurely pace! There is a charming walled garden, a small greenhouse and many different flowers and trees to enjoy.
