Ardgillan Castle

About the museum

The land at Ardgillan appears under that name on the Down Survey map of 1653, and the name is usually explained as the Irish for "high wood". In the 1730s Robert Taylor admired the views from the hill and built a home there, first called Prospect House. The central block dates from 1738; wings were added to the west and east in the later nineteenth century.

The house stands in a coastal demesne with views across the Irish Sea. Today it is run by Fingal County Council, and the demesne, walled and rose gardens and playground are open to the public free of charge, while the house can be visited on a ticketed tour.

The visit follows the story of Marianne Taylor, lady of the house in the nineteenth century, through the drawing room, dining room, library and the working basement kitchens. Heritage trail plinths along the paths outside add more about the Taylor family and the estate.

Highlights

• Self-guided audio tour narrated around Marianne Taylor, lady of the house in the 1800s
• Drawing room, dining room, library and working kitchens
• Rose garden with restored Victorian glasshouses and a walled garden
• Free demesne with sea views and a large playground
• Brambles café in the castle tearooms

Permanent exhibition

• Self-guided audio tour of the castle – Walk through the Taylor family drawing room, dining room, library and working kitchens with an audio narration about nineteenth-century life in the house.

Operated by

Fingal County Council

Admission & discounts

The demesne, gardens and car park are free; the price is for the self-guided castle tour (about 30 minutes). Guided tours for groups of ten or more can be arranged on request.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is no lift in the house: wheelchair users can reach the ground floor, the basement and gallery and the dining terrace, and visitors with limited mobility are asked to contact the castle beforehand. Disabled bays are in the main car park, and the lower car park near the castle is kept for over-70s and visitors with limited mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The audio tour comes with an activity sheet and map for finding hidden chicks, and a dress-up station and puzzles in a kids' nook. The park has a large playground and a seasonal fairy tree trail.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Brambles café in the castle tearooms and a kiosk beside the playground; Taylor Made Crafts shop; picnic areas. There is no cash machine on site, but cards are accepted.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Events can be arranged through the castle office.

Plan your visit