For beautiful scenery, delicious foodie experiences and an array of family-friendly activities, Malahide is a fantastic shout.
We’re here to provide you with your ultimate guide to this quaint north Dublin town and everything it has to offer.
Getting there
If you're planning to drive, Malahide Castle and Gardens is home to four handy car parks which provide easy access to the park as well as the village.
If you're planning to use public transport, the DART is perhaps your best option. Just make sure you don't accidentally get on the Howth line! Malahide is also serviced by the 32 and 42 Dublin Bus routes.
The great outdoors
Perhaps what this area is most well-known for is Malahide Castle and Gardens, a gorgeous expanse of fields and woodland consisting of winding walking trails and a massive playground, as well as the backdrop of the dramatically beautiful castle.
Apart from the park, you have Malahide Beach, a gorgeous stretch that makes for a picturesque walk and/or swim. You can also bring a blanket and chill out in the dunes, perhaps watching a romantic sunset.
Family friendly attractions
Back to the park and castle we go for some family-friendly fun. As well as the playground, there is a certain attraction the kids will go mad for in the form of the butterfly house and fairy trail, both open all year round.
For both of these experiences in one, it costs €24 for a family of two adults and two kids, €8 for an adult, €5.50 for a child and free admission for kids under 3. A great weekend activity for the family that doesn’t cost a whole lot.
Right beside that is the castle itself and you can actually book a tour inside. With a fascinating 800 year history full of political and social upheavals involving the Talbot family, there is also said to be ghosts haunting the halls of the house, hovering around the castles treasures and enchanting interiors. You can book that here.
Delicious food
Ah, our favourite part of any day out in Dublin. We’re talking about food, of course. There is almost too much to choose from when it comes to eating in Malahide.
For brunch, you can head up to Gourmet Food Parlour, a super popular choice for Dubs on the northside. For a spot of seafood, you simply have to go to Fish Shack. Meanwhile, local couple Mark and Adriana Fitzpatrick bring us comforting modern Irish dining at Old Street.
There is also, of course, plenty of places to get Fish & Chips, such as Angelo's, Beachcomer Food Bar, Beschoff Bros and Macari's.
If you're in the market for Indian or Pakistani cuisine, you have a few options here in the form of Mint Cottage, Kajjal and Kathmandu Kitchen.
Heading to Bon Appetit Malahide, you'll get quality modern fare.
Long story short, the eating here is good. Like, really good.
Pints!
If it's just you and your pals or perhaps you and bae, you may be parching for a pint after all of your activities. Gibney's is a hugely popular option for food and drink in Malahide. There is also Fowlers, Duffy's and Gilbert & Wright.
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