WHEN you think of Dublin, you may think of the hustle and bustle of a big city. But just under 40 minutes away from the city centre is a stunning idyllic seaside town with loads to do. Malahide is renowned as one of the most beautiful places, with sandy beaches and a famous castle.
Every year there are a series of concerts held at the castle, with the likes of Nicki Minaj, SZA and Shania Twain gracing the stage just this year. The castle itself is steeped in history, built over 800 years ago. Generations of the Talbot family called it home after the lands and harbour of Malahide was gifted to them by King Henry II in 1185.
Their private rooms and collections remained untouched, allowing visitors to step back in time. Inside there are vintage Victorian toys, and intricate oak panelling, along with the original furniture and artwork collection. These include copies of Raphael’s Vatican frescoes along with more recent works on loan from the National Gallery of Ireland.
And portraits of the former residents line the walls. It is also said to be haunted and many have reported eerie happenings, making it known as Ireland's most haunted castle. The castle itself is set on 260 acres of lush parkland, making it the perfect place to host concerts.
Outside there are the gorgeous gardens, and the site is popular for its guided tours of the castle, children's playground, fairy trail, butterfly house, old abbey ruins, walking trails, Avoca store and café and the Talbot Botanic Gardens. The Fairy Trail is perfect for kids of all ages, and is located in the wooded West Lawn. Using an interactive booklet, families solve clues and answer questions long the way.
The trail stretches 1.8km, taking around an hour and 15 minutes to complete. It is complete with sculptures, fairy houses and other hidden gems.
Tickets for the Fairy Trail can be booked online in advance or bought on the day in the Visitor Centre. If you buy online, you must pick up the booklets from the Visitor Centre before starting the Trail. The prices for entry are: FAIRY TRAIL AND GARDENS TICKET Family 2+3 - €32.
00 Adult - €10.00 Child - €7.50 Senior/Student - €9.
50 MALAHIDE CASTLE TOUR AND GARDENS TICKET Family 2+2 - €46.00 Adult - €16.00 Child - €8.
50 Senior/Student - €11.00 CASINO MODEL RAILWAY MUSEUM AND FAIRY TRAIL SPECIAL OFFER Family 2+3 - €48.00 Adult - €16.
00 Child - €10.00 The booklets cost €2 each, and you can also buy tickets for the Fairy Trail only. The trail is open all year around from 9.
30am, with last entry at 4.30pm in the summer season (April to October) and 3pm during the winter (November to March). Children under three go free and adult ticket is for those over 18 and under 65.
Students may be asked for a student card or proof that they are in education - including international student cards. Senior tickets are for those aged 65 and over. To reach the castle, take the DART to Malahide Village or the 42 bus.
The castle is then a 10 minute walk from the Malahide DART station..
