If you’re ever in Malahide, near Dublin, don’t miss the famous Malahide Castle! It dates back in part to the 12th century, and is now open to visitors! Set in a public park, the area is charming, and the castle worthy of fairy tales!
Malahide castle – © Lucian
The origins of the castle date back to 1185, when a young knight who accompanied Henry II to Ireland in 1174, named Richard Talbot, obtained Irish lands including the port of Malahide.
He then had a château built, which was to become his principal residence and that of future generations for over 791 years (from 1185 to 1976!).
However, the castle fell into the hands of Miles Corbet from 1649 to 1660 (Cromwell gave it to him as a gift during the Irish Conquests). But the castle reverted to the Talbot family when Corbet was hanged.
The castle was enlarged during the reign of Edward IV, and towers were added in 1765.
In 1975, the château was sold by Rose Talbot (the last member of the family, who died in 2009) to the Irish state to finance inheritance tax. Many of the contents, notably the castle’s furniture, were sold in advance, provoking controversy within the Irish government.
Since then, the château has been restored, a shop has been set up and the building is now open to the public.
A room in Malahide Castle – ©Brigita Stankaityte(Bond)
Malahide Castle offers guided tours of the castle’s grand rooms and banqueting hall.
Of particular interest are the Oak Room and the Grand Hall. The furniture is period, as are the tapestries and the overall decor.
During your visit, you can also discover the beauty of the Talbot Botanic Gardens, located behind the castle. It comprises several hectares of plants and lawns, with a 1.6-hectare walled garden. (Access is only possible on Wednesdays). The garden features 7 greenhouses and a Victorian conservatory.
Finally, you can round off your visit with a trip to the shop, which sells Irish handicrafts. Snacks are also available in a small cafeteria area, with coffee, tea and pastries.
This summer 2022, the château is innovating by offering to make the pleasure last every Saturday, with a small tasting of Irish whiskeys at the end of the tour.
A unique experience that will teach you about the history of Irish whiskey, and how it differs from Scotch and American whiskey. A fascinating moment that costs €35, and is of course reserved for adults.
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