MALAHIDE CASTLE

AND GARDENS

MALAHIDE

CASTLE

AND GARDENS

POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › Malahide Castle and Gardens

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Malahide Castle & Gardens is a stunning example of medieval architecture seamlessly blended with comfortable family living, standing as a testament to 800 years of Irish history. It is set within 260 acres of lush parkland just north of Dublin featuring lush green lawns, woodland walks and a butterfly house.

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Unique Features

The castle's interiors are a treasure trove of art and craftsmanship. A standout feature is the Oak Room, renowned for its dark, intricately carved wood panelling that depicts biblical scenes, glowing warmly under the light of chandeliers. Art lovers should look for the Great Hall, which lines the walls with centuries of Talbot family portraits, offering a visual genealogy of the estate's former custodians. Beyond the castle walls, the Walled Botanical Garden is a horticultural masterpiece created by Lord Milo Talbot, an avid botanist. It features seven glasshouses, including a Victorian conservatory and the only Butterfly House in Ireland, where exotic species flutter freely among tropical plants.

The Talbot Botanic Gardens

Hidden behind high stone walls, this four-acre garden is a "plant collector's paradise" largely curated by Lord Milo Talbot between 1948 and 1973. It is designed as a series of secret rooms, each revealing rare species he gathered during his travels.

Southern Hemisphere Collection
The garden is famous for its focus on plants from Chile and Australia, which thrive here due to the mild microclimate. Look for the massive Eucalyptus trees and the delicate Nothofagus (Southern Beech).

The Victorian Conservatory
A stunning glass structure that houses tender species like the Primula and darker, exotic ferns that require protection from the Irish winter.

Butterfly House

Located within the walled garden area, the Malahide Butterfly House offers a vibrant, tropical contrast to the temperate parkland outside.

Stepping inside the Cambridge Glasshouse, you are immediately hit by the warmth and humidity. It houses over 20 species of butterflies that fly freely among the visitors.

Insider Tip: Wear bright colours; butterflies are often attracted to vibrant clothing and may land on you for a perfect photo opportunity.

The West Lawn & Fairy Trail

Stretching out from the castle’s main entrance is the West Lawn, home to the popular Fairy Trail. It’s a 1.8km loop dotted with interactive sculptures, tiny fairy doors, and "puzzling" clues designed for children. Even if you aren't there for the fairies, walk this route to see the estate's oldest trees, including a magnificent Cedar of Lebanon that has watched over the grounds for centuries.