10 Best Things to Do in Malahide

Malahide is a visit that many tourists choose when deciding what to see and do in Dublin. Getting to know the local culture represents, for some travelers, a fundamental part of the adventure of getting to know a new country.

With picturesque corners, historical monuments and a wide range of stores for shopping, eating and drinking, Malahide is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin city. If you are looking for information about this quiet and relaxed place, I present this guide with everything you need to know before visiting.

A good way to get to know Malahide is through a guided tour. This option will allow you to discover the nooks and crannies of this ancient town and captivate you at every moment as you tour the different tourist attractions in the area.

An experienced guide will tell you about the history of the town and its tourist attractions and historical monuments, so that you will not only take pictures, but also have useful and interesting information.

This type of tour usually lasts half a day, and you can choose the combined option, which will also take you to the town of Howth. Due to their close proximity, they are often visited together.

You will be able to visit the emblematic points of the district such as the famous Malahide Castle, the gardens, and much more. The tour can be done in English and its price is usually around 40 €.

If you have little time, this is the right choice for your itinerary. The shuttle service will be more than convenient and the guides know the shortcuts to the historical attractions you can't miss on your visit.

Did you think that only Scotland is a land of castles? This medieval jewel of the twelfth century, stands in the middle of a large park in this charming village.

Malahide Castle is a fortress full of charming corners. In fact, it is one of the oldest castles in Ireland and a place that all those looking for a little peace want to visit.

The castle was inhabited by the Talbot clan , who were always very involved in the history of Ireland and this visit will allow you to take a trip back in time to the era where this family lived...

A little of the history of this castle tells that this fortress survived the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. An event that you will find in all the history books of Ireland.

In your visit to Malahide Castle you will be able to contemplate different really unique places. First of all, the Oak Room, the oak room, has a luxury and details that are hard to believe. It is a large stately room, decorated with giant panels of absolutely hand-carved wood, covering walls and ceiling. All these reliefs represent well-known scenes from the Bible, such as Adam and Eve, the Temptation or the Expulsion from Paradise.

You can also discover several secrets in its construction. For example, one of the panels is a door that leads to a camouflaged place to hide the priests of that time. Remember that in this period there was a persecution of Catholicism, but this family held masses in this room. If anything unforeseen happened, they could pretend that the mass was, in fact, a meeting like any other. There is no mass without a priest, is there?

The tour also includes a visit to the Georgian decorated Sitting Rooms, the Great Hall and the Earls of Shrewsbury's chambers, where the clock stopped in the 19th century.

It is 800 years of history in which you will be immersed. And it is something impressive to see exactly all the objects in the house, which, in a way, seem to be arranged as if they were still waiting for their owners.

Interesting facts

• Hours: from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, every day.
• Price: the entrance fee is 6.5€ for children and 14€ for adults. It can only be visited on a guided tour. Your ticket includes access to the gardens.

In the same grounds where Malahide Castle is located, you can find its wonderful botanical gardens, a beautiful green haven just minutes from the city of Dublin.

Within the gardens, you will be able to identify around 5000 varieties of plants. The gardens become a perfect place to gather and enjoy a midday picnic after visiting the Castle, especially if you have traveled in the summer to Dublin.

If you feel like walking, there are some well-marked trails for you to explore.

And if it's Talbot family luxuries we're talking about, you can also visit a Victorian-style greenhouse, a fascinating rose garden and a pond. A complete natural wonder.

Interesting facts

• Hours: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, daily.
• Price: the entrance fee is 4.5€ for children and 8€ for adults.

This interesting and unique museum is housed in a country house built in the early 19th century by a member of the Talbot family. Its rustic style and thatched roof make everyone want to take a picture of it.

The Casino Model Railway Museum, as it is called in English, offers an incredible exhibition of Cyril Fry's handmade models. You can find all the information, details and curiosities on the interactive screens, while enjoying this work of art about the history of the Irish railroads.

It is a must if you go with children to Dublin, as they are impressed by the size of the model and all its small components. It occupies about 240 square meters!

Interesting facts

• Hours: from April to September it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.30 am to 6 pm. On Mondays it opens at 1 pm. From October to March, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm and on Mondays from 1pm to 5pm.
• Price: the entrance fee is 5€ for children and 7.5€ for adults.

Interestingly, the only butterfly house in all of Ireland is located in Malahide and you can make a fantastic visit.

Malahide Butterfly House is a garden specially created for the breeding and study of thousands of species of butterflies. Just enter the grounds and you will be surrounded by these beautiful creatures, which fly among tropical plants and enchanted forests.

If you take the Museum's brochure, you can play at identifying their names as they fly around you. It is also a very kid-friendly activity because, in addition to the colorful butterflies, there is a very entertaining interactive experience.

Interesting facts

• Hours: from 10 am to 3 pm, every day.
• Price: the entrance fee is 5€ for children and 8€ for adults.

Although this seaside town is considerably small, you can't miss the chance to discover the local life. You will find many shopping places and Irish pubs everywhere where you can take a break or shop for delicious regional products.

Just walking from the railroad station to the castle is a truly magical walk. You will find church ruins, a completely green landscape and the tantalizing aroma of fried fish, which will instantly whet your appetite. Don't miss it!

The Catholic Church of San Silvestre is a very valuable architectural work for the whole town. And it is not only its structure, but also its history, which makes it the most important religious nucleus of the town.

In the year 1537, the Protestant religion had been imposed, and all the Catholic churches were converted. But in this town, there were no faithful of that religion, so the church of San Silvestre was completely abandoned. In the meantime, masses were held secretly in the Talbot Castle.

But the years go by and history changes and evolves, and today it has returned to its glory years, It is open every day and free of charge, for you to make a visit and delve into this incredible story.

But this village is not all ruins and gardens, you also have the local beach. Although it is not a beach with crystal clear waters, the landscape of the sand surrounded by green dunes is really very beautiful, and the views of the mountains of Dublin and the town of Howth are going to catch you completely.

This 4 kilometers long beach is an ideal place to relax, enjoy nature and the relaxing sound of the waves. Surely you will also see some surfers taking advantage to practice their skills in the sea.

In Velvet Strand beach the waters are shallow, which also makes it a good place to go with children.

The harbor area of Malahide is where most of the town' s activity takes place. You can explore archaeological discoveries and ruins from the Viking era, as well as enjoy magnificent views from this prime location.

Don't miss the promenade that runs the length of the harbor along the water's edge. A beautiful and comforting scenery.

And as you probably knew, it is also the place to taste the local gastronomic delights, since the main dishes to be tasted contain fish, a product that you will find fresh seven days a week and at all hours.

The village of Howth is only 14 kilometers from Malahide and is a valuable addition to the Irish culture.

If you take a tour to Malahide from Dublin, some companies include the possibility of visiting both villages in one day. You can also choose two tours on different days and take advantage of all that each town has to offer, which would be the most recommendable option. It all depends on how much time you have in Dublin city.

Among all the attractions you have to see in Howth, I recommend you to walk through its streets and markets, taste the local dishes and, in addition, you will find another great castle worth visiting: Howth Castle.

Ireland is a country full of attractions and activities throughout its territory and your visit to Dublin is the perfect opportunity to take the best tours and excursions from Dublin.

Remember that if you plan to visit different attractions while you are in Ireland, the Dublin Pass can be very useful when it comes to saving money.