Malahide Castle and Gardens is a medieval castle and 260-acre estate located approximately 15 km north of Dublin city centre and 10 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, parking, accessibility, what to see and do on site, and practical tips for planning your visit.
If planning to visit several Dublin attractions, including Malahide Castle, it’ll probably work out cheaper to invest in a Go City Dublin Pass.
Updated February 2026. Ticket prices were verified directly on the official Malahide Castle and Gardens website in February 2026. The current adult admission is €17.50, a significant increase from the €13.00 and €14.00 prices still listed across many third-party guides and travel aggregators. The family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) is now €50.00, not the €38.00 or €40.00 still widely circulated.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Back Road, Malahide Demesne, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 YP65 |
| Phone | +353 1 866 6780 |
| Opening hours | Daily 09:30–17:30; closed 24, 25 and 26 December |
| Adult ticket | €17.50 |
| Child ticket (4–17 years) | €10.00 |
| Senior/Student ticket | €12.50 |
| Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) | €50.00 |
| What’s included with a castle tour ticket | Guided castle tour + Botanic Gardens + Butterfly House + Fairy Trail |
| Nearest DART station | Malahide Station (approx. 10-minute walk) |
| Nearest bus routes | Dublin Bus 32 and 42 (from Dublin city centre); Route 102 (from Dublin Airport) |
| Parking | Free on-site; accessible spaces available; 7 coach bays |
| Typical visit duration | Minimum 2 hours; many visitors spend a half or full day |
Malahide Castle and Gardens opening hours
Malahide Castle and Gardens is open daily from 09:30, with the gardens and grounds closing at 17:30. The castle, Butterfly House, Fairy Trail, and West Lawn all open from 09:30. The site is closed on 24, 25, and 26 December only. As a working estate that also hosts concerts and private events, it is advisable to check the official website before visiting, particularly around public holidays and during the summer months when large outdoor events occasionally affect access to parts of the grounds.
Opening hours were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
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Malahide Castle and Gardens ticket prices
The standard adult ticket costs €17.50 and includes a guided tour of the castle interior, entry to the Botanic Gardens, the Butterfly House, and the Fairy Trail. Children aged 4 to 17 are charged €10.00; children under 4 are free. Senior and student tickets are €12.50 (valid student ID required for student rate). Family ticket options for 2 adults and up to 3 children cost for €50.00.
Booking in advance online is strongly recommended, particularly during summer months and school holidays when tours fill up quickly. Tickets can also be purchased on arrival at the Visitor Centre, but tour times are subject to availability on the day. Tickets are non-refundable, though bookings can be edited online up to 48 hours before the visit. Visitors should collect all tour tickets at the Visitor Centre, located through the courtyard opposite the Abbey, and are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes before their booked tour time.
Go City Dublin Pass holders get free entry to Malahide Castle, along with other top attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Little Museum of Dublin, Dublinia and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Go City Dublin Pass?
- 🎟️ Access to 40+ Attractions: Enjoy entry to Dublin’s most iconic sites, including the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery Bow St., and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
- 💰 Huge Savings: Save significantly on admission fees compared to buying individual tickets at the gate for each landmark.
- 🚌 Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: Includes a 1-day Big Bus sightseeing tour, making it easy to navigate the city and reach top districts without extra transport costs.
- 📱 Digital Convenience: No need for paper tickets; simply scan your digital pass from your smartphone at each attraction for seamless entry.
- ⏱️ Flexible Sightseeing: Choose a pass duration (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days) that fits your itinerary and explore the city at your own pace.
How to get to Malahide Castle and Gardens
Malahide Castle and Gardens is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from Dublin city centre and 10 minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport. By public transport, the most direct option is the DART: take any DART service to Malahide Station, from where the castle is approximately a 10-minute walk. Dublin Bus routes 32 and 42 connect Dublin city centre (Talbot Street) with Malahide village. From Dublin Airport, route 102 (operated by Go-Ahead Ireland) runs directly to Malahide village. From Malahide village, the castle is signposted and approximately a 10-minute walk.
By car from Dublin city centre, take the M1 motorway northbound, following signs for Malahide. Sat nav for K36 YP65 will bring you directly to the site.
