MALAHIDE CASTLE & GARDENS
Remarkable castle, one of the oldest in Ireland, with sumptuous gardens, a former home of the Talbot family.
Malahide Castle is one of the oldest castles in Ireland and a must-see in the Dublin area. From 1185 to 1975, it was the home of the Norman Talbot family, who managed to keep it for almost 800 years (1185-1975) except for the period when Cromwell was in power (1649-1660). In 1169, at the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion, Malahide was under the control of Hammund Mac Turkill, the last Viking king of Dublin. It was in 1185 that Richard Talbot, a knight who accompanied Henry II, King of England, to Ireland in 1174, was granted the "lands and harbor of Malahide".
A tour with audio guide is offered and will teach you the history of the family. The Great Hall, the banqueting room with the family portraits, the Oak Room and the Large Drawing Room in a more rococo style are particularly interesting. The tapestries are superb and the furniture systematically period. Legend has it that the castle is home to a ghost, Puck, who last appeared in 1975. Outside, behind the castle, the landscapes of Talbot Botanic Gardens are sumptuous. In the immense park of more than 100 hectares, one can observe the seven Victorian greenhouses, the model railways of the Fry Railway Museum and the doll's houses of Tara's Palace. It's a lovely walk. A cafeteria and a craft and souvenir store complete the site and are well worth a visit.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on MALAHIDE CASTLE & GARDENS
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.