Review: Dublin to Malahide Castle Gardens Half Day Trip By Car

Considering a short escape from Dublin’s city streets? Well, a trip to Malahide Castle and its gardens just might be what you’re after. It’s a popular spot, that’s for sure, and reachable with about a half-hour car trip from Dublin’s center. Is it a venture that is worth it? That’s what I am looking at.

Getting There and First Impressions

The drive from Dublin isn’t complicated, not at all. Basically, it is a pretty straight shot up the coast. The roads are decent, yet you might encounter a little traffic, mostly heading out of Dublin. A bonus is that there’s enough parking once you reach Malahide Castle. What I liked a little, really, was spotting the sea as I approached Malahide itself, it’s a beautiful change from the inner city landscape.

My first look at Malahide Castle actually took me back a little. I’m so used to castle ruins that seem like they have seen better days, very exposed to the elements. This castle is so maintained, that it has the appearance of how it could’ve looked many years ago. It’s a pretty impressive construction that makes you very interested in exploring more. Getting to the entry is not really a workout. The path leads you from the car park, it’s mostly flat.

Touring the Castle Interiors

Okay, a ticket to tour inside the castle is what you are going to need. The tours usually happen frequently, yet I still think it’s beneficial to check the times when you get there to save any hanging around. Guides walk you through different rooms. These are full of old furniture, portraits, and what not. Every room kind of brings with it a story of the family who used to call the castle home, the Talbots. Hearing about them is pretty intriguing; after all, they were there for like, 800 years!

I must admit, though, the interiors were somewhat dimmer compared to what I thought. Even with lights, the stone walls plus the old decor makes each room seem quite dark. It lends to a more medieval mood, really, yet it does also make it trickier to see details. Still, stories more than make up for what is lacking in visuals, especially ones regarding the castle’s ghosts.

Wandering Through the Gardens

The gardens are just a vast contrast to what’s indoors; so open, full of air, plus all that plant life. After walking around inside the castle, venturing outside feels great. There’s so much to explore out there too. You could enjoy wandering around the walled garden where there is a number of flowers, vegetables, plus herbs. It’s very maintained, feels almost like a little secret space.

Then you are going to want to explore the larger gardens that feature walking paths that loop around the castle. I found I liked the rose garden a bit; picture that, filled with a bunch of various roses all growing closely, colors plus smells mingling. Close to the gardens, there is a playground which is great if you are there with kids. Basically, that is a sure-fire way to let them release a bit of energy after traipsing through castle rooms.

Food and Amenities

Should you get peckish, don’t get worried. At Malahide Castle, there is an Avoca café. So that is a well-known spot in Ireland known to offer food that is high-quality plus cakes. It is a bit on the costly end, yet what they have on offer is scrumptious. There are restrooms around plus the visitor center contains a shop if you want any souvenirs or presents. All of these amenities actually help to make your visit super comfy, meaning you can be more present to have fun instead of any basic problems.

Things to Do Around Malahide

Malahide village just might be worthy of exploration following your visit to the castle. It’s close and offers an attractive harbor view. Also, there are many little shops and eateries. What I think could be special is if you want to go down to Malahide Beach. Really, that’s an outstanding spot to stroll the shoreline, if you’re lucky enough to experience fine weather. In Malahide, there’s also the Malahide Marina if viewing boats floating by is something you enjoy. All these places provide extra little pieces to the outing to extend it further than solely the castle plus gardens.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth The Trip?

So, is a half-day at Malahide Castle including its gardens a good use of your time when you’re based out of Dublin? Usually, I would say yeah, go ahead and check it out! The castle truly provides a gaze into Irish history, plus gardens? Lovely! They’re a place of rest, calm, along with the convenience, like it’s a stone’s throw out of the center of Dublin and a bundle of services in terms of food, well, I consider the entire visit as something rewarding for almost anyone, namely for people into history, those who like nature, including families wanting easy getaways.

Yeah, maybe the insides of that castle appear slightly black with darkness and maybe certain fees seem high-priced yet, those features just aren’t anything when measured alongside everything you get. Consider it a fine break coming off the Dublin beat, with a mixture in regard to culture coupled with relaxation. Is it a five-star flawless adventure? Arguably not but will you leave not pleased by something? Probably doubtful! That means when it’s sitting about on your prospective itineraries be sure it is included!