Parking at Malahide Castle and Gardens
Free on-site parking is available at Malahide Castle and Gardens, with ample spaces for cars and coaches. The car park includes seven designated coach bays and accessible parking spaces for visitors with disabilities. The car park is located close to the Visitor Centre entrance. On days when large outdoor concerts or events are held on the estate, parking arrangements may differ — check the website and any event-specific guidance before travelling by car on those dates.
How long to spend at Malahide Castle and Gardens
The official recommendation is a minimum of two hours, though many families and visitors with an interest in gardens spend a half or full day on site. The guided castle tour itself lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Exploring the Botanic Gardens, Butterfly House, and Fairy Trail independently takes an additional hour or more. Allow extra time for the café, gift shop, and the wider parkland and demesne if you plan to walk further afield.
Accessibility at Malahide Castle and Gardens
Malahide Castle and Gardens is generally wheelchair accessible, with ramps, a lift, and accessible restrooms available throughout the site, including in the Visitor Centre and within the castle itself. Accessible parking spaces are provided in the on-site car park. However, as the castle is a historic building, some areas may present challenges for visitors with limited mobility. The majority of the gardens and grounds are accessible, though some paths and terrain may vary. Assistive devices, including wheelchairs, are available on request. Assistance animals are permitted on site. Visitors with specific access requirements are encouraged to contact the reservations team in advance at [email protected]. Bicycles and scooters are not permitted on the Fairy Trail or within the Gardens.
Inside Malahide Castle and Gardens: what to see and do
The Classic Castle Tour is the central visitor experience and the basis for all admission tickets. Led by a guide, the tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour and covers the castle’s main state rooms, including the Oak Room — a 15th-century addition featuring six carved panels depicting biblical scenes — the Great Hall, one of the oldest parts of the structure, dating to around 1400 and displaying portraits from the National Gallery of Ireland related to the Talbot family’s history, and the Drawing Room, an example of mid-Georgian Rococo-to-Neoclassical design added after a fire in the 18th century. The tour also covers a furnished exhibition space tracing the social history of the castle and its occupants through personal objects and archival material. Audio guides are available in Irish, Polish, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, and Mandarin for visitors who wish to explore at their own pace after the guided section.
Periodic Curator’s Specialist Tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at specific parts of the collection. These tours are ad hoc and not bookable online — visitors interested in these should monitor the castle’s social media platforms and events page for upcoming dates.
The Botanic Gardens cover 20 acres to the rear of this European castle and are included with all castle tour tickets. The gardens are particularly noted for their collection of plants from the southern hemisphere — notably from Chile and New Zealand — assembled by the last private owner, Lord Talbot de Malahide, who sourced over 5,000 plant species from Australasia and South America. Visitors can walk through formal flowerbeds, woodland areas, a rose garden, and along the Walled Garden, a restored section of the estate featuring a working kitchen garden.
The Butterfly House is a tropical hothouse containing hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies. Entry is included with all castle tour tickets. It is a popular stop for families with young children and is located close to the Visitor Centre.
The Fairy Trail is a self-guided woodland walk winding through the estate, with fairy houses, carved figures, and storytelling elements installed throughout. Entry is included with castle tour tickets and the trail is open from 09:30. It is well suited to younger children.
The Avoca store and café is located within the estate grounds and is open to all visitors, including those not on a castle tour. The café serves hot meals and drinks and the store stocks Irish craft goods, food, and clothing.
