Malahide Castle and Gardens

About the museum

Malahide Castle stood at the centre of the Talbot family's estate for around 800 years. King Henry II granted the lands and harbour of Malahide to Richard Talbot in 1185, and the family expanded an early tower house over the following centuries into the castle seen today. Their tenure was interrupted only between 1649 and 1660, when the estate was held by Miles Corbet after the Cromwellian conquest.

The interiors reflect many periods: a medieval Great Hall built around 1475 for feasting, the carved Oak Room in the oldest part of the building, an eighteenth-century library lined with gilt-leather wallpaper, and drawing rooms redecorated in 1833 in the bold "Malahide orange". Twentieth-century bedrooms recall the last residents, Lord Milo Talbot, a diplomat who built up the botanic collection in the gardens, and Lady Joyce, an actress.

After Lord Milo's death the contents of the castle were sold at auction in May 1976. The National Gallery of Ireland bought a large group of Talbot portraits, many of which hang in the castle on long-term loan, and some furniture has been returned with the help of supporters. The castle opened to the public in June 1977 and is run by Fingal County Council. A visitor centre in the old courtyard opened in 2012, and the Great Hall reopened in 2022 after conservation work.

Highlights

• Guided castle tour through the Great Hall, Oak Room, library and drawing rooms
• Portraits on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland, including Talbot family and Jacobite portraits
• Botanic gardens and walled garden with a collection built up by Lord Milo Talbot
• Fairy Trail and Butterfly House for families
• Avoca café and shop in the courtyard

Permanent exhibitions

• Guided castle tour – A guided route through the historic state rooms, including the Great Hall, Oak Room, library, drawing rooms and bedrooms, telling the story of the Talbot family.
• The Collections – Portraits, Irish furniture and family heirlooms assembled by the Talbots, with many paintings on long-term loan from the National Gallery of Ireland.

Founded

1977

Operated by

Fingal County Council

Admission & discounts

The castle tour ticket also includes the botanic gardens, the Fairy Trail and the Butterfly House. Prices are the figures listed in the visitor FAQ and may change. Booking online in advance is recommended in summer; tickets can also be bought at the visitor centre.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Most of the castle and gardens are reachable by wheelchair, with ramps and lifts, but some historic areas are difficult. Wheelchairs and hearing aids can be borrowed on request, and tours can be adapted for sensory needs. Accessible toilets are in the visitor centre and the castle. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The Fairy Trail and the Butterfly House are aimed at children. Bicycles and scooters are not allowed on the Fairy Trail or in the gardens. Baby changing facilities are in the restrooms.

Getting there & parking

About a 10-minute drive from Dublin Airport and 25 minutes from the city centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Avoca café and restaurant and an Avoca shop in the courtyard; picnics are allowed in designated areas of the grounds.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Spaces include Nugent's Hall, private hire rooms and marquee events in the grounds.

Plan your visit