Malahide Castle was built in 1185 and it is still an interesting historical attraction today. One of the oldest castles in Ireland, this fortress and private home in Dublin remained in the hands of the same family until 1975. The reign of the Talbot family is one of the longest and most significant in Ireland. Today, visitors can take a Malahide Castle tour and enjoy wandering the 250 acres of parkland and its pretty seaside location. Take the time to leave the center of Dublin, and you will be rewarded by this incredible historic attraction.

A Malahide Castle tour is available year-round. The hours do change slightly in the off-peak season of October through March, when the castle opens at 11 am instead of 10 am on Sundays. Regular hours are 10 am to 5 pm seven days a week. The last tour of the day takes place 30 minutes before closing. Admission prices vary, and discounts are available for children or with a group family ticket. Audio tours offer a great opportunity for learning about the more than 800-year-old castle and are available in a variety of languages as well.

If you plan on visiting many of Dublin’s top attractions, including Kilmainham Gaol, the Guinness Storehouse, and Dublin Castle, it may be worth investigating a Dublin Pass. This one card costs 16 euro per day, and is accepted at a variety of attractions for free entry. Other perks include skipping lines and transportation, including a free ride on the Aircoach from the airport. Dublin Pass is accepted at Malahide Castle, so take advantage of this opportunity to save some money on attractions during your trip to the Irish capital city.

Dublin Map

This castle in Dublin endured some of the darkest periods of Irish history. From 1649 through 1660 the Talbot family was evicted from their home by Oliver Cromwell, who gave the fortress to Miles Corbet. After the fall of Cromwell, Corbet was hanged at the castle and it was restored to the Talbot family. During the Battle of the Boyne, in 1690, fourteen members of the Talbot family were killed, but the estate survived. During a Malahide Castle tour, these intriguing stories and more are revealed. Your tour of this castle in Dublin will also offer details about the five ghosts who are said to still haunt it, including that of Miles Corbet.

Malahide Castle also has a model railway that is one of the world’s largest miniature railways. The collection is from the 1920s and 1930s and is an impressive site for train enthusiasts and visitors who come to learn about the history. The Fry Model Railway is a separate admission price however, so some people skip this exhibit in favor of spending more time in the castle in Dublin. Other attractions within the complex are the Talbot Botanic Gardens, a craft shop, restaurant, and tea rooms. Located a short walk away from the Malahide train station, it is possible for this attraction to be reached by public transportation as well as by car. This historic attraction is one not to be missed during your trip to Ireland—especially on a sunny day.