The wider Malahide Demesne — approximately 200 acres of parkland surrounding the castle — is managed by Fingal County Council and is freely accessible to the public. It includes a 9-hole golf course, an 18-hole pitch and putt course, tennis courts, playgrounds, and extensive walking paths. Malahide Cricket Club, which serves as the home ground for Irish international cricket, is also located within the demesne.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book in advance | Tours fill quickly in summer and during school holidays. Walk-in tickets are available at the Visitor Centre but tour times cannot be guaranteed. Online booking is strongly recommended. |
| Arrive 10 minutes early | All tour tickets must be collected at the Visitor Centre before your tour. The castle team asks visitors to arrive at least 10 minutes before their booked tour time for check-in and a health and safety briefing. |
| Tickets are non-refundable | Cancellations and changes can only be made online up to 48 hours before your visit. Plan ahead and book when you are certain of your travel dates. |
| Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes | The grounds are extensive and some paths are uneven. Waterproof footwear is advisable in wet weather. |
| No dogs except assistance animals | Dogs are not permitted in the gardens or on the Fairy Trail. Only registered assistance animals are allowed on site. |
| Check the events calendar | Large outdoor concerts are held in the castle grounds in summer. On concert days, access to parts of the estate may be limited for non-concert visitors. Check the website before travelling. |
| The demesne is always free | The surrounding parkland is publicly accessible at all times, independent of the paid attractions. This includes walking paths, sports facilities, and open green space. |
| Photography is generally permitted | Personal photography is allowed inside the castle and across the grounds. Flash photography may be restricted in some rooms. Drones are not permitted. |
Frequently asked questions about Malahide Castle and Gardens
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does it cost to visit Malahide Castle? | Adult €17.50; child (4–17) €10.00; senior/student €12.50; family (2 adults + 3 children) €50.00. Under-4s are free. |
| Is Malahide Castle free to visit? | No. A paid ticket is required for the castle tour, Botanic Gardens, Butterfly House, and Fairy Trail. The surrounding Malahide Demesne parkland is free and publicly accessible at all times. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Malahide Castle? | Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially in summer. Walk-in tickets are available at the Visitor Centre but specific tour times cannot be guaranteed. |
| Is Malahide Castle open on Christmas Day? | No. The castle is closed on 24, 25, and 26 December. It is open all other days of the year from 09:30. |
| Is Malahide Castle suitable for children? | Yes. The Fairy Trail and Butterfly House are particularly popular with families. Children under 4 enter free. Children aged 4–17 pay €9.00. |
| Is Malahide Castle wheelchair accessible? | Generally yes, with ramps, a lift, and accessible restrooms. Some areas of the historic castle may have limited access. Contact the reservations team in advance for specific guidance. |
| How far is Malahide Castle from Dublin city centre? | Approximately 25 minutes by car or 35–40 minutes by DART. The DART runs frequently from Dublin city centre stations to Malahide, from which the castle is a 10-minute walk. |
| Is Malahide Castle included on the Dublin Pass? | Yes. The Go City Dublin Pass includes entry to the castle tour. |
| Are dogs allowed at Malahide Castle? | Dogs are not allowed in the gardens or on the Fairy Trail. Only registered assistance animals are permitted on site. |
| What is included with a Malahide Castle ticket? | A castle tour ticket includes the guided castle tour, entry to the Botanic Gardens, the Butterfly House, and the Fairy Trail. |
Things to do near Malahide Castle and Gardens
Malahide Village — approximately a 10-minute walk from the castle. A seaside village with a range of cafés, pubs, and restaurants. Malahide Beach is also accessible from the village.
Newbridge House and Farm — approximately 12 km from Malahide in Donabate, accessible by DART (Donabate station). A Georgian house with a working traditional farm, café, and parkland.
Howth — accessible by DART from Malahide (change at Clongriffin or travel via the city). A fishing village and peninsula offering cliff walks, seafood restaurants, and views across Dublin Bay. The Howth Cliff Walk is free and suitable for most fitness levels.
Casino Marino — approximately 20 minutes’ south by car, near Marino in Dublin. A 18th-century neoclassical pleasure house designed by William Chambers, now managed by the Office of Public Works.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum — near the Famine Memorial and Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship in Dublin’s Docklands, approximately 30 minutes’ drive. An interactive museum tracing Irish emigration history.
More Dublin travel
Other Dublin travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Taste Ireland’s finest at the Guinness Storehouse Experience, the Jameson Distillery Bow Street and the Teeling Whiskey Distillery.
- Learn about life in the tenements at 14 Henrietta Street.
- Embrace the cheese at the National Wax Museum Plus and the earnestness at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience.
- Discover which parts of Dublin Castle are free to visit.
- Trace the tale of the Easter Rising at the GPO Museum.
