The majestic Malahide Castle is truly a sight to behold. Within its walls, it holds an impressive 800 years of history just waiting to be discovered. The castle and its gardens were created in a medieval-style that is not only evident from the outside but from the ornate interior too. Visiting the Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland is an absolute must when you’re in the area. Many generations of the Talbot family called this estate their home, so there’s plenty of history and stories to be discovered.  Malahide Castle is definitely one of the more unique things to do in and around Dublin and it’s actually not too far away from City Centre. We’ve put together all the important information on visiting Malahide Castle, from its history and how to get there, to where to stay. Don’t miss this castle on your Dublin travels!

How To Get To Malahide Castle

The easiest way to get to Malahide Castle is from Dublin City Centre, or from Dublin Airport. The castle is just a 10-minute drive from Dublin airport or a 25-minute drive from the 20 Activities in Dublin (That Don’t Involve Drinking). If you’re renting a car then don’t be concerned about parking. There’s plenty on-site, and best of all, it’s absolutely free. If you’re coming directly from the airport, there’s a bus route that links directly to Malahide village via route 102. If you’re taking public transport from the city centre, then be sure to take bus routes 32 and 42, which depart from Talbot Street. These connect the city centre to Malahide village. Once you arrive in Malahide village, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the castle itself. 

History of Malahide Castle, Ireland

In 1185, King Henry II gifted the Malahide lands to his loyal subjectRichard Talbot. Ever since, the village of Malahide and the Talbot family have been intricately linked. Generations of the Talbot family lived in the castle for an incredible 800 years, giving it a great many stories to tell. The original castle built on the Malahide Castle grounds was actually a wooden fortress, which was then transformed into a stone structure on the very same spot as the castle stands today. Over many, many years, rooms were added and of course, fortified until the castle took on the form it possesses now. The family dwelled peacefully in the castle for 800 years, with the exception of a brief interruption between 1649 and 1660. This is when the castle was seized by Cromwellian soldiers. During that period the castle was occupied by the Lord Chief Baron of Ireland, Myles Corbet.  Lord Milo Talbot was the final Baron of Malahide, who lived in the castle until his passing in 1973. Rose, the baron’s sister then inherited the castle beforeselling it to the Irish State in 1975.  Over the years, this castle near Dublin, Ireland has played an important role in political and social events. As well as welcoming local and international honorary guests.

What Can You Expect to See at Malahide Castle in Dublin

The Talbot family spent centuries collecting and curating the incredible collections of art and furniture that can be seen in the castle today. It’s an exciting and unique glimpse into the life of Irish nobility.  Expect to spend your time admiring the masterpieces that are hung up all around the house. Marvel at the antique furniture and see the famed Talbot coat of arms in every form. See the many portraits of those who once lived in the castle, and take a peek into some of the master bedrooms. You’ll also get to explore the Victorian-style nursery and its vintage toy collection. Take a stroll around the beautifully manicured gardens while soaking in the floral scents.

Malahide Castle Tour

If you’d like to visitcastles near Dublin, then the grand Malahide Castle is the perfect one. You can purchase an entrance ticket and wander the gardens yourself. This is a great option for those who like to remain a little more independent during their travels.  However, taking a guided tour allows you to see all the ins and outs of the place while learning about the land’s rich history. You may even be introduced to the infamous castle ghost. Here are two of the best tour options for the Malahide Castle.

Malahide Castle and Gardens Entrance Ticket

On thisMalahide Castle tour, take your time exploring the 260-acre gardens. With rolling green lawns, ivy creepers, and the castle’s own collection of wildlife, you’re sure not to be disappointed. Spend time in its very special walled-off botanical garden if you’re looking for something a little more magical. You’ll then be taken on a guided tour of the majestic castle – one of Ireland’s oldest. On this guided tour you’ll learn about the intricate history of the castle, as well as the events that shaped its surrounding area. A tour of the cast costs about €12 and a tour of the gardens is about €8. 

Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour

If you’re looking for something a little extra, then thefull-day Howth and Malahide Castle tour is the perfect one for you. On this tour, you’ll not only witness the magnificence of Malahide Castle but of the beautiful Dublin North Bay too.  After exploring the castle, take some time to wander through Howth’s very own fisherman’s village and stop off for lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll also get the option to take a 1-hour walk to Howth Cliffs if you’d like to witness more breathtaking scenery. This 15 Best Dublin Tours: Food, Culture and More! offers more than just a castle tour, so it comes highly recommended.

Where to Stay Near Malahide Castle 

If your main goal is to visit Malahide, Dublin, then it’s important to stay somewhere nearby. It’s also a good spot to stay if you don’t want to be in the City Centre. Whether you’re interested in a grand hotel experience, or just looking for budget accommodation, there are plenty of options in Malahide. 

Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel offers its guests 4-star accommodation half a kilometre away from Malahide Castle. It has exquisite views of the surrounding landscape, as well as providing its guests with great facilities. Take full advantage of the gym, indoor swimming pool, and the spa and steam rooms.  Each room contains satellite TV, its own tea and coffee facility, as well as an en-suite bathroom. A buffet breakfast is served each morning, and there’s an on-site restaurant that offers the opportunity to dine-in in the evenings.

Castle Lodge B&B

TheCastle Lodge B&B is a little more understated with a much more homely atmosphere. It’s located under a kilometre from Malahide Castle and provides the perfect place for a quaint getaway. The B&B is run by a friendly family who ensures you are hooked up to the WiFi at all times and filled to the brim with good food.  Each room has a satellite TV, coffee and tea making facilities, and an en-suite bathroom. In the mornings you’ll have the option to choose between an Irish or continental breakfast, and you can make use of the on-site barbecue facilities throughout the day.  Just a 3-minutes drive away from the B&B, you’ll find some of Malahides finest shops, pubs and restaurants at your convenience. 

Castle Island

Castle Island offers a unique “home away from home” type accommodation just 0.7 kilometres from Malahide Castle. There are great hiking spots nearby and beautiful gardens to explore. You’ll have the private accommodation to yourself, which leaves you free to use the kitchen facilities, as well as the outdoor barbecue facilities as you please. This is a great option if you’re travelling with a family unit or a group of friends, as there are a few rooms in the house, and you’ll have it all to yourselves. 

Maldron Hotel

If you don’t need to be in the immediate vicinity of Malahide Castle, thenMaldron Hotel is a great option. It’s a 4-star hotel that operates a 24-hour shuttle service for its guests, to and from the airport.  The rooms are stylish and air-conditioned with their own private bathroom. There are coffee and tea making facilities, satellite TVs, and WiFi in every room. There’s an on-site restaurant that offers magnificent food and the bar serves light refreshments. A full buffet breakfast is served at the restaurant every morning, with an a la carte dinner menu.

Clayton Hotel

TheClayton Hotel is located just 6.1 kilometres away from the Malahide Castle, making it the perfect short drive away. The hotel offers a 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport (which is just a 10-minute drive away).  Each room comes with complimentary WiFi and it’s own underground parking bay for travellers who have rented a vehicle. There are satellite TVs, en-suite bathrooms and tea and coffee making facilities in every single room.  A traditional Irish breakfast is served every morning, and a carvery lunch anda la cartedinner are served later on in the day. The on-site restaurant also offers delicious wood-fired pizza. 

Wrapping Up Your Visit to Malahide Castle

Now that you know what to expect from a visit to the exceptional Malahide Castle, you can start booking your exciting tours and accommodation.  Whether you’re spending theweekend in Dublin, or an entire week, a visit to this incredible castle in Dublin, Ireland is sure to make your trip all the more interesting.